Alright, what's going on guys? Welcome back to another formation video. Today, we're diving deep into the 5212. I've been rocking five-back formations since FIFA 19, and I knew this one would be seriously OP in the beta. The pros figured it out pretty quickly, as they always do. We're not talking about the 541 here, just the 5212. I think a lot of people are struggling with the 541, it's a pro-level formation with a lot of manual work, player locking, and L1 triggers. You can see how isolated my striker is in that formation. It's very defensive-heavy, and you lose out on the attack. In contrast, the 5212 gives you a lot more attacking options. If there was a way to defend with fullbacks in this formation, I'd love it, but there isn't. I know you can technically tinker with a CDM dropping between the center backs, but I'm not a fan. I really like this system because you get two strikers and a CAM. For those of you who like the 352, this is basically a modernized version of it.
Player Instructions and Roles
Let's talk about how I set up this formation. I defend aggressively with this one. If you like that style, this might be your key formation.
- Strikers: Both on "Poacher" attack.
- Advanced Forward: I use this on a striker with the "Advanced Forward Plus+" trait. If you have a Plus+ player, always try to use it.
- Shadow Striker (CAM): This is the key to the formation. I use Neymar here. The reason I like the shadow striker role is because they make those AI runs from midfield without me triggering the player. Have a look at some of these examples; he makes those runs from midfield, and I love it. When there's a gap in the defense, that player will make that run. Think of it like a Bellingham-type play, but in FC. You want someone quick here. Neymar is perfect, or someone like Foden is perfect in that role.
- Center Mids: If you're new to this formation, I recommend using both as "Holding." Some people struggle with counter-attacks, and this helps. Personally, I don't struggle with counter-attacks, so I leave one on "Box to Box" and the other on "Playmaker." It depends on your play style. I use P. Garo as a playmaker. With two playmakers, the formation becomes very attacking. If you're rank three or above and know what you're doing, I'd recommend it. You can have a 5v5 in the narrow areas against your opponent, even with two CDMs and a back five. Against another five-back, this works very well. But "Box to Box" is a good balance.
- Back Three: All on "Defender." Do not use "Stopper" or anything like that. They stick out too much. Ball-playing center-back is sometimes too much. I can always trigger one of my defenders to go forward if I really need to, but you don't want them going too far out of position. I defend very aggressively with this formation, using a lot of teammate contain. I don't rely on AI.
- Wing Backs (Left and Right): Arguably the most important players. I use "Attacking Wing Back" and "Balanced." Again, I'd probably put one of these players on "Attacking." For example, I use Bater on attacking. She just makes those runs going forward better and coming back because she does have the plus plus. For everyone else, "Balanced" is a good balance. They go forward, but they also come back. They don't come back instantly like in the old days, but they still provide defense. When attacking, you have that three-back, one center mid (or holding player), and the playmaker. You've got four players in the middle, and the wing backs provide width, similar to my beloved 352. This is a 5212 on paper, but I consider it more of a 352.
Team Tactics
- Out of Possession: You defend in a back five. I wish you could put one of these players on "Stay Forward," but you can't. I prefer to defend with a back four with a CDM.
- Build Up Play: "Counter Attack" is very important because the left and right backs need to make runs in behind. This really helps them make runs, especially with that shadow striker being Neymar.
- Defensive Approach: "Balanced." You can increase this, but I press manually with this formation. If you don't press manually, feel free to increase it. Keep this on a more passive depth. If you struggle defensively, you're going to struggle with a high depth here. This is a very attacking formation, and you'll be vulnerable on counter-attacks in the wider areas. If you're up against a 442 and your opponent has their wingers on "Stay Forward," you might have a 4v3 situation. The counter to five-backs is my 4222, which is why I use it a lot.
- Attacking: You need pace in these positions. You can't get away with someone slow here. If you're thinking about playing someone like Cara, don't play Lorent. I'd rather you play someone with 90 sprint speed, even if they just have a plus trait, as opposed to someone with 80 sprint speed and the role plus. Pace is also very important because these players need to come back and forth.
Unfortunately, they removed the instruction for the left and right wing backs to attack in fullbacks. That would have been the Holy Grail. Thanks, EA!
This formation has been working very well since the beta. I didn't want to release it in the first week, but since everyone's already using five-backs, I suppose I can. I'm not going to be blamed for releasing this and "ruining the game" this time. I like this formation a lot. It's definitely going to be in my selections.