Alright YouTube, let's dive into a formation I've been loving for years, and finally got dialed in for FC25: the 4-2-2-2! It took me a minute to get the custom tactics right with the new FC IQ, but trust me, it's worth it. Let's get into it!
Tactical Setup: The 4-2-2-2
This is the formation you're looking at, the 4-2-2-2. It's a very nice and easy formation to learn and love.
Tactical Preset: Custom
We're going custom, baby!
Build Up Play: Counter
This is where things get interesting. I've been using Counter in my recent videos, and I'm loving it. It's simple: when we lose the ball, the team sprints back to help defend. When we win it, they break forward with PACE and speed. They get into attack mode FAST. Give it a go! If you're struggling to score, you can always try Balanced build-up, which I used at the start and also love.
Defensive Approach: 61 Depth
I'm using 61 depth. It's a sweet spot, a hybrid between being aggressive and not going completely YOLO. We press aggressively, but we're not just camping in our own box. It's a very nice and easy setup. I'm using 61 depth or 70-71 on all my formations at the minute.
Player Instructions: Roles and Responsibilities
Now, let's get into the player roles. I'll break it down without the ball first, because it's the same with and without the ball in FC25. You can't defend in a different formation than the one you're using, so we defend in a 4-2-2-2.
Attackers
- Left Striker: Advanced Forward and Complete. This is key! When set to complete, the advanced forward has the freedom to move wide to receive a pass or create space with a run. I want my quicker player here, making those penetrating runs in behind.
- Right Striker: False 9 and Build Up. This is where you can change things up. I really like having at least one striker on False 9 to drop into that number 10 position, come short, and receive the ball. If you're struggling to score, try Poacher here. You can also use Poacher on this striker.
Attacking Midfielders (CAMs)
- Left CAM: Playmaker and Roam.
- Right CAM: Playmaker and Roam.
I want both CAMs to have the freedom to pick up spaces in the middle of the pitch. I don't want them hugging the touchline. This is very overpowered.
Central Midfielders (CDMs)
- Right CDM: Holding and Defend. This CDM's job is to shield and protect the back four, then give the ball to the better players.
- Left CDM: Deep Lying Playmaker and Defend. This is the key cog to building up play from the back. This defensively positioned midfielder will often be the catalyst for attacks. With the defend focus, the Deep Lying Playmaker will focus on closing down passing lanes and staying back while their team attacks.
Defenders
- Left Back: Attacking Wing Back, Balanced. I really like balanced here.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend.
- Right Back: Fullback and Defend. This ensures we defend in a back three.
Goalkeeper
- Sweeper Keeper. It doesn't matter which one you use. They are both exactly the same.
And there you have it, YouTube! My brand new 4-2-2-2 custom tactics video for you.