5-3-2 Counter Attacking - FM17 Tactic

To effectively use the 5-3-2 in this way, you must be prepared to coach your players to keep the ball out at one end, and STICK it in the other.




This is the tactic in use half way through a save with Arsenal. You can bet if I can get Shkodran Mustafi dropping 10/10s with this tactic, anything is possible:



As with most tactics like this, you need yer da footballers with good fitness and work rate. This is so you can press effectively without 90% of your team ending up at 50% fitness at FT.

Make sure the LCB and RCB always close down less, and the fullbacks close down more. If you don't the opposition will score from crossing situations constantly and you may as well be playing FM16.

The DM should be the only good footballer in the side, needs good passing ability and quality decision making. I personally recommend Mark Noble.

The BWM should be the most anti football player in the squad. He needs to be completely one dimensional, the only thing he's good at is winning possession. Francis Coquelin is the perfect example you should hold the BWM to. No technical ability, just an athlete paid to play football.

The two forwards can play any role that presses and closes down. This hurries the opposition into playing from the back and you can quickly regain possession and counter.