Alright, folks, buckle up, because today we're diving deep into a formation that's been tearing up the FC25 scene: the 5-3-2 holding. This isn't just any formation; it's the one top pros like Anders and even the likes of Ahmed Suedi, who's been on an absolute tear in the FC Pro League, are using. I got the inside scoop on this from my good friend and pro FC coach, SEF, and trust me, this is the real deal. Now, listen up, because simply copying the tactics won't cut it. You need to understand the why behind it. Let's get into it!
Formation and Style of Play
This is how the 5-3-2 holding looks in-game. The key here is the counter-attacking style. Forget short passing, this formation is all about getting numbers behind the ball and then launching those lightning-fast attacks. We're talking quick transitions, so you need players with good attacking positioning.
Defensive Setup
Now, let's talk defense. We're going with a defensive approach of 70 depth. However, and this is a big one, if you're not a wizard at switching players, do not use 70 depth. Your team will be setting offside traps like crazy, and those L1+Triangle passes will eat you alive. If that's the case, manually adjust the line and set your defensive depth to 60. That's my recommendation for most of you. The pro scene is a different beast compared to your average Rivals or Weekend League game.
Midfield Maestro
This 5-at-the-back formation needs a specific midfield setup to work. It's not optional, it's essential.
- CDM: You absolutely need a CDM, someone like Petri Garo, who has the Long Ball Pass Plus playstyle.
- Attacking CM: You need a CM who can get forward, someone like Alexia Putellas. If you don't have a playmaker like Alexia, this formation is doomed. You won't be able to get out of the press and attack.
- Box-to-Box CM: The other CM needs to be a workhorse, a box-to-box player like Jude Bellingham or Frenkie de Jong.
So, Petri, Alexia, and Frenkie is a killer combination. I know Alexia is expensive, so you can replace her with another similar attacking CM.
Wing Play and Attacking Roles
Our left back is going to be an attacking wing-back, transitioning to an LM when we have the ball. This gives us that extra attacking width.
- Striker Roles: One of your strikers needs to be a false nine. If they have the PlayStyle Plus, like Sophia Smith, it's amazing. The false nine will drop into midfield to collect the ball and provide those killer passes to the other striker. The other striker must be set to "Get in Behind" or "Advanced Forward" otherwise this formation will not work.
- Right Back: Our right back will be on a wing-back role, pushing up to act like an RWB when we're attacking.
- Center Backs: Your middle center back needs to be a "Stopper". A stopper will always stick close to the opponent's striker, allowing us to win balls high up the pitch and launch those counter-attacks. The other two center backs are on "Defend" roles.
Manual Runs and Attacking Execution
Here's the real secret sauce: this formation only works if you know how to trigger manual runs. You need to be constantly triggering runs towards your fullbacks. Click L1 towards your right back and make him join the attack. You need those attacking outlets, especially when the LM is pushing further away from the attack. Use R1+L1 to call for short, driven passes. You need to create motion, and manual runs are the only way to do it. That's one of the reasons we're using the counter-attacking style.