The Libero Project

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Ghents

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This is a concept tactic and the goal is more-so utilizing a libero effectively than making a win-all tactic. I am going to attempt to make it a competitive tactic, but I'm not trying to make it a P-N-P domination tactic.

Now that that's out of the way... The concept.

The libero is more of an offensive version of the sweeper, who plays in the back and picks up the ball then beginning the attack from the back. The goal is to have the offensive build-up flow through the Libero and to the rest of the attack.

The shape -- While most Libero formations push up the wingbacks, I decided to keep a flat four and use complete wingbacks who will press forward, but also remain deeper in defense. I've also decided to use two BBM midfielders to control the center with an advanced forward with two inside forwards on the wings. Though, I am very open to suggestions on how to use the striker in this formation.

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Results -- I'm a Newcastle fan, so I always use Newcastle even though it might not be the best fit. I decided to convert Cheick Tiote to a Libero for this, because he's a good defensive player with some offensive capability. I also like using NUFC because they have some good wing backs in Davide Santon and Mathieu Debuchy who are more attack oriented and they have strong midfielders in Sissoko and Cabaye with Anita as depth. I put Cisse in the AF role with Remy and Ben Arfa as the inside forwards.

I didn't buy any players, used just the default NUFC squad. I simmed half the season, training just tactics/tactics and this is where things stand:

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Yeah, so basically it was a **** run of it. One thing I noticed was the Libero seemed to get in the way, more often than not, and cause marking issues with the center backs. He just wouldn't press forward, even though the instructions say to dribble more and get further forward. Here's an example from a pair of matches:

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Now, these were against Man U (2-0 loss) and Arsenal (2-1 win), so maybe not the best examples, but overall on the season it seemed to leak goals and struggle overall to score. It doesn't appear like they press high enough forward.

I don't know if I should toy with it being more rigid and counter-attacking? Possibly play the back four deeper and he'll naturally work his way up the field?

Has anyone had success with the Libero in FM14, or should I scrap it and just go with a Regista?

I've attached the tactic. Any feedback appreciated.
 
I would give the 2 cb's cover duty and the lb and rb as full back (s). As player instructions: lb and rb: stay wider run wide with ball, mark tighter and close down more. The 2 cb's: mark tighter, pass shorter and hold position. The libero: close down more, get further forward and dribble more.
I haven't tested it though but that's what i'd do...
 
Update to the tactic

I played through a near full season modifying the tactic a bit. I realized I wasn't going to get the type of play from the Libero I really wanted. They simply just do not get forward enough no matter what I try. Instead, I started a new save and tried what I thought would be a bit of a defensive formation utilizing a sweeper and DMs:

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I settled with a Regista and an Anchor Man since i have the wings on attack, letting the anchor to help on the defensive side of the ball. The Regista seemed to accomplish what I was hoping for with the Libero, just a little more up the pitch. Here's an example from a late game against Arsenal:

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I've settled with a DLF as the lone striker paired with an AP and a SS, but I'm still a bit unsure how to arrange the attacking front. I have the CWB's push up the ***** and cross to the middle, so maybe going with a CF or TM would be better served?

The tactic seems very solid defensively with most of the goals coming from set pieces/corners.

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The squad has allowed the second least amount of goals, but they also only have a +11 GD. Now to think of what tweaks I can make to lead to some more scoring chances out of the attacking three. Currently I have it set as Balanced/Fluid. I'm thinking maybe switching to Attacking/Fluid would give me more towards the goal in the attacking third?

Transfers:

Alfred Finnbogason - needed striker help due to injuries
Mateo Musacchio - needed CD depth and a true sweeper
Nicola Murru - needed wingback depth on the right side
Henrique - bought as a future prospect, but ended up selling Santon and playing him (great cheap buy at start)
George Thorne - wanted a bigger young DM for the future and rotation/cup matches
 
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