Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:Custom
Mentality:Attacking
Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
Team Fluidity:Flexible
In Possession
Much Shorter Passing
Pass Into Space
Play Out of Defense
Low Crosses
Run At Defense
Work Ball Into Box
Be More Disciplined
Slightly Higher Tempo
Fairly Narrow
In Transition
Distribute to Full-Backs
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of Possession
Higher Defensive Line
High Press
Much More Often
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Get Stuck In
Team Shape Without Ball
Shape:Defensive Block
Description:The defensive shape is compact with a higher defensive line that aims to keep pressure on the opposition.
Evidence:Higher Defensive Line with 'Get Stuck In' indicating aggressive defending.
Team Shape With Ball
Shape:Width through Wings
Description:The attack employs width through the wing-backs and inside forwards to stretch the opponent.
Evidence:Winger (Am) At [6,5] and Inside Forward (Attacking Midfielder) At [6,1] create width while the Complete Forward centrally occupies defenders.
Phase Description
Attacking Play
In possession, the tactic focuses on short passing with an emphasis on attacking play through the wings and exploiting spaces.
Defensive Transition
In transition, the team utilizes counter-pressing to quickly regain possession.
Main Focus
The main focus is to fluidly transition between defense and attack while utilizing wing play and challenging the opposing backline.
Key Strengths
Wing Play
Utilizing wide players creates space and options in attack.
Possession Retention
Much shorter passing with a focus on playing out from defense helps maintain possession.
Counter-Pressing
Efficient recovery of possession after losing the ball.
Conflicting Directions
Higher Defensive Line vs Lower Back Line
Opposition teams that use fast counter-attacks may exploit the higher defensive line.
Short Passing vs Long Balls
Teams that switch play with direct long balls may bypass midfield.
Aggressive Press vs Physical Teams
Teams that match physicality could overpower the pressing players.
Tactical Suggestions
Adjust Defensive Line
Consider varying the defensive line to mitigate counter-attack threats.
Incorporate More Width
Utilize wing-backs more actively to provide additional width in attack.
Adapt Counter-Pressing
Reduce pressing intensity against teams with quick transitions.
Ask Questions About Your Lineup
Related 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.
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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