Cloud9

Sorry, unclear on my part regarding height. The game mostly cares about Jumping Reach compared to the height itself. The height plays some factor in being able to reach the ball, but it's largely inconsequential compared to the jumping reach itself (so you're really looking at Martial Jumping Reach 9 vs Rashford Jumping Reach 12). IF(a) would work well for Rashford as you mention, I think his profile is largely focused on scoring goals himself.

I like an inverted fullback + IWB combo! That gives you a solid platform to go out and play in front of. On the frontline...could use a bit more punch, two IW(s) is fairly conservative, try giving Rashford an attack role. I would try using off footed winger roles instead of the inverted winger, particularly w the IWB setup. Martial will struggle to lead the line for you, he is no great. A short forward with poor off the ball, poor decision making, and no vision will struggle as a DLF in my opinion. Does Fernandes have the training to play in the striker spot (he plays almost as a second striker irl)? You could him in slot him in nicely as a F9. If not, I'd prefer Rashford or Hojlund through the middle and Martial out wide (it doesn't suit Rashford in how he actually plays, but his profile is crazy for a striker). If you keep him in the 8, how about trying him as a RPM? I usually like a MEZ(a) who can carry the ball forward and MEZ(s) probably doesn't give him enough space to utilize his great ability on the ball. It's not a role I've utilized too often, but could but fun to give it a go!

It's true that the wide attackers don't operate in the same manner as IRL, but all it means is that it helps to run a spearheading striker in a lower lines 4-3-3. You don't have to worry about this as much in a high lines system where they can be prolific with the right system. I like the off footed winger for a wide attacker w/more similar movement to what we see in real life. I find myself rarely utilizing IF/IW at the moment. The 4-3-3 is not weak by any means, particularly if you utilize the Positional Play feature. In a defensive approach it's superb with the right players, capable of trapping inside or outside while contesting against 4 man midfields.

You could stick Bruno and Mount as two 8-->10's in a 4-3-3 w/positional play (CM(a), AP, MEZ, BBM etc.). I would avoid a second inverted wingback with a 4-3-3, w/out two DM's to screen the backline (and two fairly adventurous 8's) you're fairly exposed on the break. How about a BBM + AP combo?

Stick him on a winger attack role and he will do great off the left hand side. Alternatively, something like a Raumdeuter could be interesting on a profile like that. Having some players equipped to progress the ball from your own defensive third could help him out as well. IFB on the left will leave him fairly isolated, give him a partner to go forward with.

Here's a rough guideline of them: https://www.guidetofm.com/tactics/team-instructions/ although I will say I don't agree with everything that's written in there, especially on the usage of different mentalities (which are basically the amount of risk your asking your team to play with). Take it all with a grain of salt, but it's a decent starting point for understanding what is a very vague TI interface. I'd also recommend reading through some of the stickied threads at the top of the forum. I will tag in @herne79 if there is a more comprehensive, up to date guide that has been written lately.

They are different things, so you will not get a replication of the TI through the PIs. Be more expressive is essentially a flair modifier, where as take more risks will see the player take more risks on the ball (dribble a bit more, pass into space to break lines, etc). You can use PIs to customize roles, but the role will still have specific hardcoding to it under the hood that you can't see in the PI screen. Roles like DM(s) can be useful in part because they come w less baggage like this. A WB w/sit narrow instruction will behave differently from an IWB. You can use PI's in conjunction with TI's to get interactions you're looking for. I usually use a fairly blank TI slate and then go into the PIs of each player to get what I want from them. These are the right questions to be asking understanding this part of the game is key to putting together effective tactics that can get the best out of players (esp. if they're more limited profiles).

Ask the goalkeeper to distribute directly to the BPD? You can specify which centerback you'd like to receive the ball. Lowering the tempo can help him get more involved as well, transitioning quickly will bypass him. Your mentality will impact this as well. The roles will need some tweaking, too many attack roles in here for strong buildup play. Try a mez(s) + BBM combo as the two 8's and introducing some support roles to the front lines. I'd consider going with a libero(d) for a role that can control the game in the manner you're asking for above (you'd have to drop the progressive wingbacks).

My all time favorite goal from Ronaldinho in that game, remember watching that live. Still doesn't quite seem possible that he's just done that all these years later.

Sick, hope it goes well A good strike partnership can get a lot done for you. Only piece I'd mention is that Brennan's aggression is pretty low, which might be deal breaking as a PF. He will do excellently as an AF though (asking him to just focus on running in behind will play to his strengths and he'll get out a few more goals for you). You can never go too wrong with an AF, but I've been trying to avoid them as sometimes they can feel too strong. I would probably hold off on the PF until you can find a better profile for the role.

SS is hard coded to work hard off the ball, and is typically making more direct runs to goal off the ball (a 9 from deep). You can stick an atypical player in the SS role to fairly good effect as well, very versatile role the SS. The AMC(a) comes w/less coding under the hood. They operate more of a traditional 10 rather than a player trying to get on the end of goal scoring chances.

Yea exactly! They operate more in line with the edge of the 18 yard box than the edge of the pitch like a true winger, but still drive toward the byline (esp. on the attack duty) and take on their defender. I prefer the movement to that of an IF/IW in most occasions and they should provide you plenty of end product. @joey7 only clarification is that the movement is due to the role, not the attacking width set in your TI (although it will impact their starting position). I'm pretty sure this was an unintended interaction on FM23 and before as the game would give you like 1.5 stars for a good player in your team attempting to play the role On Fm24 the devs appear to be onboard with the role being actually quite nice, and the game will give you more accurate "recommended" star ratings as normal. A pure winger remains a good role for fairly one dimensional players, a player w/ poor mentals or lacks the ability to participate in linkup play with his teammates.

What about switching to a 4-2-3-1 and putting bruno in the 10? Tottenham have been the best English Side under Postecoglou in my save (they just won back to back League titles) using a double IWB setup that's been brutally effective.

I really like a PF(a) for a counter attacking, spearheading solo 9 as he participates out of possession as well as threatening to run in behind. Here's my striker progression from my own save where I've been running counter attacking football the entire time: Hopefully this provides some visual context for what to look for in a striker for your counter attack. I'm a visual learner anyways so seeing things always helps me a lot. You can do all this with an AF/P profile instead of a PF in a counter, but imo whenever I'm executing a block having the 9 participate in the defensive shape does a lot to staying defensively resolute/executing my traps efficiently. Striker pairing I used early on my save as an AF/TF combo in a 4-4-2. Windass lacks height which Smith providence in abundance for a direct ball option. Here's the academy kid who led the line as I switched from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 (note height, PF profile, quickness, anticipation, off the ball): Here is the first real striker I brought in as a more reliable upgrade to lead the line (more pace, off the ball). 10 teamwork is not great here. And finally in my 5th season in charge (we've just qualified for the Champions league after Europa League success) I've splashed the cash on a 59m release clause for this guy: His off the ball is a little low which is concerning actually but he's got incredible pace and the attribute distribution (height especially) I covered earlier. The personality (+big matches/consistency) is an important note as he's responsible for performing as our main goal threat whenever we step on the pitch. Since players mentals develop as they age I should be able to get off the ball up to a better level on him. A "complete" 9 offers a constant threat that should make opponents afraid of you when they're in possession of the ball. If you can find a reliable one they can be fantastic but it's lot to ask of one player. A striker pairing (like Smith/Windass) can compensate for the other's deficiencies and ensure you're getting a significant goal return.

Sometimes when you're over performing the board will let you adjust expectations for more cash to spend now (usually around the start of the January window). That could help with contracts as well! Very cool on the new stadium, 20k is a good number to play in front of

I would just boost morale through chatting to them individually. I like the 4-2-4 you posted! I think that could work really well with the player's you have. I would recommend going double WB(d) in this formation and direct passing/higher tempo to quickly transition. You could keep a lowblock for this approach, it's about soaking up pressure with the backline/DM's and then bursting forward on the break (which suits the best player's in your squad I think). Brooks is an excellent profile (nice to see him back in football after his medical issues ) to lead the line as an AF for you, but he will struggle to do it alone w/out an jumping reach. A striker pairing is a good go to in any struggling side and the TF will benefit especially from your use of wingers. If Moore got 14 goals for you last season, I wouldn't drop him. He will also provide a knock down option to the AF running in behind. Dan James is a player you can get a lot out of with his pace, but you'll want to only play him on the right hand side. He can't pass and he can't make a good decision so you want to make his job as one dimensional as possible. Run at the opposition and knock the ball past them. W(a) on the right hand side will do that nicely for the boy. Add "likes to round the goalkeeper" for some additional end product from him. You can then play Brennan Johnson as an off footed Winger coming from the left hand side, where his more well balanced (link up play, mentals, end product) profile can be put to better use. Put your Target Forward(s) off the left hand side and the AF on the right for better combos in attack. As for the double pivot, drop them back to the DM strata. DLP(s) + BWM (d) is a sturdy combo. DM(s) + DM(s) (one hold position) is another solid option for a responsible pivot. I think that would get the majority of your really talented player's onto the field? Since the wide player's are quite quick on transition I'd try leaving the width slider in the middle of the bar and seeing how it goes from there. That gives you a frontline that will make the opposition anxious to step up against due to their pace and the open space they're running into. I utilized this approach w/the double WB(d) occasionally in a 4-3-3 when going extremely direct but I think a 4-2-4 would actually play more to it's strengths. You'll be able to keep your trap outside approach with this as well. The 4-2-3-1 @HanziZoloman mentions is another good option, especially if you want to play a more progressive style! I would consider waiting for a quick (and competently tall) spearheading forward first (PF, AF, P) who can do the jobs of the AF + TF in one before attempting to move to a solo striker in a counter attack. This is a key point to your frontline working

So there are a lot of issues here but I'll try to keep it concise to the major problems: Lack of goal threat. You've got a lowblock and running a TF(s) w/an AP behind him. Drop the AP for a spearheading striker to partner with the TF. First thing you need to do in a tactic is figuring out how you will score goals. This will improve your defence as well, the threat of the spearheading forward running in behind the opposition backline will prevent them walking up the entire pitch. This pushback is a key component of any countering attacking approach. Drop your pivot back, you're trapping outside and the deeper positioning will help deal with crosses. Drop the IW if you're going to continue utilizing that trap. Wide + Counter Press makes you easy to play through. Trim excess TIs, keep it simple. Finally the biggest contributor to your form will be the Morale + Squad Rotation issue which are front and center. Get those morale up to Superb and start rotating the squad..

Glad it's working! Looks like you're in for a promotion? Might be worth holding off for a sale in the summer if you can use Graham to ensure a promotion charge.

I generally try to target opposition players that are weak through a combination of targeted "play through" TI, role tweaks and OI. I'd recommend that esp in a high press. Aside from that I think just running a DM(s) + SV(s) would give you significantly more punch going forward and shouldn't leave you too exposed on the break.

PF(A) -> 10 Jumping reach, 12 anticipation & off the ball. He's going to seriously struggle to lead the line and score as a solo 9. His biggest strength is his killer pace, which would be best utilized running in behind the defensive line. It can help him press as well (quickly closing down defenders). Since his pace is significantly higher than acceleration, he'll struggle to actually hit that top speed when playing in the box. His lack of key mentals will see him struggle to find spaces, especially against compact sides. Fairly Wide Width makes it difficult for him to press efficiently. I would recommend dropping him outside to a off footed W(s) role where he can utilize his top speed and work hard for the team, bringing in a real 9 (either a goalscorer or facilitator) can solve a lot of the issues your facing. High tempo high line systems can struggle to score if the opposition parks the bus, a more patient approach can be rewarding and will see less turnovers of possession as you break down the opposition. Counter will also contribute to this problem. If you commit to the high tempo / high line pressing, you'll want to go narrow width. Try using hit crosses early! I would recommend off footed wingers instead of the IW/IF's if you're unhappy w/how they're playing. Give Svenberg a go as SV(s) in your pivot and see how he does. In terms of the passing issue you bring up, go into their PIs and tell less talented player's to play it short to their teams. You'll need to move the Team passing meters to direct to do this and can move them back afterwards. Looks like there are rotation issues in the squad as well. All that being said it sounds like things are actually working pretty well for you on the pitch, you're sitting second in the league!

That sounds interesting! If you're creating an Arsenal replication I would consider 1. How Arsenal are playing this year or 2. How Arteta planned for Arsenal to play this year. I think this is how Arsenals midfielder is lining up IRL with Jorginho holding as Rice gets forward a bit more (not sure if Odegaard would be classed as an AP or MEZ but both are options). In FM terms, this is quite weak I think, since Jorginho's lack of height and overall physicality leaves you exposed on turnovers. To that end I would recommend something like this for an accurate replication of Arsenal's midfield 3, but more functional in FM terms. If you wanted to set Arsenal up how Arteta intended going into the season(Indicated by bringing Timber in, and shipping Tierney out): I think he imagined Havertz (who is quite a physical presence despite his languid style) as the Xhaka upgrade as an 8 w/ Timber playing the Stones role stepping into midfield. Unfortunately Havertz struggled in midfield and Timber did his ACL, so we've seen more of a traditional back 4 again with the Ben White + Saka partnership continuing to flourish. On to your question on two 8's of Odegaard + Smith Rowe, I think of them as more of 10's than true 8's. You could play them together w/ Smith Rowe working a bit harder for Odegaard, but I would only do so when running either a Libero(d) or IWB(s) to step into midfield and provide a strong foundation for them to work in front of. Running them in two roles that would trigger a rotation would allow them to step up in possession into area's better suited to a 10. On the Regista: I'm running a save where I'm doing recruitment only via scouting so the player's are the best I can find, but not me cherry picking exact attributes. The scouts brought in Rafael Luis (4.1m) at the start of my 3rd season in charge so giving him a role that got him on the ball as much as possible was an easy decision (as he was by far our best player). This was his profile when he first signed for us. He is a superb player, and was a model citizen to boot (although I ruined this on him which still hurts my head). He only lacks a little bit of off the ball to roam properly (in an ideal world I would have preferred some Aggression/Bravery on him, Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle is a textbook example of the perfect regista imo). The BWM(s) I utilized ahead of him provided us with the aggression/bravery/pure running he lacked in his profile/role (I also prioritized a strong personality on the BWM as to not see too many cards). The MEZ(s) was a well rounded jack of all trades. At the moment I've switched to a DM(s) for Luis because my starting MEZ(s) did his cruciate and is now out for 8 months. The team has gotten a lot better since the 3rd season and playing w/out a playmaker can make the counter attack less one dimensional with PI tinkering. Luis developed a ton physically, but not enough on the holy trinity of Passing/Technique/Vision to where I would want the majority of my play to go through him still. We're starting our 4th season in the Premier League (and my 5th in charge) for context. In switching to a DM(s) my midfield 3 was lacking a bit of creativity and I was fortunate to bring in Brahim Diaz on a free transfer to play a MEZ(a) role. Diaz has the rare attribute combinations which are simply devastating on a MEZ(a). He's decently hard working out of possession but it's a combination of high flair, two footed dribbling with creative end product that's the real kicker. He's got a turn of pace on him which is vital (16 acceleration, 14 pace), enabling him to drive forward on the ball in a counter attack. Two footed players are brilliant on any role looking to run at opposition with the ball. On a creative, dynamic role like the MEZ(a) I cannot overstate just how good this is. Thought I'd provide a little more information: On a possession style with a 4-3-3 I'd recommend either having an IWB or Libero move into the midfield to create the nice box 4 you can get going there to control things a bit more. MEZ(s)+BBM are both roles that trigger a rotation and give you a good combination of creativity/output/hard work for the 8's. I am a fan of the CM(s), but the role doesn't trigger a rotation unless its run as an attack role I believe (just something to keep in mind). I'd personally be more inclined to run a CM(s) in a 4-3-3 w/out a defender stepping into midfield.

Inacio then doesn't sound like the issue, but it's impossible to diagnosis off of one screenshot of you conceding a goal. I've listed steps you can take that will improve your system above. FM24 is tinker heavy and requires a proactive defensive approach. It requires more effort than previous editions. At this point I really can't help you if you continue to insist you're doing it right and also claim the game is broken. Good luck to you both.

For what specifically? I am a fan of the Teamwork attribute, mostly because I run systems of play that don't carry passengers and I want the players working together + following my instructions! I think it also represents a shift we're seeing IRL w/less passenger / individualistic players in successful systems.

If your left back in Alphonso Davies, SI has actually given him really poor mental attributes: Concentration 10, Anticipation 11, Positioning 10, and Marking 9 are all a death sentence, even for most games in the premier league but certainly so in a Champions League Semi Final. Personally I don't think this accurately represents the player at all as he is IRL (imo it's problematic and indicative of a wider issue of how players are perceived) but in game seeing him turn off like that should be excepted. There's no Var check because the runner is onside. It's worth mentioning that you're playing against one of the best teams in the world. They're trying to score, so keeping the ball out of the net isn't something your team gets for granted. The opposition, in any match, is trying to get into goal scoring opportunities using their mental attributes (off the ball, anticipation etc.) and your defenders are using their defensive attributes (Anticipation, Concentration etc.) to try to shut that down. If you've got a system / defensive structure that can be easier to do, but in big games there's more dice rolling behind the scene (consistency, big games etc.) and those attributes can be even lower in a big match like a Champions League Semi Final than what it says on the player profile. Utilizing defensive traps can help you become resolute at the back, in real life the right back would get yelled out for not stopping the cross which is something you can do in the match engine! Again the player who makes the cross Robertson, is difficult to influence he's incredibly quick, technically adept, and mentally strong. I'm not sure who your right back is, but he will struggle to deal with such a strong player bombing on, a midfield tweak like a CAR can give him a babysitter if he's getting exposed. I think Kimmich is Bayern's starting right back this year? He's got 12 pace, 12 acceleration which will see him burned against Robertson in a 1v1 like above. Bayern also lack a real DM, one of Tuchel's main gripes this year, and that lack of physicality in the 6 will see you get hit like this when the ball is turned over. Posting your tactic can help, one of the advantages to playing as a big side is if things aren't working you can be sure it's a tactical issue (and not the players) for the most part. If you've got pace like Davies, his speed can make up for his attributes like positioning on a really high line, but once you're close to the goal like that you're going to be in real trouble.

That sounds fine! Just keep in mind that it's as much on the attributes of the player's you put in the roles as the roles themselves.