Positive 4-2-3-1 (Positive) Tactic
4-2-3-1
Utilizing width and player movement to create goal-scoring opportunities. Utilizing wing-backs and wide forwards provides effective width, stretching the…
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Formation and style
Positive
Positive
4-2-3-1
Fluid
In possession
Play Out of Defence
Pass Into Space
Be More Expressive
In transition
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of possession
Higher Defensive Line
Higher Line of Engagement
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Player roles
GK
Goalkeeper
Defend
RB
Wing-Back
Attack
CB
Ball-Playing Defender
Defend
CB
No-Nonsense Centre-Back
Defend
LB
Wing-Back
Support
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Support
CM
Box-to-Box Midfielder
Support
AM
Attacking Midfielder
Support
RW
Inside Forward
Attack
LW
Winger
Support
ST
Advanced Forward
Attack
Phase description
Focuses on building from the back with short passing, looking to exploit spaces through quick movement and overlapping wing play.
Quickly transitions to a counter-pressing strategy to regain possession immediately after losing the ball.
Utilizing width and player movement to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Team shape defence
Compact
Team maintains a compact shape to minimize spaces for opposition.
Defensive duties of DLP-S and BWM-S support a solid defensive structure.
Team shape attack
Fluid
Allows for variable movements among attackers to create spaces and mismatches.
Positions of Inside Forward (IF-A) and Winger (W) in key attacking roles.
Key strengths
Width in Attack
Utilizing wing-backs and wide forwards provides effective width, stretching the opponent's defense.
Wing-Backs (LWB & RWB) operating as WBs with duties to support attacks.
Strong Midfield Presence
A strong combination of roles and duties in midfield ensures control and support in both phases.
Deep-Lying Playmaker (DLP-S) at [3,3] and Box-to-Box Midfielder (BBM-S) at [3,4].
Conflicting tactics
High Line Risks
Employing a higher defensive line may expose defenders to pacey attackers.
Higher Defensive Line and Higher Line of Engagement may leave gaps at the back.
Overuse of Wing Play
Heavy reliance on wing-backs and wingers may predictability in attack.
Wing-Backs at [2,1] and [2,5] as primary channels in attack.
Risk exposures
Risk Exposures
Items
Defensive Gaps
Higher line may create gaps between defense and midfield.
Conflicting tactic of Higher Defensive Line.
Pacey Opponents
Pacy opposition attackers can exploit defensive line vulnerabilities.
Inconsistencies in defensive cover with high line tactics.
Role synergies
Role Synergies
Items
Inside Forward (IF-A) and Wing-Back (WB-A)
Creates overlaps and space for the inside forward.
IF at [5,2] combined with WB at [2,1] maximizes width.
Box-to-Box Midfielder (BBM-S) and Deep-Lying Playmaker (DLP-S)
Supports defensive duties while facilitating transitions.
BBM-S at [3,4] alongside DLP-S at [3,3] allows for effective passing.
Suggested questions
How can I balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair?
What adjustments can be made to improve midfield coverage?
Should I alter the pace of my play based on opponent strengths?
Related Tactics
More Positive tactics
Guides for this tactic
The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1: 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
FM27 Tactics: What Changed from FM26
FM27 keeps FM26's tactic system. Here is what stays the same, the small changes that can catch you out, and what the new Tactical Effectiveness system asks of you.
Read guide