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. 4-3-3 Eli (Positive) Tactic

    4-3-3 Eli (Positive) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-3-3 Eli tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Custom
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-3-3 Eli
    Team Fluidity:Structured

    In Possession

    Shorter Passing
    Pass Into Space
    Play Out of Defence
    Low Crosses
    Run At Defence
    Work Ball Into Box
    Play For Set Pieces
    Higher Tempo

    In Transition

    Roll It Out
    Distribute To Centre-Backs
    Distribute Quickly
    Counter
    Counter-Press

    Out of Possession

    Higher Defensive Line
    High Press
    Prevent Short GK Distribution

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:Compact and structured
    Description:Employs a higher defensive line with a compact shape to press opponents effectively.
    Evidence:High Press and Higher Defensive Line instructions indicate an aggressive defensive posture.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:Fluid attacking shape with width
    Description:Inside Wingers stretch the play, while the central midfielders provide support for quick combinations.
    Evidence:Roles of Inside Wingers (IW-A) and Advanced Forward (AF-A) facilitate fluid attacking pathways.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Focused on width with Inside Wingers creating space for overlapping full-backs and an advanced forward making runs into the box.

    Defensive Transition

    The Half Back offers defensive cover while the team looks to counter-press quickly after losing possession.

    Main Focus

    Utilizing shorter passing and quick transitions to exploit space effectively.

    Key Strengths

    Effective Wide Play

    Utilization of Inside Wingers creates space and options for overlapping wing-backs.

    Ball Distribution from Defence

    Ball-Playing Defenders can initiate play from the back while the Half Back shields the defence.

    High Press Setup

    A high press supported by a compact defensive line can put pressure on the opponent's build-up.

    Conflicting Directions

    Potential Overcommitment in Attack

    With two Inside Wingers and an Advanced Forward, the team may leave gaps in the midfield.

    Vulnerability to Counter-attacks

    A high defensive line could leave the team exposed to quick transitions from the opponent.

    Dependency on Wing Play

    Heavy reliance on wide players could become predictable without central penetration.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Introduce Central Playmaker

    Adding a Deep-Lying Playmaker could bolster central control, allowing for distribution to the wings.

    Consider Lower Defensive Line

    Reducing the defensive line height could help mitigate vulnerability to counters.

    Balance Wing and Central Attacks

    Encouraging central movements from midfielders might diversify attacking options.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    04:09 AM

    See all 4-3-3 tactics

    Guides for this formation

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

    Foundations

    Understanding the 4-3-3 Formation

    Master the classic 4-3-3: player roles, tactical variations, and the trade-offs that decide whether it sings or stalls.

    Read guide
    Player pairings

    Midfield Trios

    Holder, runner, creator: the role distribution rule for three-man midfields, the AMC variants, and the antipatterns that break them.

    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