Alright, let's dive into this 4-3-3 (4) tactic, yeah? This is the one with the CAM and the two central midfielders – it's like a more attacking version of the 4-2-1-3. We're going to be using custom tactics, because, let's be real, who uses the FC presets? Cautious, Direct Play? Nah, we're going custom all the way.
Formation and Buildup
So, the formation is the 4-3-3 (4) attack. Now, for the buildup style, you'll notice I usually go with balanced. It's my go-to for most formations. But with this 4-3-3 (4), I've actually been experimenting with counter on the buildup style. Yeah, you heard that right! I've been testing it out, and I gotta say, counter is looking really, really good. With this formation, since we don't have CDMs, we need a little extra defensive support.
Defensive Approach
Now, for the defensive approach, you've got a few options.
- Option 1 (Recommended): 95 line height with aggressive. This is what I recommend for everyone. It's just so meta and broken with the 4-3-3 (4).
- Option 2 (If you struggle defensively): 70 line height (high)
- Option 3 (If you struggle defensively): 50 line height (balanced)
Let me know in the comments if you tweak these settings! I'm always keen to hear what you guys are doing.
Player Roles
Let's get into the player roles, yeah?
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack. This is your bread and butter for a one-striker formation. Poacher is also a good option. I don't like Target Forward at all.
- Left Winger & Right Winger: Inside Forward and Roam. Think of players like Salah and Mané in their prime Liverpool days. They're cutting inside, getting goals, getting assists. Roam allows them to exploit defensive gaps. You'll see them come a bit shorter, which creates space for the CAM.
- CAM: Playmaker and Buildup. I like this because we already have a front three. I don't really need Shadow Striker, even though it's amazing. Playmaker and Buildup makes the CAM drop deeper to get the ball and orchestrate the attack.
- Central Midfielders: Deep Line Playmaker and Defend. Normally, I'd put them on Buildup, but these are central midfielders, not CDMs. I don't want them venturing forward too much, so Deep Line Playmaker and Defend keeps them in position. If you want one to help in attack, Box to Box is a good option.
- Fullbacks: Fullback and Defend. I hate using this, but it's necessary. With the 4-2-1-3 meta running rampant, we can't have overlapping fullbacks. We'll get destroyed on the transition.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend. I've never really experimented with anything different. Ball Playing Defender can sometimes lead to them pushing too high up.
- Goalkeeper: Balanced. This means the keeper will occasionally leave their area to collect long or loose balls.
And there you have it, the 4-3-3 (4) custom tactics.