Alright lads, if you're struggling to get those wins in FC25, I highly recommend giving this 4-5-1 formation a go. It's a game-changer, trust me. Let's dive right into it.
Tactics
We're going with a balanced attacking style. I've tested this with short passing, but I prefer a more expansive and sharp approach on the counterattack, so balanced it is. Honestly, you can't really go wrong with a balanced approach this year because it allows you to do a bit of everything. With short passing, I often use the bumpers to pull players closer and send them on runs, which creates more work for me.
For the defensive approach, we're going with high depth at 61. The reason for 61 is that 60 will put you on balanced, and we want that high depth. It gives us that extra edge, making the team sit a bit higher on the pitch and defend more aggressively. But, if you're comfortable with something like 55, use it. Find what works best for you.
Player Roles
Let's break down the player roles, starting with the goalkeeper.
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Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper. As long as I'm running this semi-Barcelona style team, I'll always have the goalkeeper on sweeper keeper. I prefer sweeper keeper because, especially off corners, they stay there to claim or punch the ball, whereas a regular goalkeeper might retreat back to their line. If you're using someone with a goalkeeper plus plus, you might benefit from some of those animations.
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Center Backs:
- One on Stopper. This is for a more aggressive center back.
- The other on Ball Playing Defender. The reason for this change is that on Defender, I find they are a bit too idle. They don't really engage the play or step out, making it easier to play passes in behind. Having one on Stopper and one on Ball Playing Defender gets the team moving.
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Fullbacks:
- Right Back: Fullback Defend on Balance. We don't have defend for this one just because he'll tuck in too much. I want him to be covering those wide areas because that's where a lot of people are trying to spam those Sprint boosts.
- Left Back: Wing Back on Balance. He's going to get forward, not too far forward, but he'll push up when our left mid moves to be more involved with the attack. He'll push up into that midfield area and provide a really nice passing option on that left-hand side, creating a bit of width.
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Midfielders:
- Left Mid and Right Mid: Inside Forward on Attack. These are the most important players in the team because they are going to join the striker up top. You need to make sure these left mid and right mids are very good going forward because otherwise you're going to be so frustrated with the chances they miss.
- Left Center Mid and Right Center Mid: Box to Box. You want players that can do a bit of everything.
- Center Center Mid: Holding and Defend. You want them to be able to defend. They're going to be the last man, not going forward. It's nice to have this anchor in midfield, and having someone with a physical frame is really good because you can break down a lot of counterattacks.
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Striker: Advanced Forward with a focus on attack. I don't really like complete. I like him to stay more central. Because he's the only striker in this team, we keep him on Advanced Forward because we want him to be high and in the center. He's our focal point, and because he's got good passing, he brings players into the game.
That's the 4-5-1 lads. It's a ridiculous formation.