Alright YouTube, let's dive into some seriously OP custom tactics for the 5-4-1 formation! This formation is back, and it's better than ever. Let's get you winning some games!
Formation and Tactical Setup
We're going with the 5-4-1, the flat one. This is how the team lines up in-game: a solid five-back defense, a midfield four, and a lone striker up top.
For the custom tactics, we're going to use the 5-4-1 (Flat).
Build Up Play
This is where we start to make some magic happen. For the Build Up Play, we're going Balanced. Now, I know some of you might be tempted to go with Counter, and that's a viable option, but I find Balanced gives you more control. Balanced is better because players will vary between forward runs and coming short, and I like that the team's transition to the in possession shape will be steady rather than sudden. Your players won't just run away from you, which can happen with Counter.
Defensive Approach
Now, for the Defensive Approach, we have two options.
- Option 1 (What I'm using): 70 Line Height. I know, I know, that might sound scary. You might think, "Whoa, that's way too high! Am I going to struggle defensively?" But trust me, you won't. We're playing a five-back, and the fullbacks are actually fullbacks this year, not wingbacks. It's easy to defend with this setup, so you can afford to be aggressive with the line height.
- Option 2: If 70 is too high for you, you can go down to either 55 or 60. Experiment and see what feels best. Let me know in the comments which one you prefer!
Player Instructions
Now, let's get into the player roles. Remember, you have to defend in the formation you're starting with. So, with the 5-4-1, we're defending in a 5-4-1.
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack. You could try Poacher, but I prefer Advanced Forward. I want my striker to stay in the central areas and make runs in behind.
- Left Midfielder & Right Midfielder: Inside Forward and Attack. This is a MUST in the 5-4-1. We want these guys making those diagonal runs inwards towards the striker, like a prime Man茅 and Salah. They'll get tons of goals and assists. If you don't have this, you'll struggle to create chances.
- Right Center Midfielder: Box to Box and Balanced. This player will get forward and help out defensively. When I use two center midfielders, one will almost always be a box-to-box.
- Left Center Midfielder: Playmaker and Attack. You could use Roam Around, but I prefer Playmaker. This player is the creative hub, roaming and creating space.
- Left Back & Right Back: Attacking Wing Back and Attack. This is a HUGE necessity in the 5-4-1. As the left and right midfielders cut inside, we need our wingbacks to provide the width on the overlap.
- Center Backs (All 3): Defender and Defend. Simple and effective.
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper and Balanced. It doesn't really matter if you use Sweeper Keeper or Goalkeeper, they play the same roles.
And there you have it! That's how the team will set up in-game. As the left and right midfielders make those runs inside, the wingbacks provide the width. This 5-4-1 is seriously overpowered.