Kompany’s 2-3-4-1 PENDULUM V4.1 (updated)

Note: For 4.1, I only made a small change and adjusted the tactics for the December update: Both DMs are deep playmakers in attack. It worked a little better before the update, and now it works much better.

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In this V4, I have further perfected the tactics. Above all, the striker is now scoring more, but the wingers are also incredible. They have so much space! While we are scoring endlessly up front, the aggressively pressing defense is also very solid.

First, I would like to explain how Kompany plays and what our tactics look like as a result. I would say that with these tactics, we are very, very close to the original!

How does the tactic work?

In attack, the wing defenders push forward as playmaking wing defenders, moving slightly further into the center next to the two defensive midfielders. The two wings are wide-standing outside forwards. The deep-lying striker drops back, and the advanced playmaker moves into the center. Now the defense has problems. Do they follow the number 9? Then there is space for the number 10. Do they press the creative wing-backs? Then there is space for the wingers. Do they not press and cover the wingers? Then the wing-backs start running into the penalty area. Now, at the latest, there is space for the outside forwards, the number 10 who has run in, or the number 9 who has also run back into the penalty area.

Again and again, almost all players start deep runs. Since we play in a 244 formation, it is extremely difficult for the opponent to press, as we are virtually always outnumbered. If they press, there is a lot of space for the incoming players; if they don't press, the number 9 or one of the wing defenders creates space. Added to this is the width of the outside forwards. Although we are very wide, the center is overloaded at the same time. The defense has little chance of making the right decision. Stand wide? More space for central players. Close down the center? The outside forwards are happy. If they move inside, the respective wing defender will also run behind. The one on the opposite side then moves further into the center. And bang, the defense has the same problem again, if a goal hasn't been scored long ago.

Lineup

On paper, it's a 4-2-3-1 with the ball, but in the game it's more of a 2-4-4 or 2-3-3-2. Without the ball, we play in a 4-4-2 or 4141.
It looks risky on paper — but in practice, you concede very few real chances, because the opponent is constantly forced into bad zones and rushed decisions.
It feels like your team is always one step ahead.

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Instructions

Important note!
I recommend using the team instruction “Play more creatively” when you are training a top team and playing against weaker or equally matched teams. It can also work well against other top teams. In this case, I can recommend using it permanently. This makes the offense even more dangerous, especially against deep-lying opponents, but at the expense of the defense, which is still very good but sometimes suffers from a lack of organization in attack.
In this case, I highly recommend using it permanently, but it's a matter of taste.

If you are coaching weaker teams, it can also work well, but I would not recommend it permanently in this case, as this instruction is extremely focused on the individual quality of your players.

It can also work well when coaching weaker teams, but I would not recommend using it permanently, as this instruction focuses heavily on the individual quality of your players.

This is pretty much exactly the tactic Kompany uses. Have fun testing it out, I look forward to your feedback!

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Liverpool

Real Madrid

For console and mobile players: The instructions for the positions can be found below. Don't skip them, they are very important! (i have to update them for die new V4, i will do that soon!)