Positive 4-2-3-1 DM Wide (Positive) Tactic
4-2-3-1 DM Wide
Creating space for attacking midfielders to exploit through quick, intricate passing. The overlapping full-backs provide width, stretching the opposition…
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Formation and style
Positive
Positive
4-2-3-1 DM Wide
Structured
In possession
Play Out of Defence
Focus Play Down Left
Overlap on Left
Work Ball Into Box
Be More Expressive
In transition
Counter-Press
Counter
Out of possession
Higher Defensive Line
Higher Line of Engagement
Trigger Press More Often
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Player roles
GK
SK
Su
DR
FB
At
DCR
BPD
De
DCL
CD
De
DL
FB
At
DMCL
DLP
Su
DMR
BWM
De
AMC
AP
At
AML
IW
At
AMR
IF
At
ST
AF
At
Phase description
Utilizing width through overlapping full-backs and inside forwards, creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Quickly pressing to win the ball back high up the pitch.
Creating space for attacking midfielders to exploit through quick, intricate passing.
Team shape defence
4-2-3-1
Compact shape with a focus on restricting space in central areas.
Higher Defensive Line and Trigger Press More Often indicate an aggressive defensive strategy.
Team shape attack
4-2-3-1
Attacking structure focusing on width and through balls to exploit gaps in opposition defenses.
Overlap on Left and Work Ball Into Box highlight the intention to create high-quality chances.
Key strengths
Width and Overlap
The overlapping full-backs provide width, stretching the opposition and allowing for penetration.
FB-A at [2,1] and [2,5] with 'Overlap on Left'.
Creative Midfield
A combination of an Advanced Playmaker and Inside Forward helps in creating scoring chances.
AP-A at [5,3] and IF-A at [5,4].
Conflicting tactics
High Press and Defensive Vulnerability
Aggressive pressing can leave the defense exposed if the press is broken.
Higher Defensive Line conflicting with the need for compactness given pressing style.
Focus on Left Flank
Overreliance on the left side might lead to predictability in attacking play.
Focus Play Down Left could make it easier for opponents to defend.
Risk exposures
Risk Exposures
Items
Transitions
The team may struggle defensively during transitions, especially when possession is lost.
Counter Transition needs robust positioning to prevent quick defeats.
Set Pieces
Potential vulnerabilities in defending set-pieces with the current defensive shape.
The high line could be exploited from effective deliveries.
Role synergies
Role Synergies
Items
DLP-S and AP-A
Strong combination in midfield can control pace and creativity.
DLP-S at [3,3] with AP-A at [5,3].
FB-A with IF-A
An overlapping full-back provides support for the inside forward, creating space.
FB-A at [2,1] and IF-A at [5,4].
Suggested questions
How can I improve the effectiveness of my pressing strategy?
Should I look for more width in my attacking play?
What changes can ensure defensive solidity during transitions?
Related Tactics
More Positive tactics
Guides for this tactic
The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 DM 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
Defensive Transitions
The five seconds after losing the ball decide most matches. Counter-press, drop-and-recover, and how to know which one you should be doing.
Read guide