Player's preferred position VS Formation

I just wanted some advice on finding a good balance for you team. Each player has a preferred position and I try my best to have every single player on the pitch in their number 1 spot. But at what cost? This can cause you formation to go out of whack and be something totally different then requried.

I was wondering if anyone had any hints as to finding the balance (if there is any compromise that needs to be made) between your team formation and all your player's preferred positions.

This is my first post on here and I have only started playing football manager a few months ago... so be nice.

I think you should set out to base your formation around the players you have, obviously if you're playing as an oil rich club that can buy players to fill roles needed, then sure set up your formation first.

But as a rule I try to get the clubs best players playing in their favoured positions, after that look at what the formation is shaping up like. For example, if your best 3 players are AM(L), ST and AM(C) you're probably going to set out with 1 forward and 3 behind him AM(L) | AM(C) | AM(R) and work back from that.

On top of that, make sure you set player roles within their position. For example if you're playing a predominantly right footed player on the left flank you'll probably be better off using them as an inside forward (especially if they have a decent finish) or if you have a MC that has high defensive stats, they might be better suited to playing the ball winning midfielder role.

But all in all it's a good idea to experiment with different teams, formations, lineups to see how you like to play and what works for you.