FM21 Leipzig inspired 4-4-2 DM, 3rd in S1 with Newcastle!!!

In my opinion every good FM tactic is inspired by real life tactics. In that way the tactic has an element of realism and isn't just created to exploit the game mechanics. For me RB Leipzig's tactics and model represents modern football, so I wanted to take their tactics and implement their style of acquiring young talent and insert it to Newcastle United.

Style of Play
- Aims to move ball directly through the centre of the pitch with high tempo.
- Fast attacks and high tempo makes it hard for the opposing team to defend against the tactic.
- Try to limit the opposition's chances by pressing them high and force them into the wider areas whilist being relatively safe on the own end.

Few key notes
- Two DMs offer protection to central defenders.
- Wide players are the main source of creativity.
- Link-up play between the two strikers is important. It's preferred that one of them will drop deeper.
- It's preferred to have one attacking full back to offer extra attacking threat but also one defending fb to offer balance.
- Set full backs and DM's to 'Take fewer shots' to avoid wasteful shooting.
- No opposition instructions needed.



Alternative roles/ instructions
- One of the strikers could be set as Target Man (S)
- One of the wide players could be deployed as a Wide Playmaker (A), if it's more suitable for the player in question.
- One of the DMs could be used as a DLP (S) or DLP (D). I used Shelvey as DLP (S) during the first half of the season, but felt the team was conceding too much and made the chance.
- Could use 'Work ball into box' if you feel your players are wasting too many chances.

Results

Finished 3rd in Premier League with a team that was predicted to finish 10th before the season. Managed to outperform several big budget teams such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.



Player Stats (PL only)

- As expected, strikers and wide players were the main source of attacking returns.
- Callum Wilson scored over 20 goals and other attacking players ASM, Alfredo Morelos and Ander Barrenetxea had over 20 goal involvements each.