FM19 Tactic: Total Football

I have always been fascinated by the Total Football philosophy in football. This philosophy has been used by several coaches including Klopp, Guardiola in modern times. They have their own versions of it. This is the one used by Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff at the 1974 World Cup where Holland reached the finals. It is a very elegant and attractive style of play. It requires players with exceptional work rate, stamina and technical quality. The tactic requires the following player roles and duties along with the player instructions which are very important:

1. Sweeper Keeper (Defend): Take fewer risks

2. Full Back (Support) : Tackle Harder, Take Fewer Risks, Dribble Less, Get Further Forward - For both Fullbacks - use players that like to go forward like Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson.

3. Ball Playing Defender (Cover) : Dribble Less, Tackle Harder- Needs to be fast and have good technique and passing. This used to be a Libero. So look for players that can play as liberos or use a fast defensive midfielder. Good players here are David Alaba, Victor Lindelof, Frenkie De Jong.
4. Central Defender (Defend) : Take fewer risks, Tackle Harder

5. Ball Winning Midfielder (Support) : Take Fewer Risks, Dribble Less - For Defensive Midfielder - Doesn't need to be very good in the air but need to be a great tackler with very good stamina, strength and work rate.

6. Central Midfielder (Support) : Tackle Harder, Take Fewer Risks, Dribble Less, Roam from position - Use on the side if his preferred foot. On the right for a right footer and left for a left footer. - Must be a very good passer. Must have high technique and passing. - Look for players like Kroos but better defensively.

7. Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support) : Tackle Harder, Take Fewer Risks, Dribble Less, Get further forward - All round player. Must have a tendency to go forward and score like Sergej Milinkovic Savic.

8. Winger (Support) : Tackle Harder, Take Fewer Risks, Roam from position, Get further forward - Use on the side if his preferred foot. On the right for a right footer and left for a left footer. - For both wingers - Use pacy players with good dribbling. Look for players that are wingers but cut in like Raheem Sterling or Leroy Sane.

9. Complete Forward (Support) : Tackle Harder - Use a more creative player not a great goalscorer. He doesn't even have to be a striker. Use a player like Dybala or Firmino. Do not use players like Icardi. Must have good dribbling, first touch, passing, technique, anticipation,composure, decisions, off the ball, teamwork, vision, work rate, acceleration, agility, balance, pace, stamina. He is the heartbeat of the team.

It works really well but you need the right players for it.

Total Football Tactic - FM19 Screenshots: