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    5. 4-2-3-1 Wide (Positive) Tactic

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

    4-2-3-1 Wide

    Creating chances through central play and exploiting space with wingers. Effective use of a DLP-S at [4,3] enhances ball retention and distribution.

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

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    Formation and style

    Custom

    Positive

    4-2-3-1 Wide

    Flexible

    In possession

    Shorter Passing

    Play Out Of Defence

    Low Crosses

    Be More Expressive

    Focus Play Through The Middle

    Slightly Higher Tempo

    Fairly Narrow

    In transition

    Take Short Kicks

    Distribute To Centre-Backs

    Counter

    Counter-Press

    Out of possession

    Higher Defensive Line

    Mid Block

    Prevent Short GK Distribution

    Step Up More

    Player roles

    GK

    Sweeper Keeper

    Support

    DC

    Ball-Playing Defender

    Support

    DC

    Ball-Playing Defender

    Support

    WB

    Wing-Back

    Support

    CM

    Deep-Lying Playmaker

    Support

    CM

    Advanced Playmaker

    Support

    IW

    Inside Winger

    Attack

    AM

    Attacking Midfielder

    Support

    IW

    Inside Winger

    Attack

    CF

    Complete Forward

    Support

    Phase description

    Utilizing width through inside wingers and an attacking midfielder, creating central overloads.

    Focused on counter-pressing to regain possession quickly.

    Creating chances through central play and exploiting space with wingers.

    Team shape defence

    4-2

    Compact midfield supporting the defence while maintaining shape.

    Higher Defensive Line with Mid Block presence allows for organized defence.

    Team shape attack

    4-3

    Using width to stretch the opponent's defence, while central players create opportunities.

    Inside Wingers and Attacking Midfielder focusing play through the middle.

    Key strengths

    Midfield Control

    Effective use of a DLP-S at [4,3] enhances ball retention and distribution.

    Perrone as DLP-S supports transitions and builds play efficiently.

    Variety in Attack

    Utilizing IWs at [6,1] and [6,5] provides width and increases options in attacking zones.

    Diao and Strefezza can exploit defensive weaknesses using their pace.

    Conflicting tactics

    High Press vs Mid Block

    The team's choice of Mid Block may conflict with pressing strategies.

    Counter-Press may lose effectiveness if the team is too deep due to Mid Block.

    Exploit Width vs Central Play

    Inside Wingers create width but may restrict central progression.

    Tactical instructions suggest focusing play through the middle while utilizing width.

    Risk exposures

    Risk Exposures

    Items

    Defensive Midfield Vulnerability

    With only one dedicated defensive midfielder, the space left may be exploited.

    Caqueret as A-De at [4,4] may leave gaps when countered against.

    Wide Attack Exposure

    Dual inside wingers may pull defenders wide, creating gaps in midfield.

    Potential vulnerabilities reported from narrow formations in transition phases.

    Role synergies

    Role Synergies

    Items

    DLP-S with AM-S

    The synergy between a DLP and an AM opens up creative opportunities.

    Perrone at [4,3] can feed Nico Paz at [5,3] efficiently.

    IW-A providing width for CF-S

    The inside wingers can stretch defenses, creating space for Cutrone.

    Diao at [6,1] and Strefezza at [6,5] can help Cutrone at [6,3].

    Suggested questions

    How effective is the current Mid Block against strong attacking teams?

    Should the pressing intensity be adjusted depending on the opponent's style?

    What modifications can strengthen the defensive midfield presence?

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    See all 4-2-3-1 tactics

    Guides for this tactic

    The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 Wide: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.

    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
    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
    Foundations

    Wing Play vs Central Play

    Build through the wide areas or through the middle? A working framework for picking the right one for your squad.

    Read guide