Alright, YouTube, we're back with another custom tactics video for you, this time focusing on a formation I didn't plan on doing this early in the new FC25 cycle. But, I've been using it in Rivals and, more specifically, the Draft, and I've won two drafts in a row with it! It's the formation you're looking at on your screen right now: the 4-3-3 (4) variation, the one with the CAM. I'm telling you what, I didn't think this formation was going to be this good. I really, really, really didn't! It is absolutely amazing, so definitely use it.
Tactical Preset and Build-Up
On the Tactical Preset, you're going to want to use Custom.
For the Build Up Play, I'm using Balanced. I'm not really interested in Counter or anything like that. Short Passing is also a viable option. However, be warned, you won't have many players making penetrating runs in behind, which is so, so, so key and so, so, so important when you use custom tactics in FC25. Having players that make those runs in behind is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most important aspects. Balanced is like a mix of everything, and that's why I use it. If you read what it says, "Players will vary between forward runs and coming short. The team's transition to their in-possession shape will be steady rather than sudden."
Defensive Approach
For the Defensive Approach, I've gone with a Defensive Depth of 61. This is like last year's defensive depth. If you read what it says, "A riskier approach to defending, applying situational pressure and adapting a high line that tends not to track opposition runs." Basically, this means your defensive line is a little bit higher, which is really, really, really good. I think high lines are actually really effective this year because I don't really think pace is that important so far. A lot of defenders do just catch up with even Mbappe and stuff like that, so you can get away with having that higher line than you would normally.
Player Roles
This is where it really gets interesting.
-
Striker: Advanced Forward. A versatile attacker who usually stays close to the opposition's defensive line but opens themselves up for passes in the buildup and makes runs in behind for scoring chances. Complete Forward is also a good option.
-
Left Winger & Right Winger: Inside Forward and Attack. A wide attacker who begins on the wing but will regularly cut inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or play the final passes. They tend to run in behind the defense. Having players that make penetrating runs in behind defenses is very, very, very important this year. If your opponent doesn't track the run, we have a free run on goal. If they do track the run, it leaves a nice big bit of space for our CAM or number 10 to operate in. It's a win-win situation. This is so, so, so key in this formation. It kind of reminds me of a prime Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, where you'd have Mane and Salah playing on the left and right, making penetrating runs diagonally inwards towards the center of the goal.
-
CAM: Playmaker. This player tends to be a creative fulcrum of a midfield, given license to roam and create space and opportunities for attacks, likely to be out of possession if the opposition counters. Shadow Striker is also a good option. I just feel like Playmaker gives the player a little bit more freedom to get on the ball, dictate play, and make things happen. The focus is on Balance rather than just Roam. The playmaker will offer defensive support when needed as well as orchestrating attack.
-
Right Central Midfielder: Box to Box. This player operates between the two boxes, operating as neither the last line of defense nor the final part of the attack but involved in everything in between.
-
Left Central Midfielder: Holding. Think of this player like a traditional number six. This defensive-minded midfielder focuses on guarding their backline during the attacks and covering off against counterattacks with limited attacking support. We've got enough attack-minded players that we don't need another midfielder helping out in the attack.
-
Left Back & Right Back: Wing Back. This player's versatility and stamina allows them to push upfield to support attacks before returning to their defensive position. Again, kind of like a prime Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, where you'd have Mane and Salah from the left and right making penetrating runs inwards, and you would then get your width from the overlapping fullbacks. As the left and right wingers make penetrating runs inwards, the left back and right back will then overlap, providing us the width on that right-hand side.
-
Center Backs: Ball Playing Defender.
-
Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper and Balance.
And that right there, YouTube, is my brand new, updated 4-3-3 (4) variation for you!