Scarlet Speedster 4-2-3-1 // FM20 Tactic

Overview

The system aims to control the game through ball retention, advancing up the pitch patiently with short sharp passes. The fullbacks invert coming centrally to help in the build-up play. The width is provided by the natural wingers who will stay wide allowing the 3 central cams to occupy the half-spaces and zone 14. The striker will play on the shoulder of the defence breaking the lines at every opportunity.

The system is attacking in nature and therefore being fluid is essential as the whole team needs to be alert and willing to contribute to all phases of play otherwise the defence will be easily overrun in the transition. Having inverted fullbacks helps to solidify and offer protection against fast counters through the centre,

The System

The team will press with intelligent, rather than chasing the ball they will look to press the spaces from the front, this helps to prevent the defensive players being dragged out of position leaving huge gaps for the opponents to exploit.

The Results

This tactic isn't a miracle worker and game-breaking however, it did exceed the season predictions for all the teams tested with and provided a style of play pleasing on the eye.

Leicester




Sevilla




Lazio

Possible adaptations

Like the shape and formation but want to play a different style of football? Here are some changes I made with Fulham. The team overachieved massively as they finished comfortably in midtable when being predicted to finish bottom of the league.