Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:CUSTOM
Mentality:Positive
Formation:4-2-3-1 DM Wide
Team Fluidity:Highly Structured
In Possession
Pass Into Space
Play Out Of Defence
Low Crosses
Distribute Quickly
Be More Expressive
Higher Tempo
In Transition
Take Short Kicks
Distribute To Full-Backs
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of Possession
Much Higher Defensive Line
High Press
Much More Often Prevent Short GK Distribution
Get Stuck In
Step Up More
Team Shape Without Ball
Shape:4-2-3-1
Description:Structured compact shape with a high defensive line and proactive pressing.
Evidence:The use of 'High Press' and 'Much Higher Defensive Line' is evidenced by the defensive duties for BPDs and the role of the DM.
Team Shape With Ball
Shape:4-3-3
Description:Dynamic forward structure with room for movement and support from wide areas.
Evidence:The attack formation of 'Inside Forwards' and 'Pressing Forward' indicates a high attacking intent.
Phase Description
Attacking Play
Focus on quick combinations and exploiting spaces with strikers and inside forwards.
Defensive Transition
Quick recovery through counter-pressing to regain possession as soon as it is lost.
Main Focus
Playing out from the back to utilize pace and depth through wide players.
Key Strengths
Dynamic Attack
The forward line consists of Inside Forwards and a Pressing Forward which creates multiple layers of attack.
Ball Possession
Controlled possession through deep-lying playmaker and versatile midfielders enables building up plays.
Wide Play
Wing-Backs provide width and support attacking plays, allowing inside forwards to cut inside.
Conflicting Directions
High Defensive Line vs. Counter-Attacks
The high defensive line might lead to vulnerability against pacey counter-attacks.
Fluidity vs. Structure
Highly structured setup could lead to static play without sufficient movement off the ball.
Pressing vs. Transition Spaces
Aggressive pressing could create spaces behind the defensive line when the ball is lost.
Tactical Suggestions
Adjust Defensive Line
Consider reducing the height of the defensive line to mitigate susceptibility to counters.
Increase Team Fluidity
Slightly increasing team fluidity can encourage more spontaneous movement among attackers.
Defensive Rotation
Incorporate player rotation in midfield to maintain pressure and cover gaps while defending.
Ask Questions About Your Lineup
Related Tactics
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