156 goals - No wingers | 4-3-1-2 wins titles and promotions

As part of a 'Build A Nation' save, this 4-3-1-2 tactic took FC Rapid to 11 straight titles in Romania. It would go on to win titles in Italy and France, plus promotion to the Championship via the Playoffs.

Video

The Tactic



Created by Tom, who had previous success with this 4-3-3 with Raumdeuters, after success playing with a diamond and a 4-3-2-1, he wanted to go back to two strikers, but play an AMC rather than wingers.

Defence

On the right you'll find the more defensive of the Full Backs, playing on support, with the left wing-back on attack, which makes sense when you look at the roles of the Mez ahead of them. The centre-backs and Ball Winning Midfielder provide a solid base in which the attacks are built on.

Midfield

Tom's trademark is his use of playing two Mezzalas, ahead of the more cautious full back the Mez plays on attack. Hits the space, gets forward and drives into the channels. Whereas on the left, using the Mez on support, provides the launchpad for the wing-back. Then the AMC brings it all together. Linking with both Mez, he then drives into space created by the forwards.

Attack

Down the right is where the power of this formation comes. The Mez(a)/AF combo works really well, with the Complete Forward creating space for the AM and then ammunition coming from the Wing-Back on the left. It's a great balance and creates some superb football.

Training

This is so key to your team understanding this tactic. Weekly Match prep, including teamwork and match tactics are needed to help the players understand what's going on, as well as Match Review after each fixture. Do this early and throughout the season and you will see the benefits.

For the individual players, train them for the position they are going to play and the tactic will benefit.

Set Pieces

For the testing, only corners aimed to the near post were set up, plus short corners.