4-2-3-1 DM Wide Tactic

4_2_3_1_dm_wide

custom

positive

clean_slate

Players

1

3

BALL_PLAYING_GOALKEEPER

SWEEPER_KEEPER

2

4

BALL_PLAYING_CENTRE_BACK

CENTRE_BACK

2

1

WING_BACK

FULL_BACK

3

2

DEEP_LYING_PLAYMAKER

PRESSING_DEFENSIVE_MIDFIELDER

3

4

DEFENSIVE_MIDFIELDER

PRESSING_DEFENSIVE_MIDFIELDER

5

3

ADVANCED_PLAYMAKER

ATTACKING_MIDFIELDER

5

1

INSIDE_FORWARD

WINGER

5

5

WIDE_FORWARD

WINGER

6

3

CENTRE_FORWARD

CENTRE_FORWARD

2

2

BALL_PLAYING_CENTRE_BACK

CENTRE_BACK

2

5

FULL_BACK

FULL_BACK

In possession

standard

higher

standard

counter_attack

balanced

less_often

keep_ball_in_play

standard

balanced

balanced

balanced

balanced

balanced

balanced

play_through_press

short

balanced

centre_backs

left

balanced

Out of possession

high_press

higher

step_up_more

much_more_often

counter_press

standard

yes

balanced

balanced

balanced

Key strengths

Coherent high-press and counter-press package

High Press, Much More Often Trigger Press and Counter-Press work together to win the ball high, and the Counter-Attack transition turns those wins into quick attacks.

Pressing Defensive Midfielders at [3,2] and [3,4] plus Winger roles out of possession at [5,1] and [5,5] give the press bodies in midfield and wide areas.

Secure build-up from the back

Ball-Playing Goalkeeper, two Ball-Playing Centre-Backs and a Deep-Lying Playmaker give several passing outlets. Play Through Press and Centre-Backs distribution fit that profile.

Ball-Playing Goalkeeper at [1,3], Ball-Playing Centre-Back at [2,4] and [2,2], Deep-Lying Playmaker at [3,2].

Conflicting tactics

Higher tempo with Play Through Press and short goal kicks

Higher Tempo and Counter-Attack push the team to rush, while Play Through Press and Short goal kicks ask for patient, technical build-up. Rushed passes under pressure at the back can cause dangerous turnovers.

Ball-Playing Centre-Back at [2,2] and Deep-Lying Playmaker at [3,2] are asked to play out under pressure.

Counter-Attack with a possession-oriented build-up

Counter-Attack wants direct, fast attacks, but the Deep-Lying Playmaker and Advanced Playmaker are slower, short-passing roles.

Deep-Lying Playmaker at [3,2] and Advanced Playmaker at [5,3].

Risk exposures

Space behind a high line

A Higher defensive line with Step Up More leaves space behind for direct balls if the press is beaten.

Centre-Back at [2,4] and [2,2] hold the line behind the press.

high

Thin midfield cover when the press is beaten

Both defensive midfielders press, and the Advanced Playmaker has no role in protecting the middle, so there is gappy cover in front of the defence.

Pressing Defensive Midfielder at [3,2] and [3,4], Attacking Midfielder at [5,3].

high

Role synergies

Ball-Playing Goalkeeper + Ball-Playing Centre-Backs

They give a safe passing platform that suits Centre-Backs distribution.

Ball-Playing Goalkeeper [1,3], Ball-Playing Centre-Back [2,4]

Wing-Back + Inside Forward on the left

The Inside Forward drifts inside and the Wing-Back overlaps into the vacated space, which matches Overlap Left.

Wing-Back [2,1], Inside Forward [5,1]

Suggested questions

Do your centre-backs have the pace to cope with a Higher line?

Are your players fit enough for constant pressing?

Do you prefer a patient build-up or fast direct attacks?

This is an aggressive pressing system with a strong passing base from the back, but the Higher line, Much More Often pressing and Counter-Press leave it exposed when the press is beaten. Its fast tempo also clashes with the patient build-up. Trimming the trigger press, tempo and line height should keep the intensity while improving control and stability.

Phase description

Short build-up through the goalkeeper and centre-backs, then quick attacks through the playmakers to the wide forwards and striker.

Immediate counter-press to win the ball back quickly, with a high line stepping up behind it.

A high-intensity press to win the ball high and attack quickly.