4-3-2-1 DM - In search of tactical identity at FC Metz

[edu-by-a]

Hello guys,

after 1 1/2 years off I got back into it after the winter patch and had skipped FM22.

Recently I have started a career with FC Metz and now preparing for the 2026/27 season.

Review: In the first season, it was all about getting promoted, virtually no matter how. I managed to do that with relative ease. There I had a 4-1-3-2 wide. In Ligue 2, that worked well, but once I got to Ligue 1, it wasn't quite as functional.

Here began my odyssey on the "search" for my tactics. In FM21 I have quite successfully played a 4-2-1-3 with two DMs at ADO Den Haag. That was therefore a first starting point for me. Numerous other attempts at tactics followed. However, I was often without a chance or I had high xG and still often lost 0-1. Basically, it seems very difficult to me to find the right balance. Because in some systems you are completely open defensively and in others you hardly get any chances.

Here I am now looking for the balance at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.

This time I have thought about something "different". A system that I have never played in the FM. Basically, the first tests in the preparation are very promising, but that was in the previous season sometimes the case.
Now I want to play a 4-3-2-1 in the following configuration:

Spoiler

Inspired by @Rashidi, the idea is to install a right-footed wide playmaker on the left who can win the ball with good tackling and then feed the SS or AF. The AM should support him in this. Also, the DLP can feed the offensive forces with lethal passes.

So the DLP and the WP are my main creators. This has been shown in the tests and the SS also shows creative elements in the offensive phase looking for the AM/AF. Another option is the WBs who overlapping and at the far post lurks the SS as well as the WMs who "arrives late in opposition area".

Depending on the opponent, I will adjust the mentality. Initially, Balanced should be a good starting point, since it is a top heavy system. Against the top opponents I will probably go for a midblock.

DLPd has "Close Down Less" as PI because he needs to hold his position. My two DLPd are among the best DMs in the league if you exclude PSG.

I also gave the AMs Dribble More and Roam From Position. Still have to see if that proves itself. I do like the adaptability of the role though. Against weaker teams would certainly be the option to go AMa or even make it a second SS.

For the moment it makes a balanced impression for me. How do you guys see it? Any objections/experiences/help?

 

Kind Regards,

Edu

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by edu-by-a

[Drikcey75]

i have seen a similar tactic where the two AM have "run into space"

whenever the striker got the ball and search for one AM behind him, the other runs down and his a threat for the defense and an option to find a pass,  combined with the runs of WB and W =)

[Cloud9]

7 hours ago, edu-by-a said:

Hello guys,

after 1 1/2 years off I got back into it after the winter patch and had skipped FM22.

Recently I have started a career with FC Metz and now preparing for the 2026/27 season.

Review: In the first season, it was all about getting promoted, virtually no matter how. I managed to do that with relative ease. There I had a 4-1-3-2 wide. In Ligue 2, that worked well, but once I got to Ligue 1, it wasn't quite as functional.

Here began my odyssey on the "search" for my tactics. In FM21 I have quite successfully played a 4-2-1-3 with two DMs at ADO Den Haag. That was therefore a first starting point for me. Numerous other attempts at tactics followed. However, I was often without a chance or I had high xG and still often lost 0-1. Basically, it seems very difficult to me to find the right balance. Because in some systems you are completely open defensively and in others you hardly get any chances.

Here I am now looking for the balance at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.

This time I have thought about something "different". A system that I have never played in the FM. Basically, the first tests in the preparation are very promising, but that was in the previous season sometimes the case.
Now I want to play a 4-3-2-1 in the following configuration:

  Hide contents

Inspired by @Rashidi, the idea is to install a right-footed wide playmaker on the left who can win the ball with good tackling and then feed the SS or AF. The AM should support him in this. Also, the DLP can feed the offensive forces with lethal passes.

So the DLP and the WP are my main creators. This has been shown in the tests and the SS also shows creative elements in the offensive phase looking for the AM/AF. Another option is the WBs who overlapping and at the far post lurks the SS as well as the WMs who "arrives late in opposition area".

Depending on the opponent, I will adjust the mentality. Initially, Balanced should be a good starting point, since it is a top heavy system. Against the top opponents I will probably go for a midblock.

DLPd has "Close Down Less" as PI because he needs to hold his position. My two DLPd are among the best DMs in the league if you exclude PSG.

I also gave the AMs Dribble More and Roam From Position. Still have to see if that proves itself. I do like the adaptability of the role though. Against weaker teams would certainly be the option to go AMa or even make it a second SS.

For the moment it makes a balanced impression for me. How do you guys see it? Any objections/experiences/help?

 

Kind Regards,

Edu

 

I'd consider:

• Swapping the AM for an AP who could offer a different range of passing from the DLP/WP (and changing the WP to a WM). AP can look to make some cute passes to unlock defenses from the final third compared to a DLP recycling possession (and the long passes it sounds like you're asking of him). 
• Changing the AF for a PF(s) considering your setup, and to link up with the SS. AF/SS are trying to do similar things in the formation. Other supporting forward roles could work too but looks like you're doing your defending from the front. Having a strong/tall striker to do some holdup play could be nice too.
• Maybe the WM right to a W(s)? not sure if that would leave you too exposed. 
• Left WB(s) could become a WB(a) with the FB(s) on the opposite side. With your high lines I'd try out an IWB(s) or even an IWB(a), would move nicely into that midfield space and underlap into attacks.

Only concern I'd have w the current setup is you might find it hard to transition the ball outside of crosses and long range passes (esp w/ the AF and SS rushing forward, there's a bit of a gap, asking a lot of the roaming AMC).

Just some suggestions  

Edited March 31, 2023 by Cloud9

[lied90]

Seems like a good formation to use a IWB. Since you want to use the WP role, maybe make the opposite wide player into a defensive winger with a IWB behind him. This could also allow you to have both AMs on attack duty.  Just from personal testing I find AM (A) with move into channels to be more effective than the SS role.

[edu-by-a]

Am 31.3.2023 um 02:47 schrieb Cloud9:

I'd consider:

• Swapping the AM for an AP who could offer a different range of passing from the DLP/WP (and changing the WP to a WM). AP can look to make some cute passes to unlock defenses from the final third compared to a DLP recycling possession (and the long passes it sounds like you're asking of him). 
• Changing the AF for a PF(s) considering your setup, and to link up with the SS. AF/SS are trying to do similar things in the formation. Other supporting forward roles could work too but looks like you're doing your defending from the front. Having a strong/tall striker to do some holdup play could be nice too.
• Maybe the WM right to a W(s)? not sure if that would leave you too exposed. 
• Left WB(s) could become a WB(a) with the FB(s) on the opposite side. With your high lines I'd try out an IWB(s) or even an IWB(a), would move nicely into that midfield space and underlap into attacks.

Only concern I'd have w the current setup is you might find it hard to transition the ball outside of crosses and long range passes (esp w/ the AF and SS rushing forward, there's a bit of a gap, asking a lot of the roaming AMC).

Just some suggestions  

Thank you very much for your input.

First of all, I see exactly the passes/actions from the WPs that I expected, even against PSG. Also, I've never had a tactic that created so much xG.

What surprises me is how high up the pitch the AMs positions. Significantly higher than the SSa, for example. Additionally, I like the production of the WM. Initially, however, I had defensive problems here. Then I changed the FBs to an IWBd. Fits the player better and gives me more stability.

I will certainly develop variations of tactics in which your ideas will find influence. Anyway, the formation seems very powerful.

Against Paris, unfortunately, my DLPd was unavailable due to injruy. Otherwise, a win would have been possible.

The numerous goals conceded in the pre-season usually been late in the games, after I have subbed in the youth players.

Am 31.3.2023 um 08:04 schrieb lied90:

Seems like a good formation to use a IWB. Since you want to use the WP role, maybe make the opposite wide player into a defensive winger with a IWB behind him. This could also allow you to have both AMs on attack duty.  Just from personal testing I find AM (A) with move into channels to be more effective than the SS role.

100% agreement regarding the IWB. I have tested this in phases. Especially when leading the DW could be an important element to keep the lead.

Will give an update after the season, how it has developed and what changes I have made.