Hi Dan
Ive been using a tactic very similar to yours, I also use a 4-1-2-1-2 but mix it up sometimes to 4-3-1-2. I also use a box-to-box and and an advanced playmaker. The difference between our tactics though has been that I play a rigid philosophy with a standard strategy. This worked well for me for 2 seasons I ended up doing the treble, with a superb game against Barca in the CL final, where I came back from 0-1 to 3-1.
However Im 10 games into the third season and it seems my opponents have "figured me out" with me drawing to top and mid serie A teams, and winning barely(1-0) against teams like Ascoli.
the Huge problem for me is the use of a fluid philosophy with 2 box-to-box as you suggested because of my players. Of my mids only Matteo brighi, Daniele de Rossi, and Miguel Veloso can play those roles effectively. The problem is they keep trying to shot from distance no matter what I tell them
Also my forwards, Vucinic, Kramaric and Milevskyi and struggling to put up consistent performances, with the either bagging 2 goals a game, or having 5.9 rating in another. I play them as advanced and deep lying.
Would you have any suggetions.