How to set up closing down for defenders on a high d-line

[andyinc]

Hi,

Having a few problems setting my defensive shape up with a high line and high pressing. The defenders seem to close down far to much and pull out of position leaving huge gaps in my defence.

Here's my formation

4-2-3-1 wide

fbl -a if-s

cd -d bwm-d

gk-d apm-a af-a

cd -d b2b-s

fbr -s w-a

Team instuctions are as follows

short passing

work ball into box

play out of defence

push up higher

close down more

higher tempo and be more expresive

no player instruction other than the AP has roam from position

What im trying to achieve is a more solid defensive shape when defending but atm the defense just runs out too close down loing shape and creating gaps for the opposition to exploit

Team is Arsenal if that helps

[llama3]

I would guess the reason is that you have poor cover in midfield. Your BWM(D) is pushing up trying to win the ball, so there is nobody sitting & holding in midfield, which means you concede space for the opposition to run at your defence, or play in the hole, so your defenders go to close them down, opens up gaps, opponents get through - goal. Sound familiar?

[andyinc]

So if i change the role from bwm to just a normal center mid on defensive duty this could solve it. Would setting his player insructions to close down less help ?

[llama3]

It may not solve it - but it may help. Simply changing the role will already reduce his close down, so see how that goes first.

[Deadeye89]

Try the DLP, he is a sitter. Look for the aggression attribute. High means more pressing.