Alright, let's dive into this amazing 4-3-3 (2) formation! I've been using it in some friendly games, and trust me, it's a beast. Let's get into the updated custom tactics, perfect for dominating your opponents.
Team Tactics: Building Up and Defending
First things first, let's talk about the team tactics. These are the foundation of how your team will play.
Buildup Play
There are two main options here, and I'll break them down for you.
- Balanced: This is what I'm currently using, and I absolutely love it. With balanced, your players will make runs both forward and short, and the team's transition to attack is steady. I like to be in control, triggering runs when I want, and letting my players dictate the pace. It's all about manual control, and balanced buildup gives you that.
- Counter: This is a great alternative, especially if you're struggling in specific areas. If you're having trouble defensively or creating chances, counter can be very effective. It's a meta buildup style, but for me, balanced is the most effective.
Defensive Approach
Again, we have two options here.
- 70 Line Height: This is what I'm currently using. It means our team will automatically press and offside trap when we lose the ball. It's aggressive, but sometimes, attack is the best form of defense. Get in your opponent's face, and you won't have to defend your box as much.
- 50-55 Line Height: If you're struggling defensively, I'd recommend lowering the line height to 50 or 55. This gives you a solid base, still allowing for some aggression without being completely YOLO.
For most of you, I'd recommend the 70 line height.
Player Roles: The Heart of the Formation
Now, let's get into the player roles. Remember, we're playing a 4-3-3 (2) with a CDM, so we need to defend in that 4-3-3 shape.
- Left Winger & Right Winger: Both are set to Inside Forward and Attack. Think of this like a prime Liverpool under Klopp, with the wingers as Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah. I want them cutting inside, scoring goals, and getting assists. You'll see from the gameplay clips that this setup delivers goals and assists.
- Striker: There are two options here.
- Advanced Forward and Attack: This is what I'm using. It's straightforward and effective.
- False 9: If you want something different, try a False 9. They'll drop into the buildup and play as an extra midfielder, like Roberto Firmino. I like this in other formations, but in this one, Advanced Forward works best.
- Left Central Midfielder: This player is set to Playmaker and Attack. This is your most attack-minded midfielder. They will score a lot of goals and get a lot of assists. I want to overload that left-hand side.
- Right Central Midfielder: This player is set to Box to Box and Balanced. They'll get forward and help out defensively, a traditional box-to-box midfielder.
- CDM: Set to Holding and Defend. This is your traditional number six. They shield the back four and pass to the better players. Deep Lying Playmaker and Defend is also good, but I prefer Holding.
- Left Back: Set to Attacking Wing Back and Balanced. I want them bombing down the left-hand side, providing width, especially with the wingers tucking in. Think of this like an Aston Villa with Lucas Digne.
- Center Backs: Both are set to Defender and Defend. Simple and effective.
- Right Back: I personally like to play with my right back on Fullback and Defend. This means they tuck in, almost like an inverted fullback, playing as a third center-half. It prevents the left back from being isolated.
- Goalkeeper: It doesn't matter if you use Sweeper Keeper or Goalkeeper and Balanced, as they both play the same. Use whichever one your goalkeeper has the plus or plus plus on.
And there you have it, my brand new updated 4-3-3 (2) formation!