Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:Counter
Mentality:Contain
Formation:4-2-3-1
Team Fluidity:Balanced
In Possession
Wide play with Wingers providing width and stretching the defence.
Slow passing tempo allows for careful build-up.
In Transition
Countering quickly when possession is regained.
Out of Possession
Defensive shape focuses on maintaining compactness.
Use of balanced pressing to regain possession without overcommitting.
Team Shape Without Ball
Shape:Compact
Description:Defenders maintaining their positions while midfielders drop back to help defend.
Evidence:Flat 4 with BWM covering central areas.
Team Shape With Ball
Shape:Fluid
Description:Wingers stretching the play and the target forward acting as a pivot for the attack.
Evidence:Winger and Inside Forward create space for AM and TF to attack.
Phase Description
Attacking Play
Utilizing wingers and central attacking midfielder to create space and scoring opportunities.
Defensive Transition
Quickly shifting to a compact formation when possession is lost.
Main Focus
Exploiting wide areas and quick counters.
Key Strengths
Wide Play
Utilizing wide players allows for stretching the opposition's defence.
Solid Midfield Control
BWM and DLP combination allows for both defensive solidity and creative play.
Effective Counter-Attacking
Teams can quickly transition from defence to attack.
Conflicting Directions
Narrow Width vs. Winger Usage
Using a narrow team width may reduce the effectiveness of the wingers when attacking.
Slow Tempo with High Pressure
A slow passing tempo may conflict with a desire to press high up the pitch.
Contain Mentally in Countering
Scoring while planning to contain can lead to inconsistent attacking performances.
Tactical Suggestions
Adjust Team Width
Expanding the width could enhance wingers' effectiveness.
Increase Passing Tempo
A faster passing tempo may aid in quicker transitions.
Shift Mentality
Consider using a more attacking mentality to better support counter plays.
Ask Questions About Your Lineup
Related Tactics
More Counter tactics
Guides for this formation
The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1: 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