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. 4-2-3-1 Wide Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Balanced
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
    Team Fluidity:Structured

    In Possession

    Play out of Defence
    Be more expressive

    In Transition

    Counter
    Counter-Press

    Out of Possession

    Higher Line of Engagement
    Trigger Press More Often

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:Compact
    Description:The team adopts a compact shape that seeks to limit space for the opposition.
    Evidence:The use of a Ball-Winning Midfielder at DMCR and two solid centre-backs.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:Fluid Width
    Description:Utilizing the width provided by the inside forwards and full-backs for attacking play.
    Evidence:The presence of two Inside Forwards and overlapping Full-Backs helps stretch the opposition.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Focus on quick transitions and utilizing width through inside forwards.

    Defensive Transition

    Immediate pressing to regain possession after losing the ball.

    Main Focus

    Create scoring opportunities through overlapping full-backs and dribbling from the inside forwards.

    Key Strengths

    Midfield Control

    The combination of a Deep-Lying Playmaker and a Ball-Winning Midfielder in central areas provides both creativity and defensive cover.

    Width in Attack

    Employing Inside Forwards allows for a multi-directional attacking threat while maintaining width.

    Defensive Solidity

    A compact defensive unit that can limit the effective space for the opposition.

    Conflicting Directions

    Offensive Vulnerability with Inside Forwards

    While Inside Forwards provide attack, they may neglect defensive duties, leaving the full-backs exposed.

    DMCR's Role Limitations

    A Ball-Winning Midfielder's focus on retrieval might limit progressive passing options.

    Reliance on Full-Backs

    Dependence on full-backs for width could create issues if they are caught out of position.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Enhance Full-Back Support

    Encouraging overlapping runs from full-backs can create overloads on the flanks.

    Consider a Fluid Formation

    Switching to a more fluid formation such as 4-2-2-2 could provide additional attacking support.

    Utilize Counter-Attacking Opportunities

    Leverage the speed of inside forwards for counters, ensuring the midfield quickly transitions possession.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    04:09 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Direct 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Direct

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Balanced 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Balanced

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Gegenpress

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Custom Gegenpress

    See all 4-2-3-1 tactics

    Guides for this formation

    The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 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