Alright, let's dive into the 41212 tactics, guys. I want to give a massive shoutout to everyone who helped test this formation out. Your feedback has been invaluable. I've made some key changes, so let's get into it.
The 41212: Narrow and Wide Variations
This is a narrow formation at its core, and I'm going to give you two variations: one narrow and one with width. A lot of you are playing that "Ticky Tacker" style, so this should help.
Narrow Variation
Without the ball, we're defending in a 41212. The CDM is absolutely crucial here – ideally, you want a player with the "Holding Plus" playstyle. You've got what you could consider a back four, but things change when we go into the defensive phase.
- Fullbacks: We're using a "false back" on one side. Originally, I had two false backs, but the feedback was that this left us too exposed on the flanks, vulnerable to counter-attacks.
- Defensive Setup: The change I've made is to reduce the number of false backs to one. This gives you a back three defensively.
- Midfield: You'll have your CDM, two box-to-box midfielders, and the false back helping in midfield.
- Shadow Striker: The shadow striker is one of the best things about this formation. They sit just behind the strikers, making runs in behind. You couldn't do this with a CAM before, so it's a game-changer.
Tactics for the Narrow Variation
- Build Up Play: Counterattack.
- Defensive Approach: Balanced.
- Roles:
- Poacher: Advanced forward.
- CAM: Shadow Striker.
- Box-to-Box: Two players.
- CDM: Good passing and holding player.
- Right Back: False Back.
- Center Back: Ball-playing Center Back.
Important Note: If you ever copy a tactic and something doesn't feel right, change it! Maybe the person giving you the tactics is comfortable on the board, but you might not be. Always adjust these small things to suit your gameplay.
Aggressive Option
If you want to be very aggressive, you can go with two false backs. That's how I originally designed the formation. It's like a 2-3-2-1-2. The idea was to have two players in midfield so the CDM can distribute on either side.
Wide Variation
Some of you like the central areas of the 41212 but miss the width. Here's how to get it:
- Attacking Fullback: Use an attacking fullback, or even better, an attacking wingback. This gives you width. It's almost like a 3-5-2.
- Setup: You could have one fullback on "Join the Attack," or you could have both. This is very aggressive.
- 3-5-2 Analogy: This is like a 2-6-2. You've got a left mid and a right mid, like in a 3-5-2. The CAM is a shadow striker, two box-to-box midfielders, and the CDM as a safety net.
- Further Aggression: You could even use a center back roll to make it a 3-2-5.
Gameplay and Player Selection
Remember last year, I told you to learn how players move? That was to prepare you for this point in the cycle when tactics change. I want you to understand certain things so you can adapt your gameplay.
- Build Up Style: If you're struggling with players going forward too quickly, try "Balanced." I still recommend "Counterattack" because the fullbacks will go forward.
- Defensive Approach: I'm still experimenting with this. With this formation, you don't want to be too high up the pitch. If you lose the ball down the wings, you'll be vulnerable. Consider creating two variations: one with fullbacks on "Stay Back While Attacking" and one with fullbacks on "Join the Attack." This allows you to change in-game.
- Strikers: Ideally, you want someone with pace.
- CAM: Needs pace, good shooting, and decent passing. Think of a Son-type player.
- Box-to-Box: Look for players who can do a bit of everything.
- CDM: Needs good passing and holding ability.
Player Recommendations
Here are some player recommendations for each position:
- Strikers: Any player with good finishing.
- CAM: Players with good finishing, pace, and passing.
- Box-to-Box: Players like Tonali, Kessie, or Valverde.
- CDM: Players with good defensive stats and passing.
I hope this explains how the tactics work. I'll keep you updated on any new tactics I'm testing.