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    Built by someone who had too much extra time on their hands after FM 25 was cancelled

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    3. 4-2-3-1 Wide (Positive) Tactic

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

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Vertical Tiki-Taka (User-defined)
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
    Team Fluidity:Fluid

    In Possession

    Short passing
    Focus play down the flanks
    Get ball to feet

    In Transition

    Counter-press
    Hold shape

    Out of Possession

    Higher defensive line
    More aggressive pressing

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:4-2-3-1
    Description:Standard defensive shape with wing-backs providing width and support.
    Evidence:Two banks of four with wing-backs at [2,2] and [2,4] aiding transition.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:4-2-3-1
    Description:Attacking flow with inside forwards cutting in and a central attacker pressing forward.
    Evidence:Inside Forwards at [6,2] and [6,4] creating goalscoring opportunities.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Dominates possession through short passes and positional rotation, aiming to exploit spaces in defense.

    Defensive Transition

    Quick turnover to regain possession while maintaining spacing.

    Main Focus

    Utilize width through wing-backs while maintaining fluidity in the midfield.

    Key Strengths

    Possession Retention

    The tactic prioritizes maintaining possession through short, precise passing.

    Attacking Width

    Wing-backs provide essential width, opening channels for inside forwards.

    Fluid Movement

    Players interchange positions effectively, confusing defenses.

    Conflicting Directions

    Too Many Inside Forwards

    Over-reliance on inside forwards can lead to congestion in the center.

    High Line Risk

    Maintaining a high defensive line can expose against fast attackers.

    Lack of Defensive Coverage

    Insufficient cover in midfield may invite pressure.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Introduce a Defensive Midfielder

    Add a DM to stabilize midfield and support the defense.

    Adjust Wing-Back Duties

    Consider changing one WBs to 'Defend' to maintain balance.

    Broaden Tactic Instructions

    Implement more flexible passing and movement to alleviate congestion.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    04:09 AM

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    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.

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