Alright lads, this 4-1-3-2 formation has completely changed the game for me. Let's dive in!
Tactics
Starting with the buildup play, we're going with Balanced. It gives you a bit of everything, which is perfect. For the defensive approach, we're on 61 for the width. I've been experimenting with 95 and sometimes 70 in other videos, but 61 is nice in this formation. It stops you from overcommitting and exposing that backline.
Roles
Let's get into the player roles, starting with the goalkeeper. We're using Sweeper Keeper with whatever role your goalkeeper has a plus or Plus+ in because you're going to get better animations out of them.
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Right Back: Fullback - Balanced. You can't go wrong with this. If you're struggling defensively, you can change both fullbacks to Defend. But, Balanced is good because sometimes having them step up into that midfield area is useful for getting out of jams. If you find they're going too far away from you, then put them on Defend because it'll push everything in the middle and cover those wide areas.
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Center Backs: Defender. This is the best role for center backs because it doesn't annihilate their stamina. You can use Stopper if you like, but I like my center backs just doing their job.
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CDM: Holding and Defend. This is a solo CDM, so the trick with this formation is not to lose the ball in stupid positions because you will leave yourself exposed.
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Center Mid: Playmaker - Attack. You can only have it on Attack or Stay Back. Attack is good because they're going to kind of stay in the central area and operate like a CAM for us. Stay Back is good if you want someone that kind of just picks up the ball and finds space in good areas.
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Left Mid & Right Mid: Inside Forward - Balanced. We don't like it on Attack because it pushes them too far up the pitch and they don't come back on defense. You need these guys to come back on defense for you. I like these players to have a bit of pace and be very good on the ball. If you're looking to see out a game later on, I would change this from Inside Forward to Winger - Balanced because they'll defend wider for you and act like proper left and right mids. Then change the center mid to Box to Box to give you a bit more defensive solidity.
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First Forward: False 9. If you're not using someone like Griezmann, the reason why I put him on False 9 is because he's 80 pace. There's no point in even trying to get him in behind. We're just leaning into what he's very good at, which is build-up and shooting from outside the box. If you're not using Griezmann and using a traditional center forward, I would change this to either Poacher or Advanced Forward.
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Second Striker: Advanced Forward. You just want someone that's an out-and-out forward getting in behind and banging away all your chances.
Player Selection and Substitutions
Now, let's talk about the players you should use and who to sub off.
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Defense: You want to be using someone like VVD, Varane, or any player that has an intercept plus on a center back. The intercept plus actually affects the aerial duels as well. If the ball is being crossed in and you header it away, it counts as an interception. For the CDM, you want someone that's an out-and-out beast defensively. You don't want someone like a box-to-box player in this position.
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Left and Right Mids: You want to see some good pace, but decent passing as well because they are going to be heavily involved in your buildup.
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Center Mid: You want them to be able to defend, so you want a box-to-box player.
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False 9: Griezmann is the perfect player for this. He's so good in the buildup with his passing and dribbling.
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Striker: You just want someone that's an out-and-out machine. Pace is essential in this formation in this position because you want them to have that breakaway speed.
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Substitutions:
- Fullbacks: It's good to replace fullbacks because they get tired, especially when your opponent is likely to be replacing wingers. Having subs for both of them is ideal.
- Center Mid: I would normally sub the center mid out.
- False 9: I sub off Griezmann most games and replace him with Son.
- Left/Right Mid: I like to change the profile out, especially when I'm going to defend. I'll take Rafinha off and bring a Djemba-Djemba on because he's better defensively.