Formation
The formation is simple with the attacking threat focussed down the flanks. Inside forwards provide a strong goal threat with attacking wing-backs to get forward into the spaces vacated by the forwards cutting inside. The two Mezzala's also contribute to the wide play with the deep-lying playmaker playing balls forward into space for others to run onto. Here the central defenders are on cover duty to slightly lower their mentality and help to guard against the counter. As with most of the highest performing tactics, a high-line, high-pressing, high-intensity Gegen-pressing approach is used
Test season
I first tested it with my 'elite' Man Utd team in the 23/24 season as that was the game I was playing at the time. I play FM Touch and the season was mostly completed using Instant Result and ended as probably my best FM20 season thus far. Despite the attacking nature of the tactic, the defence was extremely solid. Although it is important to point out that both Upamecano and Tobido are extremely good as well as being extremely quick. I am not convinced it would suit Harry Maguire very much!
The direct football and lack of 'work the ball into the box' results in a style with lots of overloads, lots of shots and some big wins while rather surprisingly still being tight at the back.
As well as winning the league, the team also won the FA Cup and Champions League. I forgot to get a screenshot of the squad at the end of the season, but some player stats (league) from the histories are as follows (appearances (sub), goals, assists):
- Haaland (SC) - 22(8), 21, 5
- Greenwood (SC/AMR) - 18(4), 10, 1
- Martial (AML/SC) - 13(8), 10, 4
- Rashford (AML) - 21(10), 9, 4
- Sancho (AMR) - 20(9), 11, 5
- Zaniolo (AMR/MC) - 23(12), 10, 7
- Pogba - 30(5), 4, 9
- Havertz - 28(7), 3, 7
- Maddison (MC/AML) - 19(11), 3, 17 (set pieces)
- Fernandes - 24(7), 9, 19 (set pieces)
- Upamecano - 32, 10, 1 (corners)
- Todibo - 29(4), 6, 1
Holiday Test
To give a bit better benchmark of the performance, I also ran a quick holiday season test with Liverpool. They are very popular for testing tactics with top teams and so you can get a good idea of the relative performance (albeit subject to the usual random fluctuations). The season was a success with a Premier League, League Cup and Champions League treble.
As you can see, lots of goals for Salah and Mane, along with Van Dijk from the set pieces. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson also provide plenty of assists.
Discussion: 433 Centurion // High-scoring FM20
11 comments have been posted so far.
You could try dropping the mentality and defensive line a bit, maybe move the MC to DMC and remove ‘Pass into Space’ to try and keep possession better. But they are just thoughts and haven’t been tested.
Another option is to remove 'Get Stuck In' but that reduces the intensity of the tactic. You could try it but if you see performance drop off, add it back on.
Finally, something I've been meaning to try but not got around to trying yet is training players who get booked a lot to have the 'Stays on Feet' PPM (or whatever it is called).
How many goals scored Haaland in your test?