Alright, alright, alright, YouTube! I'm here to break down the 5-4-1, which is BACK and, honestly, probably better than ever before. Remember FIFA 23? The 5-4-1 was absolutely bonkers, and it's back with a vengeance. So, let's dive into the custom tactics that will make this formation a beast.
Tactical Setup: Custom Tactics are Key
First things first, in the Tactical Preset, you absolutely want to use Custom. This allows you to fine-tune everything and experiment to find what works best for you.
- Build Up Play: We're going with Unbalanced. This means players will make varied runs, some forward, some short, and the team's transition to their in-possession shape will be steady, not sudden. This is the way to go, trust me. Counter is an option if you're playing someone much better and want to sit back, and Short Passing is decent, but Balanced is the way to go.
- Defensive Approach: This is where things get interesting. I'm using 61 for the defensive depth. This is how high your team will push up the pitch when defending. It's a riskier approach, with a high line that doesn't always track opposition runs. This works perfectly with the 5-4-1 because we have a back five. You can go higher, maybe 70 or 71, but 61 is what I'm using.
Player Roles: The Heart of the 5-4-1
Now, let's get into the player roles. This is where the magic happens.
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Complete. Experiment with False Nine if you want, but I found I wasn't scoring enough goals. Advanced Forward and Complete means they'll roam around looking for space, which is perfect for this formation.
- Left & Right Midfielders: Inside Forward and Attack. These guys are crucial. They start wide but cut inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or play the final pass. They make runs in behind the defense, and it's absolutely overpowered. Think of them like the left and right center forwards in last year's 4-3-2-1.
- Left & Right Backs: Attacking Wing Back and Attack. This provides the width we need on both sides. However, if that's too aggressive for you, you can put them on Wing Back and Balanced. But with a five at the back, you need the attacking wing backs to create opportunities.
- Left Central Midfielder: Box to Box and Balanced. They'll get forward and help in both attack and defense. Having at least one box-to-box midfielder is essential in the 5-4-1.
- Right Central Midfielder: Deep Lying Playmaker and Defend. This player is the key to building up play from the back. They'll focus on closing down passing lanes and staying back to protect the defense.
- Right Center Back: Defender and Defend. A traditional center back who excels at the basics.
- Middle Center Back: Ball Playing Defender and Defend. This player will push up from the defensive line a bit to receive the ball under pressure and distribute it.
- Left Center Back: Ball Playing Defender and Defend. Same as the middle center back.
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper and Balanced.
With the ball, this setup transforms into a 3-4-2-1, which is what makes the 5-4-1 so overpowered. Defensively, you're in a flat back five, making it incredibly difficult to break down. You will not concede many goals. Trust me.