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

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

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Attacking
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
    Team Fluidity:Fluid

    In Possession

    Work Ball Into Box
    Play Out of Defence
    Run At Defence

    In Transition

    Counter-Press
    Counter

    Out of Possession

    Higher Defensive Line
    Much Higher Line of Engagement
    Press More Often

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:Compact
    Description:Utilizes a compact shape to minimize spaces between defenders and midfielders, applied during the transition to defense.
    Evidence:Higher Defensive Line and Much Higher Line of Engagement with BWM-D at [3,2] providing cover.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:Fluid
    Description:Maintains a fluid structure leveraging attacking width via inside forwards and with wing-backs pushing high.
    Evidence:Wing-Backs at [2,1] and [2,5] support attacking phases creating tri-angular passing options.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Utilizes overlapping runs from wing-backs, encouraging inside forwards to cut in and create goal-scoring opportunities.

    Defensive Transition

    Quickly reverts to a compact shape, focusing on pressing and reclaiming possession central.

    Main Focus

    Maximizing width through wing play while utilizing the central area for creative playmaking.

    Key Strengths

    Width and Versatility

    The setup effectively utilizes width through advanced wing-backs and inside forwards to stretch the opponent's defense.

    Fluid Transitions

    The blend of roles allows for quick transitions from attack to defense and vice-versa.

    Midfield Stability

    The combination of Deep-Lying Playmaker and Ball-Winning Midfielder provides balance.

    Conflicting Directions

    Defensive Wingers vs. Full-Backs

    While full-backs provide width, they could be exposed defensively against direct wingers.

    Over-reliance on Wing-Backs

    The attacking approach hinges heavily on wing-backs, potentially leading to a lack of central presence.

    Risk of Counterattacks

    Higher line and aggressive pressing could be exploited by counterattacks.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Consider Alternative Midfield Roles

    Adding another dynamic midfielder (e.g., a Mezzala) could enhance creativity.

    Adjust Defensive Line Height

    Lowering the defensive line may minimize space for opponents during transitions.

    Rotate Central Players to Maintain Balance

    Ensure rotation among creative players to confuse opposition marking.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    04:09 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Direct 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Direct

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Balanced 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Balanced

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Gegenpress

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

    Custom

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Custom Gegenpress

    See all 4-2-3-1 tactics

    More Attacking tactics

    3-4-3 tactic

    Attacking 3-4-3

    Attacking

    4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactic

    Attacking 4-2-3-1 DM Wide

    Attacking

    4-3-3 DM tactic

    Attacking 4-3-3 DM

    Attacking

    4-1-3-1-1 Wide Asymmetric tactic

    Attacking 4-1-3-1-1 Wide Asymmetric

    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