Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:Gegenpress
Mentality:Positive
Formation:4-2-3-1 DM Wide
Team Fluidity:Structured
In Possession
Shorter Passing
Pass Into Space
Play Out Of Defence
Low Crosses
In Transition
Take Short Kicks
Distribute To Centre-Backs
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of Possession
Higher Defensive Line
High Press
Much More Often
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Get Stuck In
Step Up More
Team Shape Without Ball
No team shape without ball data available
Team Shape With Ball
No team shape with ball data available
Key Strengths
Pressing Intensity
The gegenpress style allows for high pressing intensity, creating quick turnover opportunities in the opponent's half.
Creative Midfield
The combination of an advanced playmaker and inside forwards enables fluid creativity and tactical flexibility in attacking transitions.
Width Utilization
The use of wing-backs and inside forwards enhances width, allowing for stretching the opponent's defensive lines.
Effective Counterpressing
The counter-press strategy ensures that the team retains pressure immediately after losing possession, increasing the chances of regaining the ball.
Conflicting Directions
Defensive Line Height
A higher defensive line may conflict with the ball-winning midfielder's role, risking space behind for faster attackers.
Short Passing with High Press
While shorter passing promotes possession, it may reduce the effectiveness of the high press as the team could be slower to react.
Wing-Back Defensive Duties
Wing-backs on defend duties may limit attacking thrust, reducing the width that is critical in a gegenpress.
Inside Forward Roles Versus Winger Roles
Utilizing two inside forwards may crowd the attack rather than utilizing the width effectively, potentially leading to compactness.
Tactical Suggestions
Adjust Defensive Line
Consider lowering the defensive line to mitigate the risk of being countered after pressing high.
Implement a More Flexible Passing Approach
Introduce a mixed passing strategy to balance possession while still maintaining the high tempo style.
Change Wing-Backs to Attack Duties
Switching at least one of the wing-backs to an attacking role could enhance width and create more overlapping opportunities.
Utilize a Target Man
Including a target man in place of the complete forward could add another dimension to the attack, especially when playing long balls to bypass pressing.
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