Iron Trident

Tactic Overview
Formation: 3-4-2-1 (effectively a 3-2-2-2-1 with wingbacks)

Mentality: Balanced

Tactical Style: Custom Control Possession

Key Instructions:

In Possession: Shorter Passing, Low Crosses, Higher Tempo, Focus Play Down Flanks, Run at Defence

In Transition: Counter, Counter-Press, Roll it Out

Out of Possession: High Press, Much Higher Defensive Line, Stop Crosses

Player Roles and Shape
Back Three:

WCB (Schlotterbeck / Geertruida) – Provides width and ball progression

CD (De Ligt - Defend) – Anchoring central figure

Wingbacks (CWB - Attack): Gómez (left), Vanderson (right) – Constantly bombing forward, essential for width and crossing

Double Pivot:

VOL (Volante - Attack): Mainoo / Stiller – Versatile, late box entries and link play

Attacking Midfielders (AM - Support): De Ketelaere (left), Bruno Fernandes (right) – Creative engine with goal threat

Striker (PF - Support): Šeško – Not just a finisher, contributes in buildup play and pressing

Strengths
Dominant Offense:

92 goals scored – most in the Premier League

654 shots for – highest volume indicates sustained pressure

Šeško, Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, and De Ketelaere all contributing with goals and assists

Ball-Winning and Transition Threat:

Volantes and Wingbacks winning balls high up

Quick transitions with Counter + Run At Defence combination

Defensive Solidity:

19 clean sheets, joint most in the league

Narrow shape with 3 center-backs + 2 Volantes offers central compactness

Onana second in clean sheets

Individual Form:

Multiple players over 7.30 average rating, including:

Angelo Stiller (7.40)

Schlotterbeck (7.37)

Bruno Fernandes (7.35)

Gómez (7.33)

Weaknesses / Risks
Central Vulnerability:

Analysis shows "Opposition Final Third Entries – Central" as a recurring negative

With CWBs pushing high, opposition counter-attacks through the middle can be dangerous

Injury Sensitivity:

Key players like Mainoo, Ugarte, Mason Mount, and Zanotti are all injured

Lack of deep squad rotation for Volante and CWB roles could be a long-term issue

Volante Overload:

Double Volantes on Attack Duty can leave central spaces exposed unless well covered by WCBs

Playmaker Density:

Two AM (Support) roles can lead to congestion unless vertical movement is managed (i.e., one on Attack duty or using a Shadow Striker variant)

Team Performance Summary
Premier League: 1st (87 pts) – 28W 3D 7L, +61 GD

Carabao Cup: Winner (Final vs Spurs – 1-1, won on pens)

UECL: Final vs Hoffenheim

FA Cup: Knocked out in 5th round vs Arsenal

Suggested Improvements
Tweak Midfield Balance:

Change one Volante to Support or CM-Defend to hold shape when CWBs push up

Switch One AM to Shadow Striker:

Makes the press more aggressive and creates central runs to exploit space behind the striker

Rest Key Players Often:

To avoid end-season fatigue and injuries, rotate aggressively especially in cup games

Use "Trap Inside" Option in Out of Possession:

With a narrow central block and press, force opposition inside into your 3 CBs + DM zone

Match-Specific Adjustments:

In away or tough matches, consider:

Switching mentality to Cautious

Lowering tempo

Temporarily turning off Run at Defence

Player Highlights
Bruno Fernandes: 12 assists (2nd highest in league), 7.35 avg rating – creative hub

Schlotterbeck: Highest team rating for defender – elite WCB performance

Stiller: Most consistent midfielder, 7.40 average

Šeško and Cunha: Good rotation up front – combined 28+ goals