Alright, let's dive into this new 4-3-3 (second variation) tactic, designed to channel that prime Barcelona style of play. I've been putting it through its paces, and I'm buzzing with the results. I've clocked around 250-ish games with it, a mix of Division 1 matches against top-tier players and some Squad Battles to really get a feel for the player movement, the press, and all that jazz. Squad Battles aren't the be-all and end-all, but I did rack up my best-ever points total there, and pretty easily too. But the real test is in the Division 1 Co-op clips I'm about to show you. This tactic is a lot of fun.
Formation and Build-Up Play
Is this the absolute, top-tier meta formation? Probably not. But is it really good? Is it effective? Do I think it's going to be more fun to play? Absolutely! And I reckon this style of play will only get better as the year goes on, especially with more passing playstyles coming into the game.
- Build Up Play: Short passing is the key here. I've been using balanced or counter for the most part. Short passing really suits the way we're trying to play. We're trying to replicate Barcelona, after all.
- Defensive Style: High defensive approach works really well. You could go aggressive if you're losing, but I think this is a solid foundation.
Player Roles and Instructions
Let's break down the player roles, because these are pretty key to making this tactic tick.
- Goalkeeper: You'd ideally want a Sweeper Keeper to perfectly replicate Barcelona, but I need an icon keeper for chemistry. So, I'm using a keeper with the "Goalkeeper Plus Plus" playstyle.
- Fullbacks: This is probably the biggest departure from real-life Barca. They had Dani Alves and Jordi Alba in their prime. I'd rather have two attacking wingbacks. Unless you play a five-back, you'll get decimated. Wingbacks with good attacking stats work well. They'll get forward a bit, but they're defensive enough that you won't get completely caught out. I tried false backs, but they don't work very well in this game.
- If you have a "Fullback Plus Plus" or "Wingback Plus Plus" playstyle, use it. But don't use "Stay Back While Attacking" on your fullbacks.
- Defenders: You need at least one "Defender Plus Plus" playstyle. I don't like "Stopper." The ball-playing defender is crucial.
- Ball-Playing Center Back: I like to have someone ball-playing in the build-up. They get involved in the build-up, get forward, and help you get out of the press. Just don't lose the ball if they're pushed up.
- Midfield: This is where the magic happens, the heart of the Barca style.
- Holding Midfielder: The Sergio Busquets role. Perfect for a player with good defensive stats.
- Deep-Lying Playmaker: The Xavi role. This is the playmaker on this game. The trinity of the holding midfielder, the deep-lying playmaker, and the roaming playmaker works really well, constantly giving you options.
- Playmaker (Roaming): This player is everywhere, getting involved in everything.
- Inside Forwards: I wanted a free-flowing, tiki-taka style with lots of movement. The roaming on the inside forwards works really well. They cover everything. You get lots of options with the midfield.
- Striker: I tried a false nine for a while, and it was good at times, but not consistent. You need some sort of outlet.
- Advanced Forward: Having one striker who's fairly strong on the ball is pretty good on this game.
In-Game Examples and Gameplay
You'll see in the clips that the press is crazy. The midfield is constantly giving lots of options. The inside forwards are always a cut-back option. The press is very hard to play against. You have to be patient at times, but it does have counter-attacking options as well. The inside forwards on "Roaming" will make lots of space in behind.