Alright lads, since the new patch dropped for FC25, it's all about attack, attack, attack! This 4-4-1 formation gives you that attacking firepower while still keeping things solid at the back. Let's dive in!
Tactics
We're going with a Balanced build-up style. Forget the short passing we were using before Christmas. I do have a short passing tactic, and if you want to see my full tactic setup, it's in the previous video on the channel. But in general, balanced is the best.
Defensively, we've dropped the width to 50. The through balls are just overpowered right now. I was getting caught out more often than not with those over-the-top through balls or those incisive passes. They're tough to mark. I wouldn't recommend going below 50, and if you're comfortable with 60 or higher, go for it. But 50 is a good starting point.
Player Roles
Let's get into the player roles, lads.
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper. Use whatever role they have, whether it's Sweeper Keeper Plus or just Goalkeeper. You get better animations that way. I wouldn't be relying on your goalkeeper, especially post-patch, because shots just fly in. It's actually quite refreshing to be able to score goals in this game.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend. Touch them, and I will find you. You want them staying in that defensive area, especially post-patch. When you use Stopper or Ball Playing Defender, they step out, and that's not what you want. You want them marking runs and holding the center of the pitch. Play Styles are super important here. I love Intercept and Anticipate.
- Full Backs: Full Back, Defend. We've got so many bodies going forward, so many attacking options. We want to shore up the defense. As a starting formation, you want it to be solid and balanced. Having the defenders stay back is really nice. There have been a couple of EVO's, like the Pacy Protector, where you can give your fullbacks Plus Plus in Fullback and a few other roles, as well as decent stat grading and play styles. It's really worth doing.
- Left Central Midfielder: Hold and Ball Winning. They just don't move from this position. They're there to hold down the midfield. You want someone solid in the tackle. You want your best defensively-minded midfielder in this position. Defensive Play Styles are a must.
- Box-to-Box Midfielder: This player helps out defensively but pushes on into that gap between the CAM and the inside forward. They're going to show a passing option, which is good. You want them to be able to shoot and do a bit of everything.
- Right Inside Forward: Come Back on Defense. Her main job is supporting the striker. You want them to be good at passing. They're going to get isolated sometimes, so being able to get out of those situations is important.
- Left Midfielder: This creates width. Any formation where your fullbacks don't go forward, I recommend you have a winger. It gives you an out ball. They do come a bit deeper when defending, which is useful. But the main reason is to create width. You score plenty of goals with these players, too, because they'll pop up in the box. As you get closer to the opposition penalty area, they will come inside and help you out quite a lot.
- Center CAM: Playmaker and Balanced. I do like Ring as well because they'll cover this entire area, but for me at the moment I'm preferring having it balanced so they do a bit of everything. They kind of anchor down this central part and the link between your central midfielders and your left mid and right mid they kind of pull everything together so you really want some good passing play Styles in this slads.
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack.
Team Selection
Let's talk team selection, lads.
- Center Backs: Lengthy center backs are key. Anticipate and Intercept are the most important Play Styles.
- Full Backs: You want them to be good at everything. They can pass and dribble. Their main job is to pass out the back. Defensive Play Styles are important. Relentless on your fullbacks is a big win.
- Central Midfielders: They're not always the tallest, but that's okay.
- Substitutions: Don't undervalue bringing on subs. Stamina is so important. Tailor your subs to your team. Players that get tired, get them off. Players you want to switch up roles, like taking off a defensive midfielder for a more attacking player.