Another Word on Tactics
Here Ill try to expound a bit in ideas mentioned in previous posts.
In order to ensure that goals will be scored, in FM as in real life what is necessary is variation in attacking threats.
Width is crucial. This is not to say that narrow formations/settings are not effective but the ability to stretch the width of opponents means that space will be found in the middle. So try to combine width with exploit the middle maybe (or do it with roles and instructions: eg am + run from deep/shoot often). By stretching teams wide, especially with overlaps, it becomes much easier to separate centre backs from full backs, as the wider defenders spread out; this means that there is space in the channels and in the box for midfield runners and strikers to exploit. If the opposition defence choose not to spread spread, they then sacrifice the wings and give you the chance to cross the ball.
Try to have vertical depth in your attacks. Players with "inbuilt instructions" to eg Run From Deep Often, such as Poachers and Attacking Wingers push the opposition defensive line back whereas playmakers tend to engage opposition midfielders and pull them out; a good combination can really open up the space in midfield and mean that you only have one line of the opposition to beat rather than two solid banks.
A nice way to put it all together is by using a high pressing aggressive set up that keeps pushing the opposition players back and doesnt leave them time on the ball. But see the value of having pace all through your team as indicated in previous posts.
Time and again I see people on this site and elsewhere greatly limiting themselves by setting up tactics only having one line of attack that they rely on. The problem with this is that it relies on that one line performing to its full potential; thus if the opposition block it off or your player does not perform well, any attacking potential is completely wiped out. Therefore, it is essential that you add lots of little lines of attack that can add variation. Also try having a number of options on the bench that are completely different to the players who are already on the pitch, and ensure that you can attack through a number of different players and styles.
Suggestions:
1. Use a poacher up front and a deep lying playmaker in midfield with your best player in attacking midfield - he will find lots of space.
2. Use a winger on one wing, and an inside forward on the other - this gives you two different attacking threats even if the winger has support duty.
3. Where you use an inside forward, use a wing back or attacking full back on the same side - they will overlap and add width.
4. Situate your best creative players near your fastest players and best finishers - they will have good passing lines.
5. Use a creative striker when you are only using one forward, and surround them with runners from midfield - they will receive passes and get in behind as they are tough to mark.
6. When attacking players have Run From Deep Rarely, allow a midfielder nearby to attack from deep and penetrate the line.
7. If you have a creative winger set him up to be your playmaker (on the wing).
8. Use combinations ensuring ball retention - eg: dlp (defend) in front of defend + ap (support) in mf + an am with the proper instructions for ball holding.
9. Try set up with one cf (dlf support) with two oncoming ams behind him (eg one a shadow striker the other an am) on attack
10. Use asymmetrical formations even if its by only moving one player: eg in 442 move left mf up a bit and make him a winger support/if attack. This stretches/confuses the opposition.
And a word on defending:
Use defensive triangles: three players forming a narrow triangle, the tip of which is closest to the ball, and looks to force the ball-carrier opposing player to pass the ball away from the triangle, seeing as he can't run through it, and then quickly adjust shape to force them wide until they're forced onto the touchline where they're closed down, or they try to dribble through and are dispossessed.
Easiest way to make it is by two cbs and a dm. Or in the AMC role with two midfielders in a 4-2-3-1, allowing teams to funnel counter-attacks wide earlier and close down high up the pitch this way against players who don't have a chance at playing a pass or dribbling through them. Or in the non flat 451 with the dm and the two cms. The latter two are very difficult to work in fm ...
Here Ill try to expound a bit in ideas mentioned in previous posts.
In order to ensure that goals will be scored, in FM as in real life what is necessary is variation in attacking threats.
Width is crucial. This is not to say that narrow formations/settings are not effective but the ability to stretch the width of opponents means that space will be found in the middle. So try to combine width with exploit the middle maybe (or do it with roles and instructions: eg am + run from deep/shoot often). By stretching teams wide, especially with overlaps, it becomes much easier to separate centre backs from full backs, as the wider defenders spread out; this means that there is space in the channels and in the box for midfield runners and strikers to exploit. If the opposition defence choose not to spread spread, they then sacrifice the wings and give you the chance to cross the ball.
Try to have vertical depth in your attacks. Players with "inbuilt instructions" to eg Run From Deep Often, such as Poachers and Attacking Wingers push the opposition defensive line back whereas playmakers tend to engage opposition midfielders and pull them out; a good combination can really open up the space in midfield and mean that you only have one line of the opposition to beat rather than two solid banks.
A nice way to put it all together is by using a high pressing aggressive set up that keeps pushing the opposition players back and doesnt leave them time on the ball. But see the value of having pace all through your team as indicated in previous posts.
Time and again I see people on this site and elsewhere greatly limiting themselves by setting up tactics only having one line of attack that they rely on. The problem with this is that it relies on that one line performing to its full potential; thus if the opposition block it off or your player does not perform well, any attacking potential is completely wiped out. Therefore, it is essential that you add lots of little lines of attack that can add variation. Also try having a number of options on the bench that are completely different to the players who are already on the pitch, and ensure that you can attack through a number of different players and styles.
Suggestions:
1. Use a poacher up front and a deep lying playmaker in midfield with your best player in attacking midfield - he will find lots of space.
2. Use a winger on one wing, and an inside forward on the other - this gives you two different attacking threats even if the winger has support duty.
3. Where you use an inside forward, use a wing back or attacking full back on the same side - they will overlap and add width.
4. Situate your best creative players near your fastest players and best finishers - they will have good passing lines.
5. Use a creative striker when you are only using one forward, and surround them with runners from midfield - they will receive passes and get in behind as they are tough to mark.
6. When attacking players have Run From Deep Rarely, allow a midfielder nearby to attack from deep and penetrate the line.
7. If you have a creative winger set him up to be your playmaker (on the wing).
8. Use combinations ensuring ball retention - eg: dlp (defend) in front of defend + ap (support) in mf + an am with the proper instructions for ball holding.
9. Try set up with one cf (dlf support) with two oncoming ams behind him (eg one a shadow striker the other an am) on attack
10. Use asymmetrical formations even if its by only moving one player: eg in 442 move left mf up a bit and make him a winger support/if attack. This stretches/confuses the opposition.
And a word on defending:
Use defensive triangles: three players forming a narrow triangle, the tip of which is closest to the ball, and looks to force the ball-carrier opposing player to pass the ball away from the triangle, seeing as he can't run through it, and then quickly adjust shape to force them wide until they're forced onto the touchline where they're closed down, or they try to dribble through and are dispossessed.
Easiest way to make it is by two cbs and a dm. Or in the AMC role with two midfielders in a 4-2-3-1, allowing teams to funnel counter-attacks wide earlier and close down high up the pitch this way against players who don't have a chance at playing a pass or dribbling through them. Or in the non flat 451 with the dm and the two cms. The latter two are very difficult to work in fm ...
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