I have used this tactic during my current pentagon challenge managing Tochigi in Japan, Velez in Argentina, New York FC in America, Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, and Fulham in England.

During my travels I had to adapt from my previous version because of the limitations of the players I was able to sign leading to a more conservative shape and more detailed defensive instructions.

There are three versions included:

1. Includes marking instruction for 442 teams.
2. Includes marking instruction for 4231 and 4123 tactics with wingers.
3. Use this one when trying to close out tight games.

Formation Structure

Back Four
Two inverted wing-backs push inside, acting as auxiliary midfielders when in possession to create central overloads. Off the ball, they man-mark key opposition playmakers in midfield to disrupt their build-up. Two centre-backs stay high to control space behind the press and assist in recycling possession.

Midfield
The deep-lying playmaker helps control possession and provides cover for counter-attacks.

The playmaker and attacking central midfielders are responsible for creating, scoring and man-marking the opposition’s central midfielders, limiting their influence on the game.

Two wingers stay wide to stretch the pitch to provide attacking width. They create chances by whipping in early crosses and score goals when they cut inside or bomb into the box. Defensively, they track opposition fullbacks, man-marking them tightly to prevent overlaps.

Striker
The advanced striker acts as the first line of press, forcing opposition defenders into mistakes. He drives forward looking to break the opposition defencisve, creating space for the midfielders and wingers.

Key Tactical Principles

Inverted Wing-Backs for Central Overloads
When in possession, the wing-backs move into central areas, acting as additional midfielders. This creates numerical superiority in the middle and allows the team to dominate possession. Their ability to drop into midfield also provides defensive security against counterattacks.

Possession with Purpose
Passing combinations are quick and vertical. Wing-backs and midfielders rotate positions frequently to confuse opposition defenders, with the goal of moving the ball into dangerous areas swiftly.

Wing Play with Underlaps and Cutting Runs
The wingers stretch the opposition by staying wide. They can look for the underlap, cross into the box or cut inside to shoot, depending on the positioning of the inverted wing-backs and attacking midfielders.



High Pressing with Aggression
The Angeball’s relentless press aims to win the ball high up the pitch. Players hunt in packs and target individual opponents, capitalising on the man-marking responsibilities to close down passing lanes and force mistakes.

Rapid Transitions
When they turnover possession the team look to get the ball forward quickly and attack in numbers.



High Defensive Line with Risk
Pacy centre backs are required because the backline stays high, compressing the space the opposition can play in. One of the centre backs has a cover duty to help prevent counter attacks. Although this aggressive stance invites risks but allows the team to dominate territory and maintain pressure.

Man-Marking Responsibilities

• Inverted wing-backs mark opposition midfielders, preventing them from controlling the game and forcing turnovers in advanced areas.
• Wingers track and man-mark fullbacks to block overlaps and neutralise wide threats.
• Attacking midfielders take responsibility for man-marking key creative players in the middle, disrupting their rhythm and limiting passing options.

Strengths

Central Dominance: Inverted wing-backs create midfield overloads, making it hard for opponents to play through the centre.
Tight Defensive Control: Man-marking limits key players’ influence, disrupting opposition build-up play.
Fluidity in Attack: Players switch positions regularly, creating unpredictability in forward play.
Relentless Press: Opposition players find it hard to escape the intense man-marking and pressing system.

Potential Weaknesses

Risk of Fatigue: Man-marking and pressing across multiple positions requires high levels of fitness and a squad with plenty of cover to allow rotation to aviod fatigue over time.
Vulnerability to Quick Switches: If the opposition can switch play quickly, the system’s narrow defensive structure can leave gaps on the wings so inverted wing-backs also need decent pace and positioning.
Exposed in Counterattacks: A high defensive line can be exploited by fast attackers, especially if the press is bypassed.