Tactical help

[diimaan]

Hello tacticians. This is my tactic with Everton save. I wanted a tactic which dominates possession and slow build up. Also using a high block. I am doing okay so far, as for as the matches are concerned. I am topping the table at the early stages but all the wins came against weak or similar opponents. The problem I am facing is to choose a proper role for my striker.

I am plagued with injuries. Richarlison, Walcott on long term injury and I have Dolberg on Loan who is recovering from an injury. The players I have at my disposal for the strikers are Tosum, Dolberg, and I intend to use Richarlison up top!

I score goals, I demolished Cardiff and Huddersfield at home, struggled against Bournemouth away, scraped past Wolves and Fulham away and home respectively. I dominate possession whether away or home. 55%

Almost of my goals are from set pieces. Sigurdsson and Mata unleashing thunderous free kicks and a few freakish 25-30 yard screamers from Andre Gomes!

What am I doing wrong? How can I create better chances with the players at my disposal?

[dan_bre_1988]

I'd may try swapping the role/duty of your fbs. With Mata coming inside into 10 (playing in same areas as Sigurdsson, too) it's giving you no real width on the right as Coleman is more reserved than Tierney.

The only other thing I'd say is that unless you've got PIs set (?) The 3 behind your PF are all more creators than scorers with current duties and with such an aggressive style keeping opponents penned in, you're PF is probably struggling finding space to run into. Likewise the support team to play passes through. Against defensive teams like you've mentioned, the space is out wide so I'd look to exploit that.

[Experienced Defender]

According to your schedule screenshot, your results are great and you are topping the table atm, so you are clearly overachieving (given that Everton is not counted among the "top six" in the EPL). So even if your tactic has some flaws, it might be risky to change it at a time when it obviously works very well for you.

I for example would not be so extremely aggressive with defending, but given your results so far, it seems to work. Against stronger opposition though, it could turn out to be an issue. So be cautious.

[diimaan]

22 minutes ago, Experienced Defender said:

I for example would not be so extremely aggressive with defending, but given your results so far, it seems to work. Against stronger opposition though, it could turn out to be an issue. So be cautious.

Yes, I agree with the aggressive defense. But it kinda holds fort because of the pacey Zouma at back! Also my defenders always got good rating in all the matches played so far! Next up are Man Utd and Chelsea, which could prove a difficult challenge.

[diimaan]

9 hours ago, dan_bre_1988 said:

I'd may try swapping the role/duty of your fbs. With Mata coming inside into 10 (playing in same areas as Sigurdsson, too) it's giving you no real width on the right as Coleman is more reserved than Tierney.

The only other thing I'd say is that unless you've got PIs set (?) The 3 behind your PF are all more creators than scorers with current duties and with such an aggressive style keeping opponents penned in, you're PF is probably struggling finding space to run into. Likewise the support team to play passes through. Against defensive teams like you've mentioned, the space is out wide so I'd look to exploit that.

Thanks! I will create secondary tactic with the changes and once the team is familiar I will have a go with that tactic and see how it works

[diimaan]

I tweaked the roles a bit! And now the tactics look like this!

And here comes the results after the change in tactics. First up is against Man United. We dominated them completely as you can see from the stats. De Gea was impentrable til a late Sigurdsson free kick breached him. I think the team had a hangover from the previous tactic and carried it over in this match. Barrage of long shots and as you see in the number of shots attempted and the number of chances created which is 0. Still we won and I will take that

Next up is against Chelsea who are in a good form but I believe the roles and changes I made before the previous match just kicked in and no more random or unnecessary long shots but controlled possession and attack. We nullified their midfield threat of Jorginho and Kante plus their attack never really got it going as they mainly resorted to shoot from long range! Some tactic that is though...

Following with two tough games again another one against Spurs. It was a close game as I never really got it going. But still managed to come away with a draw which in itself is not a bad result. Again a reasonable CCC! Spurs could have won but Pickford stood tall with his saves!

Now time to flex some muscles against the bottom table Hammers. Total domination and a solid win. Again the number of unnecessary long shots have been considerably reduced in the newly modified roles/tactic than the previous one.

 

Hope I can continue this good form and go against the contenders Reds and Citeh!

[dazza11]

One potential problem could be your midfield “triangle”... SS pushing forward, volante on attack and a HB on defence dropping in between the CB’s could make it easy for opposition  to get thru your midfield & attack ur back line. But impressive results so far. 

[summatsupeer]

Currently it looks like the left side could be a bit isolated with the IF-A and SS-A focusing on attacking and the HB dropping leaving only the WB-S moving between the lines.

I'm wondering if having the HB on the AP side could give the AP more space and cover the WB better if you want him overlapping the AP more/sooner.  The VOL on the left, maybe as support duty can then link and give an option behind the IF and SS.

[diimaan]

5 minutes ago, summatsupeer said:

Currently it looks like the left side could be a bit isolated with the IF-A and SS-A focusing on attacking and the HB dropping leaving only the WB-S moving between the lines.

I'm wondering if having the HB on the AP side could give the AP more space and cover the WB better if you want him overlapping the AP more/sooner.  The VOL on the left, maybe as support duty can then link and give an option behind the IF and SS.

 

Thanks that's what I was also thinking, the new tweak, did not bring the best out of Volante! Should I switch to a Regista or RPM instead of Volante?

[diimaan]

29 minutes ago, dazza11 said:

One potential problem could be your midfield “triangle”... SS pushing forward, volante on attack and a HB on defence dropping in between the CB’s could make it easy for opposition  to get thru your midfield & attack ur back line. But impressive results so far. 

Impressive results thanks to the deadball specialists in my team. And a defender with good pace who can track back if missed or push up to stop a surging run when necessary.

[Experienced Defender]

2 hours ago, diimaan said:

Thanks that's what I was also thinking, the new tweak, did not bring the best out of Volante! Should I switch to a Regista or RPM instead of Volante?

If you play Andre Gomes there, I think - based on his attributes - that he is more suited to the RPM or REG roles than VOL. When setting up roles, you always need to think whether you have the right player for any role.

[diimaan]

2 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

If you play Andre Gomes there, I think - based on his attributes - that he is more suited to the RPM or REG roles than VOL. When setting up roles, you always need to think whether you have the right player for any role.

That was the idea actually, when I had this tactic in mind. But I wanted to try with someone more aggressive to marshal the midfield as well as run up and shoot. I have a longstanding crush with the Regista - the director!

That is the reason I got this guy early in the game. I believe he will make a good Regista, in a season or two!

And Andre Gomes is on loan and once the loan ends, I have my eyes on David Silva. If I can prize him away from citizens then he would be a perfect Regista for me and can fit into the role of mentoring youngsters!

[diimaan]

And I didn't make Andre Gomes Regista because I believe the traits, brings ball out of defense and dictates tempo are missing for him! I could be wrong though as he can very well perform as a Regista without those traits as well.

[Experienced Defender]

Tonali IMO has very good potential and could develop into a good both REG & RPM.

15 minutes ago, diimaan said:

And I didn't make Andre Gomes Regista because I believe the traits, brings ball out of defense and dictates tempo are missing for him! I could be wrong though as he can very well perform as a Regista without those traits as well.

I would rather play Gomes as a RPM (in a MC spot) than REG. And if you play him in a DM position, I think it would be wise to have the other DM with a more conservative role along him.

[summatsupeer]

6 hours ago, diimaan said:

Thanks that's what I was also thinking, the new tweak, did not bring the best out of Volante! Should I switch to a Regista or RPM instead of Volante?

Depends what you want/expect from that position?

With a IF-A and SS-A I suspect you want a creator but do you want the team to favor him over others and have him move towards the ball more often?  With your Pass Into Space TI, roles without the Risky Passes Often PI will play more like they have it so more the players might need more creative attributes than the role recommends.

Not only do you need to balance the roles but also the players.  In that setup its more a midfield 2 since the AMC is an attack duty, so playing Andre Gomes with attributes like Tackling 12, Marking 8, Positioning 11 and Anticipation 11 is weak defensively.  In a midfield 3 the other 2 might provide more cover (roles+players dependent ofc) for him to be a deep creator.  If your future plan is David Silva this is even more true, those around him will have to make up for his lack of defensive attributes.  Yes some teams use a lot of attacking/creative players but they also typically dominate possession so most of the defending is stopping counter attacks.

[diimaan]

39 minutes ago, Experienced Defender said:

Tonali IMO has very good potential and could develop into a good both REG & RPM.

I would rather play Gomes as a RPM (in a MC spot) than REG. And if you play him in a DM position, I think it would be wise to have the other DM with a more conservative role along him.

I have a half back in Idrissa Gueye! I switch it with Ajer. I am training Ajer as a playmaker so he would play as DLP/RPM/REG over time. His flair is low for a Reg but he will do fine I guess.

[diimaan]

24 minutes ago, summatsupeer said:

Depends what you want/expect from that position?

With a IF-A and SS-A I suspect you want a creator but do you want the team to favor him over others and have him move towards the ball more often?  With your Pass Into Space TI, roles without the Risky Passes Often PI will play more like they have it so more the players might need more creative attributes than the role recommends.

Not only do you need to balance the roles but also the players.  In that setup its more a midfield 2 since the AMC is an attack duty, so playing Andre Gomes with attributes like Tackling 12, Marking 8, Positioning 11 and Anticipation 11 is weak defensively.  In a midfield 3 the other 2 might provide more cover (roles+players dependent ofc) for him to be a deep creator.  If your future plan is David Silva this is even more true, those around him will have to make up for his lack of defensive attributes.  Yes some teams use a lot of attacking/creative players but they also typically dominate possession so most of the defending is stopping counter attacks.

Andre Gomes is my first choice but like I said in my other posts I am grooming Tonali and Ajer for the position as well. Also I am using a HB so that he can cover defensively for the other DM's defensive frailties.

Tonali! Believe he's got a lot of potential in this edition of FM.

 

Ajer, who is so versatile. Can be used as a CB/DM/MC and with good mental stats for his age!

[diimaan]

This is how I want my team to behave. Wing backs run up to provide cover and width for attackers. Holding CB and a BPD who steps up to stop challenges, HB who covers for the CB. A DM/CM playmaker who can roam freely in the midfield and sprays for the players up front.

On top a striker who can run up and down to pressure the defenders, a midfield poacher(SS) who pounces on any opportunities to score left IF who cuts from the left wing to load the penalty box with bodies and provide assist or take his chances. IF on Attack. The right winger is an AP who sits narrow and play close to the AM and provide threats from deep and pin point passes for the players above him and also for recycling possession when the Right WB or the DM/CM Playmaker are pressurised.

[diimaan]

Where do I find this Push Higher Up in the tactics screen???

[Experienced Defender]

10 hours ago, diimaan said:

Where do I find this Push Higher Up in the tactics screen???

I think this pertains to the line of engagement.

[diimaan]

2 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

I think this pertains to the line of engagement.

I am playing with much higher LOE and much higher defensive line! Can't push beyond that.

[summatsupeer]

2 hours ago, diimaan said:

I am playing with much higher LOE and much higher defensive line! Can't push beyond that.

It might be recommending you to drop it to Push Higher rather than having it on Much Higher?  Not sure since I usually turn the assistant off 

[diimaan]

4 hours ago, summatsupeer said:

It might be recommending you to drop it to Push Higher rather than having it on Much Higher?  Not sure since I usually turn the assistant off 

I won't necessarily make the changes he is suggesting but I will just keep his advice's coming, you know just give him a feeling of doing his job.

[Experienced Defender]

On 19/01/2019 at 18:30, diimaan said:

I am playing with much higher LOE and much higher defensive line! Can't push beyond that.

Then I really don't know what the AssMan's suggestion could be about 

[diimaan]

7 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

Then I really don't know what the AssMan's suggestion could be about 

Should I file a bug report or something?

[Experienced Defender]

14 hours ago, diimaan said:

Should I file a bug report or something?

I don't think it's a bug. Maybe you could ask some of the moderators, they'll certainly know.

[diimaan]

This is Digne from my save! Shoudn't he have a better Free Kick Taking attribute? He seems good with dead ball situations so far in the league!

[Mica]

On 19/01/2019 at 17:30, diimaan said:

I am playing with much higher LOE and much higher defensive line! Can't push beyond that.

Your assistant manager actually want you to lower your LoE one notch.

 

When he says like "I think you should play with a high defensive line" doesn't mean you have to push your defensive line higher but to put your defensive line one notch under the highest option.

 

It is a semantic problem that SI should look out for.

[Experienced Defender]

12 hours ago, diimaan said:

This is Digne from my save! Shoudn't he have a better Free Kick Taking attribute? He seems good with dead ball situations so far in the league!

Agree 

[diimaan]

Is it possible to change the topic title? I want to change it to Everton Evolution or Everton Tactical Evolution! Any mods can help?

[diimaan]

After having a successful first season and a treble, now I am trying to emulate/adapt Arrigo Sacchi's tactics to my team. I will not go into in detail about Sacchi's as it has been beautifully described by Ozil in his thread.

I will post screens shortly of my team, with my tactics.

[diimaan]

It was a busy day at work. Lot's of transfers in and out. Some I wanted to sell because of players not fitting the tactics I had in mind for the upcoming season, some wanted to leave when the big guys knocking, some were moaning about the lack of depth or competition because of new faces, all sold, loaned. Only a few I kept. I really didn't wanna lose Sigurdsson but he was hell bent on leaving for spurs whom he believed a much better squad and now I am gonna prove how wrong he was. Then the other guy I didn't wanna lose was Nikola Vlasic! He was perfectly fitting in the tactic, he even rejected offers from Lyon, Monaco and Porto saying he wanna stay, after rejecting those offers he didn't wanna renew his contract and was developing concerns that he wants to leave because of the interest being shown towards him! Seriously wtf!!! Any ways my team after the summer transfer window

 

In no way this is a world beating squad, but I believe that can put up a fight and challenge when it matters. I begin my title defense and keeping my fingers crossed, positively! The journey awaits...

Tactic looked decent on the friendlies and the Community Shield, which I won on shoot outs against City!

[diimaan]

When I started, Everton were not top contenders in the league. So I choose a tactic which majorly relied on keeping the ball and make sure that possession counts! Had good players for dead ball situations.

Now after becoming champions and a small boost in reputation, I will face teams who won't allow me to play the same tactics I used in previous season. I was a big fan of Sachhi's tactics thread. And as per my understanding of the tactic, I believe the following two closely resembles his. Please correct me if I am wrong or if there is any suggestion to make, as it early in my title defense I have not seen any major drawbacks so far with these tactics.

 

As this tactic requires players with quality, I spent most of my budget on players whom I believed would suit the tactic better and few of them are for the foreseeable future as well!

 

[VinceLombardi]

How does the Car(s) play in the first tactic?

[diimaan]

3 hours ago, VinceLombardi said:

How does the Car(s) play in the first tactic?

When in possession he ran up and wide, not hugs the line wide but wide enough to support the winger who was pushing up higher and plays one two's with the winger or wingback. When we don't have the ball he kinda sits near the middle and hunt for the ball from incoming opponents!

I will try to post some screens of his movements!

[diimaan]

I think I may have to modify the second tactic slightly. It works okay ish so far! One game one win, but I didn't like what I saw. May be a few more games and let's see

[diimaan]