FM18 Tactic: Sweeper Volante by Reckonist

This was built and tested in Italian football using both AC Milan and AS Roma as subjects.

Originally started with 1xST and 4xCM/DM combo. This was eventually deemed too defensive, and the added threat of a second striker made (1) a direct ball to the top viable, and (2) the team less predictable. It's not a gamebreaker tactic, but it is a viable Sweeper system for Football Manager 2018.

Sweeper Volante Results

Season 1 AC Milan: Serie A won
Season 2 AS Roma: Champions League won

Sweeper Volante: What to expect?

PROS:

• High Quality Chances created in penalty area.
  
• Forces opposition to shoot from range.
  
• Possession high up the pitch.
  
• Patient play rewarded with Defending team mistakes.
  
• Threat at set plays due to 3 CB’s and Physical SVs.
  
• Headers won %.
  
• Few goals conceded.
  
• Clean Sheets.
  
• High Pass completion %.
  
• Good cross conversion.
  
• WB Crosses leading to goals.
  
• Very pretty football at times.
  

CONS:

• Super defensive.
  
• Can result in long periods without a shot.
  
• Exposed flanks.
  
• Patience lost resulting in wild ranged shots.
  
• Exposed WB.
  
• Reliant on players with high mental stats.
  

Quick Tips

AC Milan are built for this system. Both Bonuchi and Mussachio are capable Sweepers and are excellent being the man behind.

If your team does not have a Sweeper, I suggest Rodrigo Caio who can be picked up by a top team in transfer window one (Season One) for around 14 million GBP. There is no reason it won't work in other nations, however the finding of a capable Sweeper is paramount to this and the fact is, there are not many accomplished sweepers in world football these days.

Segundo Volantes need to be very physical as they have to cover a lot of ground, mentally disciplined (Concentration, Decisions) and have at least one with a long shot threat.

WB’s are going to get outnumbered on the flanks, but crosses are going to have to be exceptional to give 3 CB and a keeper troubles.
WB will be running all day.

Keeper should be able to handle crosses well.

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