zyfon5

Very unconventional tactic but one that definitely makes sense once you slowly analyze it. It is essentially a narrow 4231 with two attacking wingbacks providing the width. I also love how you set up the defensive line to be a notch higher than the pressing line which compacts the defensive shape and fix the gap between the defensive line and the forwards. The choice to be patient in the attack also works really well with late runners from midfield and the narrow formation definitely complements the high intensity pressing and the desire to control the ball in possession. Kudos for coming out with such a tactic

Playing proactively is always going to be easier for the average player nothing surprising here

Try posting in the tactics forum with your tactics and changes you made. And the opposing team formation also.

Hoof ball is definitely viable in FM. The problem is most FM players are not well equipped tactically to set up a reactive or defensive tactic. In one of my previous saves i have gotten 2 draws against full strength chelsea and Liverpool in club world cup as a j league side with league 1 level players playing a low block.

Looking at your tactic, I am a bit curious about the reasoning for the defensive line to drop off more when you want to win the ball higher up the pitch and why for the more defensive minded defender CD(cover) to cover for a less attacking left side. To me, the right side with BWM(su) and WB(attack) needs more defensive cover compared to the left side. Apart from that, a 433 formation is not as well suited for a high pressing tactic due to the lone striker getting outnumbered in the middle by 2 CB and the GK but it can still work with a well thought out setup usually with a more aggressive midfielder to press much higher on the pitch like a pseudo second striker. The choice to put Anchorman in the DM slot might also open up too much gap between the midfield and defensive line with forward players and midfielders pressing high and the defensive line staying further back.