Alright, let's dive into this awesome tactic! A viewer suggested this, and as soon as I set it up, it just clicked. I had to make a video on it, I just love the movement with this tactic.
Formation and Build-Up
We're going with the 4-5-1 flat, the one with the three center mids. For the build-up play, we're going with Counter. I really enjoy using this. The general attacking AI movement on this game is a bit stale and limited. Having the build-up on counter gives you the highest number of AI runs. It can make it a little harder to get out of pressure or pass from the back, so if you're struggling to get out of pressure, Balanced should resolve that issue for you.
Defensive Setup
For the defensive approach, we're going with 70 depth. Keeping the team high is perfect for midfield congestion and pressing, also the broken auto of Sid traps.
Player Instructions
Let's get into the player roles, starting with the attack:
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Focus Attack. We don't want this one striker to get wide; we want him in the center of the pitch. I'm not the biggest fan of Advanced Forward, but for striker formations, we need that extra movement to be able to feed him the ball.
- Left and Right Midfielders (Wingers): Winger and Balanced Focus. I've experimented with having one of them on Inside Forward or Wide Playmaker, and it played really well with both alternative options, but having them both on the Winger role opens a new style of chance creation that I really, really enjoyed.
- Left and Right Center Midfielders: Playmaker. This is probably the most important player on this setup. It's a crucial role to have these two cats fill up the gap between the wingers and the striker. I highly recommend putting players here that have the Plus or Plus Plus version of the Playmaker to give you the best experience out of this tactic. The way the wingers move up, supporting the attack and creating tons of chances, is really something that rarely anyone expects, and it gives you that unexpected factor. But, if you have a super expensive, game-changing winger and you don't want to waste them out wide, I understand. Have that one exceptional winger on Inside Forward and Balanced and change the corresponding center mid to Deep Line Playmaker. This way, you always have one diagonal run on one side of the pitch and a midfielder right behind that player to feed them the ball.
- Central Center Midfielder: Holding and Defend. This is our anchor player, the player that everything defensively or offensively is going to go through.
- Fullbacks: Fullback and Defend.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend.
- Goalkeeper: Whatever R Plus or Plus Plus they might have.
Gameplay and Tactical Breakdown
The 4-5-1 flat isn't just about numbers; it's about balance and control. With four defenders holding the line, we've got a solid defense under our attack. Then, five midfielders create a dense midfield structure, facilitating both defensive support and offensive creativity. And that single striker? They're the spearhead, providing a direct attacking threat without sacrificing the midfield presence.
Now, why is the 4-5-1 flat so powerful? Let's break it down:
- Defensive Solidity: With four compact defenders always staying back, this formation delivers protection against counterattacks, making it hard for the opponent to penetrate.
- Dynamic Midfield Play: With five midfielders, you can dominate possession, dictate tempo, and shift gears to attack when the moment is right. It's just the perfect balance between defense and offense, making it a nightmare for the opposing teams.
- Wide Wingers: The wingers can stretch the pitch, dragging defenders out of position, creating space for players to exploit. This opens up a view of attacking play that you can't imagine.
In terms of real football, many elite teams have adopted the 4-5-1, showcasing its effectiveness across different leagues and competitions. Think about Chelsea under Mourinho or Spain during their dominance. They chose this formation not just for its structure but for its flexibility. Each of these teams adapted the 4-5-1 to suit their own play style. For Chelsea, it emphasized physicality and discipline, while for Spain, it highlighted the tiki-taka, emphasizing short passing and relentless movement. So, no matter the approach, the common thread is clear: the 4-5-1 can be molded to fit any team's philosophy.