4-1-2-3 strikerless tactic, needing help

[RicardoQuaresma7]

I'm currently trying to create a 4-1-2-3 tactic with a regista or DLP as lone DM and without any strikers, but wide wingers and not three AMs. Formation like this:

---------------------
- LW --- AM --- RW -
------ CM - CM ------
-------- DM ---------
- FB - CB -- CB - FB -
------- GK ----------

Further requirements are, as said, a regista or a DLP as DM, no defensive duty for the CMs (only support and/or attack), a game based on short flat passing. If possible (but not needed) attack and possession focussed.

Does anyone has an idea how to achieve this? My current trial looks like that:


----------------------------------
-- IF/S ------ AM/A ------- IF/S --
---------- AP/S - DLP/S ----------
-------------- R/S ---------------
- CWB/A - CB/X - BLP/X - CWB/A -
-------------- SK ----------------

Fluid/Control

Shorter Passing
Work Ball into Box
Pass into Space
Play Out of Defence
Drill Crosses
Look for Overlap
Push Higher Up
Hassle Opponents
Be more expressive

Currently, that setup is not working properly. I have no idea why, neither my boys are scoring much, nor are they defending well. Can You give me some tips how to improve it?

 

[Malich]

Hi Ricardo,

I use a similar setup and went a season undefeated.

My opinion is, but i'm sure people will disagree:

You have too many playmakers in the middle of the park all occupying the same space. If you're going to use a regista, you don't need a DLP or AP in central midfield. Rather, the DLP should be changed to a B2B or BWM so as to win possession back and offload to the playmakers around him. I would change the AP/S to a B2B or CM/S.

I find CWB's too offensive and are too often caught out of position. A fullback on support duty will do the same job and get forward anyway and support attacks.

I also find two CB's on stopper duty are too crazy and don't maintain a good defensive screen; they run out of position too much for my liking. I use two ball player defenders with defend duty.

As for the IF's, change them to attack so that they attack the space toward the goal and can run onto through balls.

I use a Treq in the AMC position (Gotze) or a SS (regen + drops deep ppm) so that he drops deep and allow space for the IF or Winger to aggressively push in to. As a side note, a Defensive Winger set to cross to far post is an absolute beast on my game as the opposite Inside Forward is typically completely unmarked.

As for shouts, i would remove 'look for overlap' and 'pass into space' and add 'lower tempo' or 'much lower tempo' and 'play offside trap'.

If you leave your regista with no individual instructions (and with killer balls ppm) he will pass into space when the pass is on anyway.

My setup: I average round 65%+ possession

----------------------------------
-- IF/A ---- Treq/A ---- DW/S --
------- BWM/D - B2B/S --------
-------------- R/S ---------------
-FB/S - BLP/D - BLP/D - FB/S -
-------------- SK ----------------

Bear in mind this advice is based on my players, so adapt it as necessary.

I hope this helps somewhat or gives you some ideas anyway.