This is a possession-based tactic I created in FM18, inspired by Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona philosophy, with an emphasis on defending with the ball, methodical buildup, and possession dominance.
Despite being built for a non-league English team, the tactic has gone 22 games unbeaten, with 7 wins in a row, and we're currently top of the table. It proves that with structure and control, even lower-league sides can play elite-level football.
Core ideas include:
Download the tactic here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZN-j3odXC7pAVm_XrzyTxTv9ELMruyrB/view?usp=sharing
Tested in FM18 with a non-league side in England. Built to emulate Xavi’s control-based approach with layered midfield support and secure wide play. Would love feedback if anyone tests it with a higher-level side or in newer FM versions!
Despite being built for a non-league English team, the tactic has gone 22 games unbeaten, with 7 wins in a row, and we're currently top of the table. It proves that with structure and control, even lower-league sides can play elite-level football.
Core ideas include:
- Attacking mentality with much lower tempo
- Short passing, retain possession, and look for underlaps
- Disciplined pressing: prevent short GK distribution, close down more, stay on feet
- Roles: Inverted wing-backs, BWM pivot, Mezzala + CM(A), and a pressing forward
Download the tactic here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZN-j3odXC7pAVm_XrzyTxTv9ELMruyrB/view?usp=sharing
Tested in FM18 with a non-league side in England. Built to emulate Xavi’s control-based approach with layered midfield support and secure wide play. Would love feedback if anyone tests it with a higher-level side or in newer FM versions!