Alright lads, Team of the Season is underway, and if you're like me, you're chasing those insane red cards. I've used a lot of tactics this year, but this is my absolute favorite formation and its variation. Let's dive in!
Formation and Tactics: The 4-2-3-1 Wide
This is my go-to, the 4-2-3-1 wide. It's my "4-2-1-3 killer," designed to counter those who use the 4-2-1-3. In my opinion, it's the best for the job.
- Build Up Play: I've been using short passing a lot. If you want to slow the game down and focus on possession, this is the way to go. However, balanced is still the best option, especially if you want to transition quickly. It gives you a nice balance between building up and hitting on the counter.
- Defensive Approach: High 70 depth. You can go to 95 if you're feeling it, but 70 is perfect for me.
Player Instructions
Let's get into the player roles, lads:
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper and Balanced. I've used both Goalkeeper and Sweeper Keeper. Use whatever your keeper is best at. If they have Sweeper Plus or Plus+, use that. If they just have Goalkeeper Plus or Plus, use that. A lot of the keepers released now have both, so choose what you prefer.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend. Always. We're aiming for those top ranks in Weekend League, and this is crucial. Especially if your center backs don't have relentless, they'll get knackered and out of position if they're on anything other than Defender and Defend. You want a solid, continuous back two.
- Fullbacks: Balanced. Don't worry too much if they don't get forward aggressively unless you trigger runs. If you're more comfortable defending with Fullback Defend, that's fine too. Balanced gives you more wide support and an out ball when you lose possession.
- CDMs: Deep Lying Playmaker and Build Up. I love it when my CDMs get involved in the play. They'll get up the pitch, but their main job is in front of the center backs. They'll be there to help you defend. When going forward, they'll be closer to the edge of the box for those through balls and to set up your shadow striker.
- Left Mid and Right Mid: Inside Forward and Balanced. I love Inside Forward for this. If the middle is too congested, you can switch one to Winger. Winger is great on any wide player because it stretches the play. Because my fullbacks are on Balanced, I allow both my left and right mids to be on Inside Forward. If I had both fullbacks on Fullback Defend, I'd put one of the wide mids on Winger. Otherwise, you create no width.
- CAM (Center CAM): Shadow Striker. As the name suggests, they play in the hole behind the striker. You need this player to be clinical. I'm using a Dama. Prioritize passing play styles. Incisive Pass and Tiki Taka are the top two in my opinion for this position. Treat them like any other striker. Having someone like a Neymar is insane. If you've got Low Driven and Finesse Shot Plus, that's going to help you out a lot.
- Striker: Advanced Forward. The support function affects their stamina a little, but I always sub my striker off anyway. The support helps put more AI press on their backline and they make more intelligent runs, finding space better.
Pros and Cons and General Gameplay
This is my favorite formation in the game, and it's hard to find cons.
- Pros:
- You can make it as aggressive as you like.
- If you like to build up slow, use short passing.
- If you want to move faster, go balanced and counterattack.
- The two CDMs are elite tier.
- The left and right mids offer lots of passing options.
- CDMs on Build Up will constantly look to show feet when you turn over the ball.
- Cons:
- If you love counter-attacking, this isn't the fastest formation.
- If you rush it, your striker can be isolated.
Player Selection
Here's who you want in each position:
- Center Backs: Lengthy center backs are super important. You want really fast players in defense, especially with the speed boost in the game.
- CDMs: Because you want them in your buildup, you need them to be good on the ball. They also need to be able to defend.
- CAM: Needs to play like a striker. Use a CAM that can create and operate like a striker.
- Striker: Use your favorite striker.
- Left Mid and Right Mid: You want passing play styles and tons of pace. Passing play styles are essential because you'll get lots of through balls and passes down the line. They also need to be able to shoot.