Alright, what's good, y'all! Today, we're diving deep into the 4-1-4-1 formation. It's a meta formation, and it's very similar to the 4-5-1. It performs the same way in-game.
The Meta and the 4-1-4-1
The meta in this game, you know, it's all about formations with a three-center-midfield structure. Anything with three in the middle – CAMs, CDMs, whatever – is going to be really effective. The 4-1-4-1 fits right in with its three midfielders: one CDM and two center mids.
What I find to be the deep meta, for lack of a better term, is formations with at least two CDMs that act as the front line of the attack. Think 4-3-3 flat, 4-3-3 holding, 4-5-1, or the 4-1-4-1. These formations have those two center mids up front, no CAM, and that's where the magic happens. We'll get into why with the player instructions later.
Now, you can use any left wing, striker, or defense that you like. But for those two center mids up front, they need to be good in attack and defense. It might be tough to find cards that fit that bill at this stage of the game, but there are cards like Heung-Min Son, or hero cards like Mario Gómez, that are going to be really, really good in these roles.
Custom Tactics: Counter and High Line
Let's get into the custom tactics.
- Build Up Play: Counter. This is basically direct passing from last year. It's all about quick buildup, players making runs in behind at the quickest frequency possible. Instead of players coming short for the ball, they're prioritized to make those runs in behind. It's meta, and it's great for counterattacks.
- Defensive Style: Direct Approach.
- Defensive Line Height: 61. I can't stress how important this is. I used to have it on 70, and I'd concede two or three goals every game from through balls. 61 is the lowest possible line height for employing the offside trap while still making sure your center backs track their strikers and wingers on runs in behind. You get the best of both worlds: an aggressive high line and effective defense against counterattacks.
Player Roles and Instructions
Now, let's break down the player roles.
- Striker: Advanced Forward. I tried a Poacher here, and it's usable, but Advanced Forward gives you more flexibility and a dynamic attack. Think of it like having your strikers on "balanced" from last year. He'll drop back, act as a false nine, play back towards a center back – it's all about variety. Every attack looks different, which is why it's the most meta instruction for strikers.
- Wingers: Inside Forward (Attack). The runs these guys make are so good, especially if you can win the ball back high up the pitch. They tuck in perfectly between the fullback and center back. Just press Triangle/Y, and boom! It's a perfect counterattack.
- Center Mids: Playmaker (Attack) and Playmaker (Roaming). These guys are almost like CAMs. When you lose the ball in the final third, having these two higher up the pitch means you have five players responsible for the attack. They'll press aggressively to win the ball back, making it hard for the opponent to build from the back. The Playmaker (Roaming) replicates the 4-3-2-1 concept from last year, dragging wide and creating space. The roaming AI deliberately goes out of its way to enter locations of the pitch that no other player is at. This enables more space for your three players up front. The Playmaker (Attack) will make runs in behind, so you can get a lot of through balls to this player.
- CDM: Deep Lying Playmaker. You can use Holding, but I prefer Deep Lying Playmaker. I like having the CDM involved in the build-up. He offers himself as an anchor in attack and is always a passing option. With Holding, he's focused on keeping the defensive line straight, but he won't be as open for the ball as frequently.
- Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking. There are never any gaps when you lose the ball. They're always right next to the center backs. You already have a ton of attacking options up front, so you don't need wingbacks.
4-1-4-1 vs. 4-5-1
The difference between these custom tactics and the 4-5-1 is minimal, besides the CDM. I still personally prefer the 4-5-1, but this is a great option, especially if you want to use a CDM. It's a bit easier to defend with, because you can let the CDM work with the AI. It's a bit more safe than the 4-5-1.
I'm having a lot of fun with this custom tactic, alongside the 4-5-1 and the 4-3-3s.