Alright, YouTube, we're back! Apologies for not uploading this weekend; I was super busy. Today's video is all about a brand new formation and a fresh set of custom tactics. It's a formation I haven't touched on FC25 yet, and yes, you guessed it, it's the 4213!
This formation, the 4213, I've been experimenting with it a lot over the last few days, and I absolutely love it. I really, really, really do. I think it's one of, if not the best formations on the game, especially if you're looking for a better version of the 4231. We've got two CDMs, a CAM, but the most important part? We have a left winger and a right winger! Yes, it's so, so, so good and so, so, so overpowered.
Custom Tactics Breakdown
Let's dive straight into the custom tactics.
Tactical Preset
- Formation: 4213
Build Up Play
- Balanced: This is the option I'm using. Players will vary between forward runs and coming short. The team's transition to the in-possession shape will be steady rather than sudden. I really like this; it works amazingly well in the 4213.
- Counter: If you're struggling to create opportunities, I'd recommend this. It encourages players to get in behind the opposition's defense as the team transitions quickly from defense to attack. This means we defend as a unit, but as soon as we win the ball, our team will sprint forward and make penetrating runs in behind. It's very, very, very good. In certain formations, counter is probably the best one to use, but for me in the 4213, I don't really feel like I need to use that.
Defensive Approach
- 70 Line Height: This is what I'm using. I like to be aggressive and win the ball back high up the pitch.
- 50-55 Line Height: If you're struggling defensively, lower the line height to either 55 or 50. Don't worry about it; it's absolutely fine.
Player Roles
Now, let's get into the player roles. Remember, without the ball, we defend in a 4213. EA has made it so that the formation you play with is the formation you defend with.
Forwards
- Striker:
- Advanced Forward and Attack: This is what I'm using. It's simple and effective.
- Poacher: If your striker has the Poacher Plus Plus playstyle, definitely use it. You won't notice much difference in how the formation plays, and it gives your player a nice boost.
- Left Winger & Right Winger:
- Inside Forward and Attack: This is crucial. Both wingers need to make those diagonal runs inwards towards the center of the goal. Think of my left winger like a prime Sadio Man茅 for Liverpool, and the right winger like a prime Mo Salah. They were constantly making those diagonal runs. They weren't wingers; they were inside forwards under Jurgen Klopp, and that's the inspiration here.
Midfield
- CAM:
- Playmaker and Balanced: This is what I'm using. It works very well, especially with the wingers making those diagonal runs. I don't need the striker to get involved in the box too much.
- Shadow Striker: If you're struggling to create goal-scoring opportunities, this is a good option.
- Right CDM:
- Holding and Defend: Think of this player as a traditional number six. They shield and protect the back four, win the ball back, and pass to the better players.
- Left CDM:
- Deep Lying Playmaker and Roam: This player is the key to building up play from the back. This defensively positioned midfielder will often be the catalyst for attack. Because we have a holding player on the right, the left CDM can have more license to get forward.
Defense
- Left Back:
- Attacking Wing Back and Balanced: My left back will have a lot of license to get forward on the overlap down that left-hand side and get quite a few goals and assists.
- Center Backs:
- Defender and Defend: Both center backs are on this.
- Right Back:
- Fullback and Defend: We'll defend in a traditional back three. The right back will tuck in and almost play like a third center half.
- Goalkeeper:
- Goalkeeper and Balanced: It doesn't make any difference; use whatever you want.
That's how we play! We get an overload on the left-hand side, which I like. The left back bombs down there, the wingers play as a front three with the striker, and the CAM is a playmaker just picking the ball up, threading through balls, and getting some nice shots. Then, of course, we have the two CDMs.