Central midfield roles/mentalities.

[EnigMattic1]

When I look at tactics that people post/discuss on here, or read various information available, there seems to be a sort of unwritten rule that, if there are 3 central midfielders (including a DM or AM), the mentalities are usually 1x Att, 1x Sup and 1x Def. 

If you were to play a formation with 3 central defenders, could you sacrifice the defensive minded central midfielder and just have 1x Att and 1x Sup?

In my head, that makes sense as, a midfielder with a defensive mentality and 3 centre backs would be too defensive (for me). I am just curious as to what others think/would do in that sort of formation.

For what it is worth, the wing backs are/would be a IWB on support and a WB on attack.

[herne79]

imo always consider the role/duty in combination with the chosen Mentality and the players used.

A CM pairing of 1xAtt + 1xSup can work just fine, but what if you also use the Attacking Mentality and players who have the gets forward often Trait (or similar)?  Suddenly your defence may lack cover.  Equally we may find that using the Defensive Mentality and less adventurous role/duty/player combos may cause issues in attack (or even in defence if we go too passive).

In my current 3 at the back system I use the Balanced Mentality in combination with a DM(s); a B2B midfielder; and a Mezz(a).  All players have great work rate/stamina and the Mezz has the Trait to get forward.  I’ll switch the Mezz to a support duty if I want to be a little more cautious and/or sub on a player without that Trait who is a bit more defence minded.

[HUNT3R]

It depends on how you want to play. In one of my 3 atb tactics, I used a DLP/S and a Mezz/S. The DLP controlled the midfield from the middle/right and I had a WCB to help control and recycle possession on the middle/left of the pitch. I tend to play a patient game and camped out in the opposition half probing for openings. If we lost the ball, I'd have a wingback, the DLP and WCB to try and stop the counter. Behind them I still have 2 DCs if they do manage to get through.

[kingjericho]

There's no hard rule, however at least one Attack duty is recommended if you play a 3-man midfield.

I can perfectly imagine a midfield without Defend duties, e.g. DM/S + CM/A + MEZ/A for a Gegenpress style tactic.

[EnigMattic1]

It's replies like these that make me glad that I asked in the first place. In the past, I have been die hard 4-3-3 and my midfield consisted of a DM-D, DLP/S and a MEZ/A which worked the way I wanted to. But, now, I want to try something different and go for a 3-4-3 variant.

[Rashidi]

I don't think there is rule as such, it really depends on the type of players you have and how you are controlling the space in the centre.

For example, i could set up a 433 to play with two attacking inverted wingbacks and also ask two centre mids in a 433 to play as attacking mezzalas. The midfield is then anchored by an anchor man. That can work.

You could also set up a strike force combination with a supporting striker who is a bit more creative and another who attacks the channels, then I could also ask two centremids to play as attacking CM(A) and then anchor midfield using at least one inverted wingback on defend or two and have the DM play as a roaming playmaker.

There are a lot of ways you can set up combinations in midfield, it really depends on how you want to attack the golden zone or the space that is the area right fin front of the penalty area. Ultimately how you want to control that space and attack it determines the roles and duties you will choose in your system.

[Dutchy1983]

3 at the back I'd think a DM with defend duty would seem a waste, unless you've got WCB- on attack roles.. it's all relevant to your players and the style you want really. I currently have a flat 4 at the back, 2 DMs, one is a DM-S with get forward paired with a Vol-S and a CM-A in front, playing max width to give the three room, works a treat with my squad. Only recent tactic has be had with a central midfield player on defend was a 442, BWM-D and a CM-A