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. Vertical Tiki-Taka 4-2-3-1 Wide (Positive) Tactic

    Vertical Tiki-Taka 4-2-3-1 Wide (Positive) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Custom Vertical Tiki-Taka
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
    Team Fluidity:Structured

    In Possession

    Shorter Passing
    Pass Into Space
    Run At Defence
    Work Ball Into Box
    Play For Set Pieces
    Fairly Wide

    In Transition

    Distribute To Centre-Backs
    Distribute To Full-Backs
    Counter
    Counter-Press

    Out of Possession

    Higher Line of Engagement
    Much More Often

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:4-2
    Description:Defensive posture encourages pressure while maintaining a solid back line.
    Evidence:Two deep-lying midfielders (DLP-D at [4,3], CM at [4,4]) provide stability.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:4-3
    Description:Dynamic attacking shape with width and central overloads to break defensive lines.
    Evidence:Inside Forward (IF-A at [5,2]) and Inverted Winger (IW-Su at [5,4]) stretch the play.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Utilizing wide plays and quick passing to exploit spaces behind the defense.

    Defensive Transition

    Rapid counter-pressing to regain possession immediately upon losing the ball.

    Main Focus

    Creating chances through patient buildup and exploiting wide areas.

    Key Strengths

    Fluid Midfield Movement

    The combination of Advanced Playmaker and Central Midfielder allows for fluid transitions in attack.

    Wide Threats

    Utilization of width through the Wing Back and Inverted Winger opens up space in central areas.

    Defensive Structure

    A solid backline supported by a Deep-Lying Playmaker helps maintain defensive stability.

    Conflicting Directions

    Counter-Pressing vs. Positive Mentality

    Aiming to counter-press may contradict a positive mentality focused on buildup.

    Wide Playing for Central Goals

    While wide play is emphasized, the tactical setup needs to balance this with enough central presence.

    Deep-Lying Playmaker Role

    DLP may limit pace when transitioning forward in a fast-paced attack.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Increase Aggressiveness in Midfield

    Consider transitioning one of the central midfielders to a more defensive role to better protect the back line.

    Utilize Tiki-Taka Efficiently

    Enhance the possession play by ensuring all players understand when to make underlapping runs.

    Improve Central Pressing

    Adopt a more aggressive pressing strategy centrally to thrive on opponents' mistakes.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    01:36 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Attacking

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Balanced

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Positive

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Attacking

    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