Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:Custom
Mentality:Positive
Formation:4-2-3-1 DM Wide
Team Fluidity:Flexible
In Possession
Shorter Passing
Pass Into Space
Play Out of Defence
Run At Defence
Higher Tempo
Fairly Wide
In Transition
Take Short Kicks
Distribute To Centre-Backs
Distribute To Full-Backs
Distribute Quickly
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of Possession
Higher Defensive Line
High Press
Much More Often
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Step Up More
Team Shape Without Ball
Shape:4-2
Description:Compact shape with a back four and two defensive midfielders providing additional protection.
Evidence:BWM-De at [3,2] and Volante at [3,3] support the two CBs.
Team Shape With Ball
Shape:4-3
Description:Attacking structure allows for width and support from wing-backs and two inside wingers.
Evidence:IW-Su at [6,1] and IW-At at [6,5] with AP-Su at [5,3].
Phase Description
Attacking Play
Utilizes width and movement to create space with the inside wingers and advanced forward leading the line.
Defensive Transition
Immediate pressing upon losing possession, with counter-pressing to regain the ball quickly.
Main Focus
Dominating possession while exploiting space and utilizing quick transitions.
Key Strengths
Width in Attack
Utilizing inside wingers and wing-backs provides ample space for the attacking forwards.
Pressing Strategy
High press ability can overwhelm opponents and recover the ball quickly.
Ball Recovery
BWM-De aids in immediate recovery of possession against opponents.
Conflicting Directions
Central Contraction
May struggle against compact teams that defend centrally, limiting space for inside wingers.
Vulnerability to Counter-Attacks
High defensive line may expose the team to fast-countering tactics.
Wide Vulnerability
Teams exploiting space behind the wing-backs can create goal-scoring opportunities.
Tactical Suggestions
Adjust Defensive Line
Consider lowering the defensive line to mitigate vulnerability against fast attackers.
Rotate Midfield Duties
Allowing the Volante to become a deeper creator may open more passing lanes.
Wider Play
Incorporate more width by adjusting IWs to Winger roles to stretch opposition defence.
Ask Questions About Your Lineup
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Guides for this formation
The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 DM 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