Alright, what's good, guys? Today, we're diving deep into the 4-5-1, a formation that's been absolutely killing it for me. It's probably the best custom tactic in the game right now. It's the one formation that really lets you replicate that 4-3-2-1 from last year, you know, with those three center midfielders. Having control and passing options in midfield is super easy with this setup. It's just a really well-rounded formation, good in defense, possession, and attack. If you're looking for something reliable, something you can stick to, I highly recommend these custom tactics. Let's get into it!
Player Selection: The Foundation of Success
First things first, player selection is key. You need four defenders at the back who are primarily defensive specialists. That means your left back and right back need to prioritize defense. No overlapping fullbacks here, no wingbacks, just solid defenders. Make sure they're quick, ideally with 90+ pace, but at least 85+.
Now, let's talk about the midfield. You've got three center midfielders to manage.
- The Anchor: You need a player who's going to sit back and be responsible for the center of the pitch. Think big, strong, but also good with the ball at their feet because all your midfielders get involved in the attack. For me, someone like Thum is perfect for this role.
- The Winger/Striker Hybrid: Your right center mid needs to be someone who can act almost like a winger or a striker, but still has that center mid role. This player will sometimes act as a winger in buildup and transition. Someone reliable in those positions is crucial.
- The Well-Rounded Midfielder: Your left center mid can be similar to your anchor. They need well-rounded stats, and they need to be reliable in terms of shooting opportunities because they'll be making a lot of runs forward. Good pace is also a must.
For your wingers, you want the usual suspects: high pace, high dribbling, and good shooting. Same goes for your striker.
Custom Tactics: The Blueprint for Domination
Let's get into the custom tactics. Here's the code:
- Build Up: Counter
- Defensive Approach: High
- Line Height: 61
Now, about that line height. The code system in this game doesn't always work perfectly for the defensive approach. It might default to 70. If that happens, drop it down to 61. 70 has been a liability post-patch with those through balls and chip through balls. 61 is the perfect middle ground for limiting through balls while still pressing high up the pitch.
- Build Up Style: Counter. This tactic is all about making runs. You're going to see so many high-quality runs. If you divide the pitch into five channels (center striker, two center mids, right mid, left mid), we want all those players making runs in every single one of those situations. The striker runs in the center, the left and right center mids in their half-spaces, and the wingers in their spaces. They're going to swap positions and make diagonal runs, getting them quickly in front of goal, especially on the counter.
Player Roles: Orchestrating the Attack
Now, let's talk player roles.
- Striker: Advanced Forward (Attack). This is probably the best role in the game for the striker. It's the most well-rounded, carrying elements of False 9, Poacher, and Target Forward.
- Right and Left Wing/Mid: Inside Forward (Attack). These three players (striker, left mid, right mid) are going to get a lot of goal-scoring opportunities. You want players who are good in front of goal and have good pace for those quick counterattacks.
- Right Center Mid: Playmaker (Roaming). This is where we try to recreate the 4-3-2-1 from last year. This player acts almost like a fake winger. When your inside forward on the right cuts inside, this playmaker roaming will naturally enter that space. This creates width, which opens up holes in the defense. They might not do too much in the attack, but they enable their teammates. They're always where you want them to be.
- Left Center Mid: Playmaker (Attack). This player is more centralized and won't drift wide like the playmaker roaming. This player is making runs forward whenever they have the space to do so.
- Center Center Mid: Deep Lying Playmaker. This is how I get them involved in the attack without compromising defensive stability. They'll still set up as an anchor, but they'll make runs when there's space.
- Center Backs: Defend
- Fullbacks: Fullback (Defend). Don't miss this! This is super important. Fullback defend completely prevents those annoying wide through balls. They're hugging the center backs, and that defensive line is as consistent as possible. You don't need them to attack because you already have seven players focused on attack.
Final Thoughts
So far, this is my favorite custom tactic in the game. It's very reliable. Just make sure you have good players across the pitch because that's going to make a bigger difference than any player instruction or custom tactic. These three midfielders are going to be the meta for the most part. I plan to make more of these, especially the 4-1-4-1. I believe these are the best non-meta formations in the game, especially post-patch.