When it comes to mastering the art of FIFA 23’s Career Mode, selecting the perfect formation is crucial for achieving success and dominating your opponents. One tactic that has consistently proven its effectiveness is the 4-2-3-1 formation, often referred to as the “FM24.” This highly versatile formation offers a dynamic blend of attacking prowess, defensive stability, and tactical flexibility. In this article, we delve into the intricate details of the FM24 tactic, exploring its key strengths, optimal player roles, and strategic adjustments that can elevate your gameplay to new heights.
The FM24’s primary advantage lies in its adaptability, allowing it to seamlessly transition between attacking and defensive phases. The presence of two holding midfielders provides a solid foundation in the center of the pitch, effectively shielding the backline and initiating attacks with precise passing. The three attacking midfielders, positioned behind a lone striker, create a potent threat with their creativity, movement, and ability to penetrate the opposition’s defense. Moreover, the full-backs play a pivotal role, providing width and overlapping runs down the flanks to stretch the opposition and create scoring opportunities.
However, mastering the FM24 tactic requires careful consideration of player roles and strategic adjustments. The defensive midfielders should possess high work rates, tackling abilities, and interceptions skills to effectively disrupt the opponent’s attacks. The attacking midfielders, on the other hand, should excel in dribbling, passing, and shooting, with a particular emphasis on creativity. Additionally, the striker should be a clinical finisher with excellent positioning and movement. By fine-tuning the individual player instructions and team tactics, such as defensive width, attacking mentality, and pressing intensity, you can tailor the FM24 to suit your unique playstyle and maximize its potential. Remember, the key to unlocking the full power of the FM24 lies in understanding its mechanics and making informed decisions based on the strengths and weaknesses of your team and the opposition.
Creating a Deadly Attacking Force
Crafting a potent attacking force is the cornerstone of any successful Football Manager 2024 side. Here are some key tips to help you create a lethal frontline:
Role Distribution
Assign specific roles to each forward based on their strengths and the team’s tactical setup. Consider using a combination of poachers, deep-lying forwards, and wingers to create a well-rounded attack.
Movement Off the Ball
Encourage your forwards to make intelligent runs off the ball. Use the “make runs into channels” or “make runs towards opposition goal” player instructions to create space and disrupt the opposition defense.
Attacking Mentality
Use a team mentality that favors attacking. This will encourage your players to take risks, commit more bodies forward, and generally be more aggressive in their approach. Consider using the “positive” or “attacking” mentality options. A more attacking mentality will lead to more chances created, but it can also leave your team more vulnerable defensively.
Here’s a table that summarizes the attacking roles and their key attributes:
| Role |
Key Attributes |
| Poacher |
Anticipation, Finishing, Composure |
| Deep-lying Forward |
Passing, Vision, Dribbling |
| Winger |
Crossing, Dribbling, Pace |
Mastering Defensive Solidity
Building a defensively solid team in FM24 is crucial for success. By implementing the following tactics, you can effectively minimize the opposition’s goal-scoring opportunities.
Low Defensive Line
Positioning your defensive line closer to your own goal can create a congested area, making it more difficult for attackers to penetrate. This tactic is particularly effective in countering teams that rely on through balls or quick attacks.
Compact Formation
Use a formation with a narrow width and short passing distances to reduce the space between players. This compactness prevents opponents from finding gaps to exploit and forces them to play in congested areas.
Advanced Options for Compact Formations
| Option |
Description |
| Reduced Width |
Limits the distance between full-backs and central defenders, reducing the risk of being exposed by wide attacks. |
| Reduced Depth |
Shortens the distance between the defensive line and midfield, providing less space for attackers to operate. |
| Higher Defensive Line |
Pushes the defensive line higher up the pitch, encouraging opponents to take risks with through balls. This can be effective in trapping attackers offside or forcing them into errors. |
Zonal Marking
Zonal marking is a defensive strategy where each player is assigned a specific area of the pitch to cover. This tactic ensures that no player is left unmarked and provides better coverage of potential attacking threats.
Ball-Winning Midfielders
Deploying midfielders with high defensive attributes and work rates can effectively disrupt the opposition’s possession. By winning the ball back quickly in central areas, your team can prevent counterattacks and force the opposition to defend deeper.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Analyzing the weaknesses of your opponents is crucial for formulating effective tactics. Common weaknesses include:
- Slow defenders: Use pacey attackers to exploit the gaps between defenders.
- Poor aerial ability: Dominate set pieces with tall players.
- Weak passing: Pressure the opponent’s midfield to disrupt their build-up play.
Identifying Strengths
Identifying your team’s strengths allows you to capitalize on their abilities. Some common strengths include:
- Strong wingers: Utilize wing play to stretch the opposition defense.
- Creative midfielders: Create scoring opportunities with intricate passing and movement.
- Physical presence: Dominate aerial duels and win the midfield battle.
Matching Tactics to Opponents’ Styles
The most effective tactics are those that specifically counter your opponent’s weaknesses. Here are some examples:
| Opponent’s Style |
Effective Tactics |
| Defensive |
Attacking wing play, high press |
| Counterattacking |
Possession-based play, slow build-up |
| High Pressing |
Long balls, direct play |
Advanced Player Roles and Instructions
Advanced Player Roles
Advanced player roles offer greater customization and flexibility compared to basic roles. They allow you to fine-tune your tactics and assign specific responsibilities to each player, such as:
- Enganche (Advanced Playmaker): A creative midfielder who operates behind the striker, providing the final pass and dictating the team’s attacking play.
- Ball-Winning Midfielder: A defensive midfielder who excels at winning possession and breaking up opposition attacks.
- Inverted Winger: A winger who cuts inside from the flank to support the attack and create chances through crosses or through-balls.
Player Instructions
Player instructions allow you to refine the behavior of each individual player on the pitch. These instructions can impact their positioning, movement, and decision-making, such as:
- Stay Back When Attacking: Prevents a defender from joining the attack, ensuring they remain in a defensive position.
- Roam from Position: Allows a player to move freely across the pitch, creating space and potential overlaps.
- Attack the Space Behind Defense: Instructs a striker to exploit the space between the opposition’s defense and goalkeeper.
The Number 6 Role
The number 6 role is a crucial position in modern football, combining defensive solidity with the ability to progress the ball and contribute to the attack. Here are some key instructions to consider when assigning a player to this role:
Defensive Instructions:
- Tackle Hard: Instruct the player to aggressively challenge for possession.
- Close Down Much More: Encourage the player to press the opposition aggressively, forcing them to make mistakes.
- Stay Back at All Times: Prevent the player from venturing forward, ensuring they remain in a defensive position.
Attacking Instructions:
- Pass Shorter: Instruct the player to favor short, simple passes, reducing the risk of losing possession.
- Distribute to Center Backs: Encourage the player to pass to center backs, allowing the team to build up play from the back.
- Carry Ball Less Often: Prevent the player from carrying the ball into dangerous areas, reducing the risk of turnovers.
| Instruction |
Effect |
| Stay Back at All Times |
Ensures the player remains in a defensive position |
| Pass Shorter |
Reduces the risk of losing possession |
| Carry Ball Less Often |
Prevents the player from taking unnecessary risks |
Tactical Nuances
Mastering the intricacies of team instructions, player roles, and formations enables tactical dominance. Understanding each role’s function and how they interact is crucial. Experiment with different tactical variations to find a setup that suits your squad’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pay attention to the opposition’s formation and playing style. Observe their defensive compactness, pressing intensity, and possession philosophy. Adapt your tactics to counter their strategies and exploit their vulnerabilities.
Don’t hesitate to make adjustments during the match. Observe the in-game dynamics and identify areas for improvement. Tweak your tactics, such as changing the defensive line depth, switching to a different formation, or adjusting the pressing intensity, to gain a competitive edge.
Game Management
Successful game management involves effective decision-making throughout the 90 minutes. Consider the following aspects:
Player Management: Monitor player fitness levels and make necessary substitutions. Encourage key players to perform at their best, especially in crucial moments.
Team Talks: Use team talks to motivate, inspire, or provide tactical instructions. Address specific areas of the team’s performance and set clear goals.
Match Tempo: Controlling the match tempo can be crucial. Adjust the team’s pressing intensity and passing speed to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm or maintain possession.
Time Wasting: In certain situations, time wasting can be an effective strategy to preserve a lead or frustrate the opposition. Use your discretion and avoid excessive time wasting that could draw criticism.
Ref Decision Management: Referees’ decisions can impact the outcome of matches. Understand the game rules and approach referees respectfully while voicing your opinion when necessary.
Situational Tactics:
| Situation |
Recommended Tactics |
| Trailing at Home |
Attack, High Pressing, Direct Passing |
| Trailing Away |
Counter Attack, Conservative Pressing, Patient Build-Up |
| Leading Comfortably |
Defend, Low Pressing, Slow Tempo |
The Science Behind Successful Tactics
9. Advanced Tactics for Dominance
Mastering the nuances of FM24’s advanced tactics unlocks a realm of possibilities for tactical supremacy. The use of Player Instructions, Overload Mechanics, and Attacking Patterns offers unparalleled control over your team’s movements and decision-making.
Player Instructions:
Empower individual players with tailored instructions, ranging from specific tackling styles to precise positional adjustments. By fine-tuning these settings, you can maximize their effectiveness in their designated roles and exploit the weaknesses of your opponents.
Overload Mechanics:
Create numerical advantages in key areas of the pitch through Overload Mechanics. Position players in congested zones to overwhelm defenders, generate passing triangles, and create scoring opportunities. This tactic is particularly potent when combined with attacking patterns.
Attacking Patterns:
Elevate your attacking repertoire with Attacking Patterns. Designate predefined sequences of passes and runs to orchestrate intricate moves that confuse and penetrate the opposition defense. From intricate tiki-taka combinations to direct counterattacks, these patterns add an unpredictable dimension to your team’s attacking play.
| Attacking Pattern |
Description |
| Tiki-Taka |
Short, quick passes designed to retain possession and create opportunities. |
| Counterattack |
Rapid, direct attacks launched from defensive positions to exploit open space. |
| Wing Play |
Flanking maneuvers involving wide players crossing or cutting inside to create chances. |
Best FM24 Tactics
FM24 offers various tactics for players to experiment with. Choosing the best tactic depends on individual playstyles, team strengths, and weaknesses, but several tactics have consistently proven effective in the game.
One popular tactic is the “Tiki-Taka” style, which emphasizes short passes, possession, and movement to pull the opposition out of position and create scoring opportunities. This tactic is well-suited for teams with skilled midfielders and technical players. Another effective tactic is the “Gegenpress,” which involves pressing the opposition high up the pitch and winning the ball back quickly through aggressive tackling.
Additionally, the “False Nine” formation has become prevalent in FM24. This tactic involves playing a striker as a withdrawn forward, creating space for midfielders to make runs into the box and support the attack. It is particularly effective against teams that play with a high defensive line.
People Also Ask
What is the best formation for FM24?
The best formation for FM24 varies depending on the tactic employed and the players available. However, some popular formations include the 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2.
How do I choose the right players for my tactic?
When selecting players for your tactic, consider their attributes, abilities, and roles. Players should have the necessary technical skills, mental attributes, and fitness to perform effectively within the chosen tactic.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a tactic?
When choosing a tactic, consider factors such as the strengths and weaknesses of your team, the opposition’s style of play, and the pitch conditions. You should also experiment with different tactics to find one that best suits your preferences and team.
