Alright Lads, here's the best post-patch custom tactic setup I've been using in FC25. I'll even break down the best players to use in each position. Let's get into it!
Player Selection and Positional Flexibility
First things first, let's talk about the types of players you need and where they should be playing. Some players need to be versatile to fit nicely into these formations.
- Your two CDM's: They need to be able to play defensive midfield. Players like Patrick Guaro and Valverde are perfect for this. You want them to be a bit more technical in midfield, able to pass, dribble, and shoot. It's important they can defend when they drop back.
- The CAM: This is based on my 4-4-1-1, the CAM needs to be able to play center mid as well. Someone like Patelles, or maybe you're using that new Zidane that came out, will work perfectly.
- Left and Right Mids: Both need to be able to play on the wing. Your right mid needs to play right wing, and your left mid needs to play left wing. I know most players can play both, but there are a few that can't.
- Fullbacks: It's nice to have false backs, as one of the formations uses false back, CDM holding, and deep playmaker.
Tactic 1: The 4-4-1-1 - A Balanced Starting Point
This is the formation I go into first. I feel most comfortable with it this year, and it provides good depth for pressing without overcommitting in midfield. It's a really nice balanced starting point.
- Build Up Play: Balanced
- Defensive Approach: 61 depth. I've dropped my depth since the patch because it's easier to play in behind defenses now. If you're more comfortable at 50, definitely use that.
- Player Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender (same for all tactics)
- Fullbacks: Fullback and Defend
- CDM (Left): Holding
- CDM (Right): Box to Box (get forward and chip in with goals/assists) - Valverde or Guaro would be perfect here.
- Right Mid: Inside Forward, Unbalanced
- Left Mid: Wide Playmaker, but you can use both on inside forward if that suits your roles better.
- CAM: Playmaker
- Striker: Advanced Forward
Tactic 2: The 4-2-1-3 - The "OP" Formation
This is the one I go into if my 4-4-1-1 isn't creating much. It's arguably the most OP formation in the game. My version uses false backs. They step up into midfield and support, because I find the CDMs can get a bit lonely.
- Player Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend
- Fullbacks: False Back and Defend
- CDMs: Deep Line Playmaker and Defend
- CAM: Balanced and Playmaker
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack
- Wingers: Inside Forward and Balanced. I like to run on this as well, it means they're a little bit more out of position, but you get a bit more fluidity in your attacks.
Tactic 3: The 5-3-2 - Midfield Domination
When I'm not getting much control in midfield, I go into a flat five midfield. It helps me regain possession and stop losing the ball in silly areas. It doesn't lack when it comes to getting forward.
- Player Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend
- Fullbacks: Fullback and Defend
- Center CDM: Holding (anchor midfield)
- Left Center Mid: Playmaker and Attack
- Right Center Mid: Box to Box
- Left Mid: Inside Forward and Balanced
- Right Mid: Inside Forward and Balanced
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack. If the opponent is passing around the back a lot, I like to put support on the striker.
Tactic 4: The 4-2-3-1 - Seeing Out Games
I use this formation for seeing out games. It's the most solid defensively in the game at the minute, and you get that little bit extra control with the CDMs, as well as the left and right mids helping out for passing options.
- Defensive Approach: Balanced, 50 depth. We're not looking to go forward too much.
- Player Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend
- Fullbacks: False Back and Defend
- CDMs: Deep Line Playmaking and Defend (left CDM), Holding and Defend (right CDM)
- Left Mid: Inside Forward and Balance
- Right Mid: Wide Playmaker and Attack
- CAM: Balanced and Playmaker
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack
That's my full custom tactics rotation Lads! Four unbelievably solid rotations. I just find that they give me a different dynamic against all sorts of different opponents.