*POST PATCH* THE BEST 4-4-2 HOLDING Player Role & Meta Custom Tactics for Elite Division & Champions

Alright, let's dive into the best custom tactics, play instructions, and player roles for the 4-4-2 formation in FC25, specifically the second variation with two incredible CDMs. This setup is designed to make your defense rock solid.

Formation and General Tactics

The 4-4-2 is a solid choice in FC25, but a common weakness is the CMs pushing up too far, leaving gaps at the back. The 4-2-1-3 is a top formation in FC25, partly because of the CDM position. By applying the right roles and instructions to your CDMs in the 4-4-2, you can keep them back, eliminate defensive gaps, and concede fewer goals in Champions and Division Rivals.

We're essentially blending the strengths of the 4-2-1-3 with the 4-4-2 (second variation). Before you even start, make sure you have a full chemistry squad (33/33). Then, in Team Management, select a new tactic for the 4-4-2 (second variation).

For the Tactical Preset, choose Custom.

• Build Up Play: Counter. Short passing is not recommended. Counter makes your offensive players aggressively run towards the opponent's penalty box, perfect for through balls and lobbed through balls. This is key to success in FC25.
• Defensive Approach: 70. We'll discuss the aggressive 95 option later.

Player Instructions and Roles

Let's break down the player instructions and roles for the best defense and attack from minute one.

• Center Backs:

  • Role: Defender. Keep them in their default positions, covering the space in front of the penalty box.
  • Focus: Defend.

• Left Back & Right Back:

  • Role: Fullback. This is crucial to keep your defenders at the back.
  • Focus: Defend.

• CDMs:

  • CDM 1:
    • Role: Holding.
    • Focus: Defend. This keeps them close to the center backs.
  • CDM 2:
    • Role: Holding.
    • Focus: Ball Winning. This CDM will be more involved in the build-up play, providing through balls and long balls.

• Strikers:

  • Role: Advanced Forward.
  • Focus: Stay Central.

• Left Midfielder & Right Midfielder:

  • Role: Inside Forward.
  • Focus: Cut Inside. Crossing isn't meta in FC25. Inside forwards create more scoring opportunities with long shots, trivelas, and one-twos with the strikers.

• Goalkeeper:

  • Role: Sweeper Keeper.
  • Focus: Build Up Play. This makes the goalkeeper's runs more aggressive.

Aggressive Tactics

Use these tactics from the start of the match. However, if you struggle to create chances or your opponent is applying a lot of pressure, consider boosting the Defensive Approach to 95 after the 30th or 40th minute, or even in the second half. This will make your players extremely aggressive all over the field, creating more goal-scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

This 4-4-2 (second variation) setup keeps your CDMs close to the center backs, improving your defense. If you love the 4-2-1-3 but prefer the 4-4-2, this is the way to go.