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[FM15 Version 15.3.2] 4-3-3 Formation - A Controlled Flexible Approach

When I started my Inter Milan save I found that they were not blessed with any decent wingers or wide players. Therefore, in every edition of Football Manager I aim to utilize wingbacks as I feel that they suit the way the game is played in Serie A. Taking that into account, it is important to invest in quality wingbacks because your width would come from your wingbacks. There are a number of players on FM that are suitable for the wingback role.

Previously, my Inter Milan team were set up in a 4-3-1-2 formation. The 4-3-1-2 formation was very dominating but the fans were always disappointed with the quality of the football even when we were destroying opponents. Therefore, I decided to abandon Mateo Kovacic in my favoured AMC position playing the Advanced Playmaker role for the 4-3-3 formation. Thus, this tactic was born. The fans now really enjoy the way my team plays and I suppose it is safe to assume that other people who have used this tactic have similar experiences.

This is a tactic which is set up as a 4-3-3 Formation that encourages your team to play a patient, passing style by working hard and passing the ball around the opponents half of the pitch. The focus is purely on controlling the game by attempting to dominate possession and utilizing the quality of your central midfielders by linking the midfield to the attack. Having said that, it is important to note that you would not always dominate possession but you would get a number of shots on target. Having said that also, it is important to note you would dominate most games.





The goalkeeper is set to the sweeper keeper (S) role. The reason being is that your team is set to utilize the offside trap and the defensive line is high which means that there is a lot of space for the opponent’s attackers to run into. However, using the offside trap means that you would pretty much extinguish that possibility. Having said that, there would definitely be times where your defence has failed to utilize the offside trap properly and as a SWEEPER KEEPER you are hoping that your GOALKEEPER is able to deal with such instances. Nevertheless, your patient passing play style and control of the game should limit such scenarios from occurring very often in the game.

Sweeper Keeper instructions: Take long kicks and distribute to specific team mate. You could remove the instruction Take long kicks to roll out. It’s up to you.


The central defenders are set to the central defender (D) role. They are your main subjects to stop the opposing attacker from playing and attacking your half of the pitch.

Central Defenders instructions: Pass it shorter. The pass it shorter instruction would enable your defenders to pass the ball to more creative players.


The wingbacks are set to the wingbacks (A) role. The wingbacks are responsible for stretching the pitch and thus making it difficult for opponents to defend. They are very effective because your two false nine strikers are already causing them a lot of trouble. They will provide you with width and will help you utilize the pitch in a very effective way because your team will be playing narrow but your wingbacks will drive defenders out to stop them.

Wingbacks instructions: Shoot less often, more direct passes, more risky passes and stay wider.


The central midfielder is set to the central midfielder (D) role. I wanted to utilize the REGISTA role but was unsure whether it would work effectively. The CENTRAL MIDFIELDER would sit deep stopping opponents from counter attacking and will really help control the tempo of the game. I like to use someone with good Passing and First touch and also Tackling, Marking and Positioning.

Central Midfield instructions: Pass it shorter and mark tighter.


The deep lying playmaker is set to the deep lying playmaker (S) role. The DEEP LYING PLAYMAKER is responsible for creating chances by supplying through balls. He will also be the one to bring the ball out of defence. The DEEP LYING PLAYMAKER is extremely important as he will be linking with your strikers and wingbacks. Furthermore, if you have Paul Pogba in this position it would be perfect for him because this role allows your DEEP LYING PLAYMAKER to take long shots.

Deep Lying Playmaker instructions: More direct passes.


The advanced playmaker is set to the advanced playmaker (S) role. The ADVANCED PLAYMAKER is also responsible for creating chances. Whoever plays this role should be scoring really good goals from long shots. The ADVANCED PLAYMAKER is also very important as he will always aim to be available for his team mates to pass to.

Advanced Playmaker instructions: Mark tighter, Roam from position and Direct passes.


The false nine strikers are set to the false nine (S) role. The FALSE NINE strikers are responsible for finding space and utilizing the space effectively. They will draw out central defenders and allow your other strikers and midfielders to attack the space. They are very effective and work much better then inside forwards in my opinion. Before utilizing the false nine strikers I was playing a 4-1-2-3/4-3-3 with two INSIDE FORWARDS and they really were not playing attractive football nor were they playing effective football. There are some wingers like Wellington Nem and Stephan El Sharaawry who are capable of playing the FALSE NINE strikers role.

False Nine instructions: Roam from position, more direct passes, run wide with the ball and close down much more.


The advanced forward is set to the advanced forward (A) role. The ADVANCED FORWARD is responsible for being the focal point of attacking moves. There are many good players in FM that could play the ADVANCED FORWARD role. Expect him to score a number of goals. Also your FALSE NINE striker will contribute with goals and should score really good goals.

Advanced Forward instructions: more direct passes and more risky passes.

Federico Bonazzoli is a left footed Striker

Carlos Fierro is a right footed Striker

Furthermore, in regards to training, make sure that your team are focusing on Attacking Movement.

I have been very successful with this tactic and encourage you to try it.

Enjoy





http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/426992-FM15-Version-15-3-2-4-3-3-Formation-A-Controlled-Flexible-Approach