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 (Attacking) Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide (Attacking) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:User-defined
    Mentality:Attacking
    Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
    Team Fluidity:Flexible

    In Possession

    Focus play down the left
    Work ball into box
    Lower tempo

    In Transition

    Counter-press
    Counter

    Out of Possession

    Higher defensive line
    More urgent pressing

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:Narrow
    Description:Team maintains a compact shape to limit space for opponents around the penalty area.
    Evidence:Higher defensive line combined with urgent pressing creates a densely packed midfield.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:Wide
    Description:Utilizes width through the wing-backs and inside forward to stretch the opposition.
    Evidence:Focus play down the left emphasizes attacks through Diaby and Wirtz's connections.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Focus on exploiting the left flank to create chances, utilizing the combination of Diaby and Wirtz.

    Defensive Transition

    Transition quickly to counter-attack when regaining possession.

    Main Focus

    Controlled build-up through the midfield, aiming to bypass the opposition's pressing.

    Key Strengths

    Exploit Flanks

    Using Diaby and the wing-backs allows for quick counters and overloads on the left.

    Midfield Control

    Strong presence in the midfield with the deep-lying playmaker and a balanced central midfielder.

    Dynamic Attacking Options

    Advanced Forward paired with an Attacking Midfielder enhances goal-scoring threats.

    Conflicting Directions

    Pressing Vulnerabilities

    High pressing may leave defensive gaps, especially on counter transitions.

    Wide Play Dependency

    While focusing on wide play, central attacks may be neglected, potentially becoming predictable.

    Central Midfield Weakness

    Limited coverage in the central areas can be exposed by teams with strong central presence.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Adjust Defensive Line

    Consider lowering the defensive line to avoid being exposed on quick counters.

    Incorporate Central Attacking Play

    Develop a strategy to utilize central players more effectively to create less predictable attacks.

    Introduce a Box-to-Box Midfielder

    Adding a box-to-box midfielder could enhance the transition and provide extra support in both defense and attack.

    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