I'm actually making a tactic with a 3 man defence, 2 CBs 1 sweeper. When testing I found having attacking wing backs are better than defensive right and left midfielders. I have a player instruction for a WB which makes a lot of tackles and interceptions but also get involved with the attacks a lot, creating chances, keeping possession and even getting in the opposition box to get on the end of some clear cut chances. My tactic mainly based on Brazil's 2002 world cup (though I'm not directly trying to emulate them). 2 normal central midfielders, though 1 I've made slightly box to box, an attacking midfielder as Ronaldinho was, 2 strikers, 1 of which are more creative as Rivaldo was and Ronaldo for the other, the best striker ever. It's not really a counter attacking tactic though. It keeps possession well, 55-65% against most teams and creates chances to score.
I just need to perfect my STCL player instruction but the rest of the tactic works. Currently testing it with Real Madrid, in the past 10 games I've only conceded in 1 match, 2 goals vs Athletic, in those 10 games I've played vs Bayern twice and didn't concede. So 9 clean sheets means it works defensively and I've scored 30 goals so it's averaging 3 goals a game. A bit off topic but I'll make it available on this forum once I've sorted out those little issues.