4-5-1 Game Domination
READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT! READ BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD!
I’ve been quite new in FM, having played it only for a few months since getting my first copy last April (2011). I experimented with this tactic in my first save game for 1 ½ seasons until I think I almost perfected it. I been using it in my second save game for 5 seasons now making occasional tweaks and I achieved so much success with it.
I was thinking if it was due to the immense talent that I have with my Barcelona team but if I tried to study the team set-ups of other teams, especially those who play a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, and realized that its applicable to them too. I haven’t tried this with them though. After all, I battled through so much injury through the first and fourth seasons and have to play unreliable subs and youngsters in order to get through but I was still able to get the result that I wanted most of the time.
I will test them with lower teams in La Liga soon too to test its effectivity and post the results here. For the mean time, for those who want to use this tactic, I encourage you to tweak some of the settings to properly suit your team. Remember that Arsenal plays almost the same way Barca does but doesn’t dominate nor achieve success with it despite having quality midfield players. In the NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves tried to imitate Phil Jackson and Lakers’ Triangle Offense and ended up with a little over 30 wins in 2 seasons (164 games) and getting fired even despite having some of the most promising young players.
-------------------------------------------------
THE TACTIC
As I’ve said, I’ve been using this tactic for four seasons now. Having achieved so much success, the board always look to resign me as soon as my contract finishes. I’m currently earning € 450,000/week. I’ve amassed a 227-28-2 W-D-L record for a 88% winning ratio and accumulated 869 goals scored and 97 goals conceded, an average of 3.004 goal difference per game. I’ve won 4 Spanish Super Cups, 4 Spanish Cups, 4 Liga BBVA titles, 4 European Champions Cup, 3 European Super Cups, and 3 Club World Championships. (Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame doesn’t read them and only records 2 Major and 1 Minor trophies under my name. Can anybody help me fix this?) Just recently too, England offered me the gig to manage their team after sacking their manager for failing to qualify to the World Cup. I’m using the same tactic with the England national team and has been won every game so far.
View attachment 187053
For the first four seasons, nobody has come close to my achievements in terms of league and cup wins, and match stats. Mourinho was nearest though yet still miles away from me.
View attachment 187451 World Managers
Speaking of Mourinho, he was sacked by the R. Madrid board after just agreeing to a five-year contract extension. He was sacked in light of their season-ending home loss against us.
View attachment 187452
View attachment 187453
In theory, any team can use this tactic as long as they have the personnel to do so or they could sign players to fill the roles. But the transition will be easiest for those teams that play a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. In a 4-2-3-1 (Real Madrid style), the AM could move to central midfield while the more defensive-minded MC will move to DM. In a 4-3-3, the two extra strikers will play as wingers while the most defensive-minded MC will again move to DM.
-------------------------------------------------
PLAYERS INFORMATION
View attachment 188377
Goalkeeper (Sweeper Keeper Support)
Because we play a high defensive line, the ability of the goalkeeper to dominate his area, catch crosses, rush out and going one-on-one is crucial.
Key Attributes: Reflexes, Handling, Positioning, Communication, Jumping. Aerial Ability, Command of Area
Right Fullback (Wingback Attack)
He must fulfil the attacking duties of wingers (surging forward into the attack and making through ball/cross to the attackers) and defensive duties of fullbacks (closing down opponents, blocking crosses, and winning the ball back). Thus, he is encouraged to make a lot of overlaps whilst providing natural width.
Key Attributes: Pace, Tackling, Crossing, Work Rate, Stamina
PPM: Dives into tackles, Gets forward whenever possible, Runs with ball down right
Left Fullback (Fullback Support)
He supplements his traditional attacking duties with occasional overlapping, forward runs to help overload attacks in the final third.
Key Attributes: Pace, Tackling, Positioning, Work Rate, Stamina
PPM: Dives into tackles, Gets forward whenever possible, Runs with ball down right
Central Defender (Ball Playing Defender Stopper and Central Defender Cover)
You need two different types of central defenders here. Their main duty is to stop opposing attackers from playing and to clear ball when required. The first needs to be tall, aggressive, and good in the air and he will push ahead of the defensive line and prevent players from getting into the area. The other should be fast and have a very good reading of the game and will drop a little deeper to sweep up through balls from behind.
Key Attributes: Jumping, Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Strength
PPM: Does not dive into tackles, Plays short simple passes, Runs rarely with ball, Stays back at all times
Defensive Midfielder (Defensive Midfielder Defend)
He’s the destroyer in our destroyer-passer-creator triangle in the midfield. His role is to break attackers by closing them down and support the more creative midfielders in possession. He will keep hold of the ball while the defence and attack are reorganizing themselves while a period of opposition pressure or after a corner or a direct free kick.
Key Attributes: Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Work Rate, Strength
PPM: Does not dive into tackles, Dwells on ball, Plays short simple passes, Runs rarely with ball, Stays back at all times
Right Central Midfielder (Central Midfielder Support)
He’s the passer of our triangle, the more defensive-minded of the two central midfielders and operates almost the same as the DM. However, he is very much part of the midfield and needs to have technical skills to fulfil the function. His aim is to close down opponents and to win the ball whilst keeping possession of the ball and crafting out chances for players with attacking roles.
Key Attributes: Marking, Positioning, Passing, Teamwork, Stamina
PPM: Curls ball, Shoots from distance, Shoots with power, Looks for pass rather than attempting to score
Left Central Midfielder (Advanced Playmaker Attack)
He’s the last part of the triangle – the creator. He aims to drift into space around opposition’s defensive line, helping the team maintain possession and fashioning out crossing or through ball opportunities as he moves into the final third while providing goal-scoring threat from long distance.
Key Attributes: Dribbling, First Touch, Passing, Technique, Anticipation, Creativity, Decisions, Flair, Off the Ball, Teamwork
PPM: Comes deep to get ball, Curls ball, Gets forward whenever possible, Gets into opposition area, Looks for pass rather than attempting to score, Shoots from distance, Shoots with power, Tries killer balls often
Right Winger (Inside Forward Attack)
He aims to cut inside from the flanks and run directly at the opposition defence. When this happens, space is opened up and the wingback can charge into it, essentially giving the attack another player, as well as widening play .He will either shoot, pass, or cross while moving through the final third. This works best if his strongest foot is on the left.
Key Attributes: Pace, Acceleration, Finishing, Flair, Dribbling
PPM: Cuts inside, Runs with ball often, Tries killer balls often, Comes deep to get ball, Places shots, Tries first time shots
Left Winger (Winger Support)
He aims to beat his man on the outside, surging forward into space, and attacking the byline or get an early cross to the forwards.
Key Attributes: Pace, Acceleration, Technique, Flair, Dribbling
PPM: Comes deep to get ball, Runs with ball often, Runs with ball down left, Tries killer balls often
Striker (Advanced Forward Attack)
The Advanced Forward’s main duty is to hang on the shoulder of the last defender and break through the defensive line to get on the end of through balls. Possessing a good first touch and an innate ability to find space, he uses his acceleration to outpace the defense and get as close to goal before taking a shot. His secondary role is to chase down misplaced through balls or clearances from deep and turn them into scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Key Attributes: Acceleration, Pace, First Touch, Off the Ball, Finishing, Composure
PPM:Comes deep to get ball, Likes to lob keeper, Likes to round keeper, Likes to beat offside trap, Moves into channels, Places Shots, Runs with ball through center, Tries first time shots, Tries killer balls often
Ideally, a good attribute means it has a rating of 16 and above or when the color of the number is bright blue. But unless you have a large transfer fee and willing to spend big, you cannot form a Galactico team. Therefore, it is on you to decide what the standard for a good attribute will be. This will be particularly low if you manage clubs on lower leagues.
Chances are created mostly through team play, and unless you have those opportunities you won't convert anything. Football is a team sport so unless its Christiano Ronaldo, you wouldn't want a ball hug on your team. Your players should have high Team Work and Work Rate ratings to achieve team football.
Lastly, do not try to train your players on all the PPM's I wrote there. It would be disastrous if his abilities do not correspond to the said PPM and a lot of time will be wasted in training. So judge wisely.
Do not try to train your players on all the PPM's I wrote there. It would be disastrous if his abilities do not correspond to the said PPM’s and a lot of time would be wasted in training. So judge wisely.
And although I do not recommend using filters to find the player that you need for a particular position, I created one for those who are persistently asking. I do not encourage you anyway to rely heavily on this filter on finding the best player.
4-5-1 Game Domination Players Filter (General)
-------------------------------------------------
MATCHES
Match Preparation
Pre-season
I usually set only a single tactic to train with a high to very high workload until it becomes fluid. If all the bars are already on the fluid level, you could now add the two extra tactics and set the workload to average or even very low. Special focus area is team blend for the entire pre-season especially if you signed too many players. If not, a month or less should be good.
View attachment 187055
View attachment 187056
On-season
Individual training focus varies. If you are facing a taller team, set it to Defending Set Pieces.; if against an attacking-minded team with very good attacking players, set it to Defending Movement; if its regarded as a weaker team, try Attacking Movement or Attacking set Pieces.
Training Schedule
Although its unrealistic, most of the time, I use different training schedule for each player so that they could focus on a specific attribute that they needed to improve so they would fit perfectly on the role-duty that I want him to play.
Match Time
I usually do tend not to follow the backroom recommendations of my coaches as I prefer execution rather than adjustment. But in reality, I better encourage you to do so especially if you found little success in your previous meeting while sticking to the original tactic.
If your assistant manager has good tactical ratings, just use his feedbacks in your opposition instructions. Otherwise, either sign an assistant with a good tactical training or go and scout the team by yourself.
In-game Touchline Instructions
Get Ball Forward
This would be particularly useful if you have a quick and fast striker as he will be able to outpace defenders and reach the ball first, freeing him of them. This way, he could beat the keeper in so many ways – going round him, lobbing the ball, placing his shot, crossing to a nearby teammate also running with him, etc.
Work Ball Into Box
This would avoid your attackers, particularly your striker, long, off-target shots and too many wasted opportunities. Moreover, this would increase opposition fouling inside the box resulting to a penalty kicks.
Pass To Feet
Use this when you’re struggling to gain possession, when too many passes are being intercepted, or having far less acceleration or pace than opponents.
Look for Overlap
Use when using excellent attacking full backs and needing extra penetration down the wings, when needing more passing options in the final third, or when playing against a side who are weak or undermanned down the flanks.
Hassle Opponents
Use ONLY against slow and technically inferior team.
Pump Ball into Box
Use ONLY when needing a goal late in the game.
Shoot on Sight
Use ONLY when needing a goal at all costs.
---------------------------------------
Finally, its either you build a team around this tactic or you tweak this tactic to suit the strengths of your team. An example is what I did with my England National Team. I made a mirror copy of it: Inside Forward on Left Wing, Advanced Playmaker on MCR, Central Midfielder on MCL, etc. Furthermore, since I don't have a control on their PPM's and their style of play is different from my Barca players, I made additional minor tweaks.
View attachment 187052
Feel free to post your comments and suggestions here.
TACTIC (Download Here)
4-5-1 Game Domination
4-5-1 Game Domination 2.0
For those who will try this with lower league teams, lower teams in higher leagues, international teams, or even lesser known teams in foreign leagues/competitions, please be kind and post screenshots of your fixture (results) and league table. I wanna know the results against them.
READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT! READ BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD!
I’ve been quite new in FM, having played it only for a few months since getting my first copy last April (2011). I experimented with this tactic in my first save game for 1 ½ seasons until I think I almost perfected it. I been using it in my second save game for 5 seasons now making occasional tweaks and I achieved so much success with it.
I was thinking if it was due to the immense talent that I have with my Barcelona team but if I tried to study the team set-ups of other teams, especially those who play a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, and realized that its applicable to them too. I haven’t tried this with them though. After all, I battled through so much injury through the first and fourth seasons and have to play unreliable subs and youngsters in order to get through but I was still able to get the result that I wanted most of the time.
I will test them with lower teams in La Liga soon too to test its effectivity and post the results here. For the mean time, for those who want to use this tactic, I encourage you to tweak some of the settings to properly suit your team. Remember that Arsenal plays almost the same way Barca does but doesn’t dominate nor achieve success with it despite having quality midfield players. In the NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves tried to imitate Phil Jackson and Lakers’ Triangle Offense and ended up with a little over 30 wins in 2 seasons (164 games) and getting fired even despite having some of the most promising young players.
-------------------------------------------------
THE TACTIC
As I’ve said, I’ve been using this tactic for four seasons now. Having achieved so much success, the board always look to resign me as soon as my contract finishes. I’m currently earning € 450,000/week. I’ve amassed a 227-28-2 W-D-L record for a 88% winning ratio and accumulated 869 goals scored and 97 goals conceded, an average of 3.004 goal difference per game. I’ve won 4 Spanish Super Cups, 4 Spanish Cups, 4 Liga BBVA titles, 4 European Champions Cup, 3 European Super Cups, and 3 Club World Championships. (Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame doesn’t read them and only records 2 Major and 1 Minor trophies under my name. Can anybody help me fix this?) Just recently too, England offered me the gig to manage their team after sacking their manager for failing to qualify to the World Cup. I’m using the same tactic with the England national team and has been won every game so far.
View attachment 187053
For the first four seasons, nobody has come close to my achievements in terms of league and cup wins, and match stats. Mourinho was nearest though yet still miles away from me.
View attachment 187451 World Managers
Speaking of Mourinho, he was sacked by the R. Madrid board after just agreeing to a five-year contract extension. He was sacked in light of their season-ending home loss against us.
View attachment 187452
View attachment 187453
In theory, any team can use this tactic as long as they have the personnel to do so or they could sign players to fill the roles. But the transition will be easiest for those teams that play a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. In a 4-2-3-1 (Real Madrid style), the AM could move to central midfield while the more defensive-minded MC will move to DM. In a 4-3-3, the two extra strikers will play as wingers while the most defensive-minded MC will again move to DM.
-------------------------------------------------
PLAYERS INFORMATION
View attachment 188377
Goalkeeper (Sweeper Keeper Support)
Because we play a high defensive line, the ability of the goalkeeper to dominate his area, catch crosses, rush out and going one-on-one is crucial.
Key Attributes: Reflexes, Handling, Positioning, Communication, Jumping. Aerial Ability, Command of Area
Right Fullback (Wingback Attack)
He must fulfil the attacking duties of wingers (surging forward into the attack and making through ball/cross to the attackers) and defensive duties of fullbacks (closing down opponents, blocking crosses, and winning the ball back). Thus, he is encouraged to make a lot of overlaps whilst providing natural width.
Key Attributes: Pace, Tackling, Crossing, Work Rate, Stamina
PPM: Dives into tackles, Gets forward whenever possible, Runs with ball down right
Left Fullback (Fullback Support)
He supplements his traditional attacking duties with occasional overlapping, forward runs to help overload attacks in the final third.
Key Attributes: Pace, Tackling, Positioning, Work Rate, Stamina
PPM: Dives into tackles, Gets forward whenever possible, Runs with ball down right
Central Defender (Ball Playing Defender Stopper and Central Defender Cover)
You need two different types of central defenders here. Their main duty is to stop opposing attackers from playing and to clear ball when required. The first needs to be tall, aggressive, and good in the air and he will push ahead of the defensive line and prevent players from getting into the area. The other should be fast and have a very good reading of the game and will drop a little deeper to sweep up through balls from behind.
Key Attributes: Jumping, Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Strength
PPM: Does not dive into tackles, Plays short simple passes, Runs rarely with ball, Stays back at all times
Defensive Midfielder (Defensive Midfielder Defend)
He’s the destroyer in our destroyer-passer-creator triangle in the midfield. His role is to break attackers by closing them down and support the more creative midfielders in possession. He will keep hold of the ball while the defence and attack are reorganizing themselves while a period of opposition pressure or after a corner or a direct free kick.
Key Attributes: Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Work Rate, Strength
PPM: Does not dive into tackles, Dwells on ball, Plays short simple passes, Runs rarely with ball, Stays back at all times
Right Central Midfielder (Central Midfielder Support)
He’s the passer of our triangle, the more defensive-minded of the two central midfielders and operates almost the same as the DM. However, he is very much part of the midfield and needs to have technical skills to fulfil the function. His aim is to close down opponents and to win the ball whilst keeping possession of the ball and crafting out chances for players with attacking roles.
Key Attributes: Marking, Positioning, Passing, Teamwork, Stamina
PPM: Curls ball, Shoots from distance, Shoots with power, Looks for pass rather than attempting to score
Left Central Midfielder (Advanced Playmaker Attack)
He’s the last part of the triangle – the creator. He aims to drift into space around opposition’s defensive line, helping the team maintain possession and fashioning out crossing or through ball opportunities as he moves into the final third while providing goal-scoring threat from long distance.
Key Attributes: Dribbling, First Touch, Passing, Technique, Anticipation, Creativity, Decisions, Flair, Off the Ball, Teamwork
PPM: Comes deep to get ball, Curls ball, Gets forward whenever possible, Gets into opposition area, Looks for pass rather than attempting to score, Shoots from distance, Shoots with power, Tries killer balls often
Right Winger (Inside Forward Attack)
He aims to cut inside from the flanks and run directly at the opposition defence. When this happens, space is opened up and the wingback can charge into it, essentially giving the attack another player, as well as widening play .He will either shoot, pass, or cross while moving through the final third. This works best if his strongest foot is on the left.
Key Attributes: Pace, Acceleration, Finishing, Flair, Dribbling
PPM: Cuts inside, Runs with ball often, Tries killer balls often, Comes deep to get ball, Places shots, Tries first time shots
Left Winger (Winger Support)
He aims to beat his man on the outside, surging forward into space, and attacking the byline or get an early cross to the forwards.
Key Attributes: Pace, Acceleration, Technique, Flair, Dribbling
PPM: Comes deep to get ball, Runs with ball often, Runs with ball down left, Tries killer balls often
Striker (Advanced Forward Attack)
The Advanced Forward’s main duty is to hang on the shoulder of the last defender and break through the defensive line to get on the end of through balls. Possessing a good first touch and an innate ability to find space, he uses his acceleration to outpace the defense and get as close to goal before taking a shot. His secondary role is to chase down misplaced through balls or clearances from deep and turn them into scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Key Attributes: Acceleration, Pace, First Touch, Off the Ball, Finishing, Composure
PPM:Comes deep to get ball, Likes to lob keeper, Likes to round keeper, Likes to beat offside trap, Moves into channels, Places Shots, Runs with ball through center, Tries first time shots, Tries killer balls often
Ideally, a good attribute means it has a rating of 16 and above or when the color of the number is bright blue. But unless you have a large transfer fee and willing to spend big, you cannot form a Galactico team. Therefore, it is on you to decide what the standard for a good attribute will be. This will be particularly low if you manage clubs on lower leagues.
Chances are created mostly through team play, and unless you have those opportunities you won't convert anything. Football is a team sport so unless its Christiano Ronaldo, you wouldn't want a ball hug on your team. Your players should have high Team Work and Work Rate ratings to achieve team football.
Lastly, do not try to train your players on all the PPM's I wrote there. It would be disastrous if his abilities do not correspond to the said PPM and a lot of time will be wasted in training. So judge wisely.
Do not try to train your players on all the PPM's I wrote there. It would be disastrous if his abilities do not correspond to the said PPM’s and a lot of time would be wasted in training. So judge wisely.
And although I do not recommend using filters to find the player that you need for a particular position, I created one for those who are persistently asking. I do not encourage you anyway to rely heavily on this filter on finding the best player.
4-5-1 Game Domination Players Filter (General)
-------------------------------------------------
MATCHES
Match Preparation
Pre-season
I usually set only a single tactic to train with a high to very high workload until it becomes fluid. If all the bars are already on the fluid level, you could now add the two extra tactics and set the workload to average or even very low. Special focus area is team blend for the entire pre-season especially if you signed too many players. If not, a month or less should be good.
View attachment 187055
View attachment 187056
On-season
Individual training focus varies. If you are facing a taller team, set it to Defending Set Pieces.; if against an attacking-minded team with very good attacking players, set it to Defending Movement; if its regarded as a weaker team, try Attacking Movement or Attacking set Pieces.
Training Schedule
Although its unrealistic, most of the time, I use different training schedule for each player so that they could focus on a specific attribute that they needed to improve so they would fit perfectly on the role-duty that I want him to play.
Match Time
I usually do tend not to follow the backroom recommendations of my coaches as I prefer execution rather than adjustment. But in reality, I better encourage you to do so especially if you found little success in your previous meeting while sticking to the original tactic.
If your assistant manager has good tactical ratings, just use his feedbacks in your opposition instructions. Otherwise, either sign an assistant with a good tactical training or go and scout the team by yourself.
In-game Touchline Instructions
Get Ball Forward
This would be particularly useful if you have a quick and fast striker as he will be able to outpace defenders and reach the ball first, freeing him of them. This way, he could beat the keeper in so many ways – going round him, lobbing the ball, placing his shot, crossing to a nearby teammate also running with him, etc.
Work Ball Into Box
This would avoid your attackers, particularly your striker, long, off-target shots and too many wasted opportunities. Moreover, this would increase opposition fouling inside the box resulting to a penalty kicks.
Pass To Feet
Use this when you’re struggling to gain possession, when too many passes are being intercepted, or having far less acceleration or pace than opponents.
Look for Overlap
Use when using excellent attacking full backs and needing extra penetration down the wings, when needing more passing options in the final third, or when playing against a side who are weak or undermanned down the flanks.
Hassle Opponents
Use ONLY against slow and technically inferior team.
Pump Ball into Box
Use ONLY when needing a goal late in the game.
Shoot on Sight
Use ONLY when needing a goal at all costs.
---------------------------------------
Finally, its either you build a team around this tactic or you tweak this tactic to suit the strengths of your team. An example is what I did with my England National Team. I made a mirror copy of it: Inside Forward on Left Wing, Advanced Playmaker on MCR, Central Midfielder on MCL, etc. Furthermore, since I don't have a control on their PPM's and their style of play is different from my Barca players, I made additional minor tweaks.
View attachment 187052
Feel free to post your comments and suggestions here.
TACTIC (Download Here)
4-5-1 Game Domination
4-5-1 Game Domination 2.0
For those who will try this with lower league teams, lower teams in higher leagues, international teams, or even lesser known teams in foreign leagues/competitions, please be kind and post screenshots of your fixture (results) and league table. I wanna know the results against them.
Last edited:
