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. Fluid Counter-Attack 4-2-3-1 DM Wide (Balanced) Tactic

    Fluid Counter-Attack 4-2-3-1 DM Wide (Balanced) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Custom Fluid Counter-Attack
    Mentality:Balanced
    Formation:4-2-3-1 DM Wide
    Team Fluidity:Fluid

    In Possession

    Pass Into Space
    Work Ball Into Box
    Play For Set Pieces
    Focus Play Down The Left
    Focus Play Down The Right

    In Transition

    Take Short Kicks
    Distribute To Full-Backs
    Counter

    Out of Possession

    Lower Defensive Line
    Mid Block
    Drop Off More

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:Compact 4-2-3-1
    Description:Defensive solidity with emphasis on team structure.
    Evidence:Lower Defensive Line and Mid Block with roles like BWM and DLP to control midfield.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:Fluid attacking 4-2-3-1
    Description:Utilizing key players to spread the attack and exploit wide spaces.
    Evidence:IFs on wings and an AM in the center to create diverse attacking threats.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Utilizing width through inside forwards and quick transitions.

    Defensive Transition

    Focus on retaining shape and quickly countering.

    Main Focus

    Counter-attacks supported by wide play and set pieces.

    Key Strengths

    Dynamic Wing Play

    Inside Forwards exploit width and cut inside, increasing goal threat.

    Midfield Control

    DLP aids in ball progression, while BWM provides defensive cover.

    Counter-Attacking Threat

    Quick transitions and direct play create goal-scoring opportunities.

    Conflicting Directions

    Weak Influence

    Some attackers may struggle to convert chances from wide positions.

    Over-Reliance on Width

    Team may become predictable if attacks are concentrated down flanks.

    BWM Exposure

    BWM duties may lead to gaps in midfield if outnumbered in certain scenarios.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Consider a Second DLP

    To enhance ball retention and ease transitions, having a second DLP could be beneficial.

    Adjust Player Duties

    Setting the IFs to Support roles may allow for additional link-up play and reduce isolation.

    Reassess Defensive Structure

    With a Mid Block, consider a more aggressive pressing strategy to regain possession.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    01:35 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide Formation

    Gegenpress

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide Formation

    Custom Gegenpress

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide Formation

    Positive

    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