532 - Gegenpress - Avian Gecko FM21 - 2

Changes from the previous variation:

Whilst the previous variation (used for around 20 games) was very good in terms of possession (especially helped by the shorter passing and standard tempo, I believe) and defensively solid I had trouble creating clear cut chances. I think this is because the Carrielos, despite having the get further forward instruction on, wouldn't go further than the edge of the box and wouldn't go as wide as I would expect. This meant that the wingbacks had little support on the wings (which was probably why the ball was crossed quickly so often). To address this I changed the Carrielos to Mezzalas on support and changed the Deep-Lying Playmaker to a Ball-Winning Midfielder on support (I chose support as my player for that position is competent with the ball and passing). This has had an electric effect in attack as I'm now scoring a lot more than I used to with my wingbacks contributing as I initially intended them to (having low crossing on despite having two reasonably aerially adept forwards appears to have increased my conversion rate from wide areas too). I tend to have less possession but only by around 7-10% (still an average of around 58%). I am winning the ball further up the pitch however, I think this is because the Mezzala role "prefers to do his defending further up the pitch" which suits the Genenpress style. I have noticed the Ball-Winning Midfielder pushing up into the box, without get further forward or any similar trait being present, in fact, my main choice Jefferson has stay back at all times as a trait that makes this odder. In games where I expect heavy counterattacks that my back 3 might not be able to handle or where I'm not recycling possession enough from attacking areas, I'll put Jefferson on hold position to maintain solidity.

A place for each:

I have kept the previous variation as a more defensive option where I simply want to have more of the ball and create less. Going along with the old phrase "your opponent can't score if you have the ball". That being said I have the fewest shots against thus far in the league with this updated version.

Issues to iron out:

I haven't conceded from open play much in the 15 or so games I've run this new variation for usually concede from set-pieces more than anywhere else though corners and throws where the ball is quickly crossed seem to be the biggest issue. I have conceded 3 corners and 1 direct free kick in the 7 times I have conceded in 12 games (in the league). Any advice to help with this would be appreciated.