TacticsPlayersGuides
    About UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsDisclaimer

    Built by someone who had too much extra time on their hands after FM 25 was cancelled

    A product by2nd Foundry2nd Foundry
    1. Home
    2. Tactics
    3. Control Possession 4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide (Positive) Tactic

    Control Possession 4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide (Positive) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Custom Control Possession
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide
    Team Fluidity:Fluid

    In Possession

    Shorter Passing
    Play Out Of Defense
    Work Ball Into Box
    Overlap Left
    Overlap Right
    Slightly Lower Tempo

    In Transition

    Take Short Kicks
    Distribute to Centre-Backs
    Counter-Press

    Out of Possession

    Mid Block
    More Often Prevent Short GK Distribution

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:4-2
    Description:Solid back four with two midfielders providing defensive cover.
    Evidence:DM-D at [3,3] and BWM-S at [4,4] help maintain structure.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:4-3
    Description:Dynamic attacking formation with versatile players allowing fluid movement.
    Evidence:Inside Forwards (IF-A at [6,2] and [6,4]) and Advanced Playmaker (AP-S at [5,3]).

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Utilizes width through wing-backs and inside forwards to exploit space while creating overloads.

    Defensive Transition

    Transitions into a compact shape, aimed to reclaim possession quickly through counter-pressing.

    Main Focus

    Combination play in the midfield and exploitation of wide areas.

    Key Strengths

    Fluid Attack

    The attacking structure allows for fluidity, enabling players to interchange positions and create space.

    Midfield Control

    Strong midfield presence with a balance of defensive and offensive roles aids ball retention.

    Strong Wing Play

    Utilizing wing-backs and forwards maximizes width and stretch opponents.

    Conflicting Directions

    Mid-Block Challenges

    A mid-block may struggle against high-tempo teams that press consistently.

    Vulnerability to Counter

    The emphasis on attacking play can leave the defense exposed during transitions.

    Overreliance on Width

    Relying heavily on the flanks may result in a lack of penetration through central areas.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Adjust Pressing Intensity

    Consider increasing pressing when out of possession to regain the ball quickly.

    Utilize Central Players

    Encourage the Advanced Playmaker to engage directly with the strikers for better combinations.

    Depth on the Bench

    Ensure squad rotation allows players to rest without compromising performance.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    01:36 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide Formation

    Fluid

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide Formation

    Gegenpress

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide Formation

    Vertical Tiki-Taka

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide Formation

    Custom

    Guides for this formation

    The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 DM AM Wide: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.

    Player pairings

    Midfield Pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2

    Double pivots and flat pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2: when each pairing works, when it collapses, and the AMC unicorn that rescues both.

    Read guide
    Playing styles

    Gegenpressing: A Full Guide

    Klopp-style gegenpressing in FM, including squad profile, line-and-press pairing, sustainable workload, and the antipatterns to avoid.

    Read guide