Alright Lads, here's the best post-patch custom tactic setup I've been using in FC25. I'll even show you 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 play. Some players need to be versatile to fit these formations nicely.
- Your two CDMs: They need the ability to play defensive midfield. Players like Patrick Vieira and Valverde are perfect for this. You want them to be technical in midfield, able to pass, dribble, and shoot, but also capable defensively when they drop back.
- The CAM: This is based on my 4-4-1-1, by the way. 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 in this.
- 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
This is the formation I go into first. I feel most comfortable with it this year, and I think it provides really good depth for pressing, as well as not being overcommitted 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.
- 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 and assists)
- Right Mid: Inside Forward, Unbalanced
- Left Mid: Wide Playmaker
- CAM: Playmaker
- Striker: Advanced Forward
Tactic 2: The 4-2-1-3
This is the one I go into if my 4-4-1-1 is feeling a bit ineffective, if I'm not creating much. It's arguably the most OP formation in the game. My version uses false backs, so they step up into midfield and support. I find the CDMs get a bit lonely, and you're quite stuck for passing options, especially if you're on fullback defend.
- Fullbacks: False Back and Defend
- Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend
- CDMs: Deep Line Playmaker and Defend
- CAM: Balanced and Playmaker
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack
- Wingers: Inside Forward and Balanced. You can also use Run on this as well.
Tactic 3: The Flat 5 Midfield
This is for when I'm not getting much domination or control in midfield. It helps me regain possession and stop losing the ball in silly areas. Sometimes you just need that defensive midfield.
- Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend
- Fullbacks: Fullback and Defend
- Center CDM: Holding
- 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
Tactic 4: The 4-2-3-1
I use this formation for seeing out games. It's the most solid defensively in the game at the minute, and you just get that little bit extra control with the CDM, as well as the left and right mids helping out for passing options.
- Fullbacks: False Back and Defend
- Defensive Approach: Balanced, 50 depth. We're not looking to go forward.
- Roles:
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend
- CDMs: Deep Line Playmaker and Defend (left CDM), Holding and Defend (right CDM)
- Left Mid: Inside Forward and Balanced
- 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.