i personally prefer the diamond formation, 4-1-2-1-2.
you need 2 solid centre halfs, make sure they have good mental attributes eg influence, determination, concentration, anticipation and also good levels of marking, tackling, postioning.
add to this 2 good attacking fullbacks, they need to have pace, dribbling, crossing.
the heart of the team is a workhorse defensive midfielder, high work rate, stamina, determination.
a good creative attacking midfielder (AMC), good levels of creativity, flair, passing.
2 conventional line hugging wingers, again good levels of workrate, pace, dribbling, crossing.
up front you need a creative playmaker forward (10) and a real good finisher/poacher (9). the number 10 should play at the left side of the front two, and should play in the hole behind the number 9. he and the AMC, should be the two creative types of the team.
also use man marking and pressing.
i prefer players with determination, bravery, workrate, with 2 or 3 creative types, this balance is perfect.
i've been pretty successful with this style of play, winning leagues, champions leagues and even the world cup with with england.
