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FM26: Building the perfect wing play tactic with a modest team
This video shows how to build an effective 4-4-2 tactic for a modest team in Football Manager 26, focusing on wing play, fast transitions, and a hard-working team. It analyzes the initial setup, the selection of key players, adjustments to team instructions and player roles, as well as tactical adaptations during matches to maximize performance.
1. 🎯 Philosophy of playing on the wings and team requirements
- ✅ The goal is to create a team with fast transitions and a focus on attacking down the wings.
- ✅ Looking for a hard-working, well-organized team with a constant goal threat.
- ✅ Hard work, especially from the midfielders, is crucial.
00:00 - 00:50
1. 🎯 Philosophy of playing on the wings and team requirements
- ✅ The goal is to create a team with fast transitions and a focus on attacking down the wings.
- ✅ Looking for a hard-working, well-organized team with a constant goal threat.
- ✅ Hard work, especially from the midfielders, is crucial.
00:51 - 02:15
2. 📈 Initial success with Harrogate Town and analysis of key statistics
- ✅ Harrogate Town from League Two (England) is used as an example.
- ✅ Despite being one of the favorites for relegation, the team is in third position after making tactical adjustments.
- ✅ The team excels in goals scored, crosses completed, and chance creation.
- ✅ The team recovers the ball frequently and does so with low ball possession.
02:16 - 03:25
3. ⚙️ Initial setup of the 4-4-2 tactic and midfielder roles
- ✅ Starts with the preset wing play configuration, adjusting it to a classic 4-4-2.
- ✅ A full-back is preferred over a wing-back to maximize wing play.
- ✅ The midfield duo is vital; they are expected to operate in a defined central zone.
- ✅ A standard central midfielder is chosen to hold position, allowing the other to advance.
03:26 - 04:25
4. 🔎 Squad analysis to adapt the style of play
- ✅ It is crucial to analyze the squad to determine if the players adapt to the wing play style.
- ✅ Special attention is paid to full-backs and wingers.
04:26 - 05:34
5. 💪 Evaluation of key attributes in full-backs for wing play
- ✅ Filters are used to evaluate the essential attributes of full-backs, such as marking, tackling, crossing, and teamwork.
- ✅ In League Two, it is considered acceptable to have attributes around 10, and elite above 12.
05:35 - 06:29
6. 🎯 Identification of key attributes in wingers and player selection
- ✅ Attributes such as crossing, dribbling, acceleration, pace, first touch, technique, passing, vision, stamina, and natural fitness are evaluated.
- ✅ The preferred foot is considered for player recruitment.
06:30 - 07:30
7. ⭐ Importance of not relying solely on the star system and target striker selection
- ✅ The importance of not relying solely on the star system when selecting players is highlighted.
- ✅ Tom Cersonens is chosen as the target striker for his physical presence, heading, and jumping reach, despite having a lower star rating.
07:31 - 08:10
8. 🧠 Selection of hard-working midfielders and basic team setup
- ✅ Midfielders with high teamwork capacity are prioritized.
- ✅ An initial lineup is formed based on the analysis of attributes and roles.
08:11 - 09:17
9. 📝 Adjustments to team instructions: In possession
- ✅ More direct passing and high tempo are maintained for fast transitions.
- ✅ A standard or narrow width is chosen to maintain defensive compactness.
- ✅ Creative freedom is reduced to maintain tactical discipline.
- ✅ Dribbling is encouraged, and shooting from distance is discouraged.
09:18 - 10:16
10. 🛡️ Adjustments to team instructions: Out of possession
- ✅ A mid-block is maintained, and the defensive line is lowered to standard.
- ✅ Tackling harder is ordered to be more combative.
- ✅ Crossing is invited to trust the center-backs.
- ✅ The goalkeeper is pressed to force long balls.
- ✅ The midfielders must fall back and protect the center-backs.
- ✅ A balanced mentality is maintained.
10:17 - 11:16
11. 🛠️ Pre-season adjustments and final tactic for home games
- ✅ Pre-season is used to make adjustments and optimize the tactic.
- ✅ The center forward is changed to a false nine for more movement.
- ✅ Three players who press on loss of possession are added: the two wingers and the target striker.
- ✅ An error in FM26 where the roles of covering center-back and stopper center-back are inverted is corrected.
11:17 - 12:20
12. ✈️ Tactic for away games and examples of success
- ✅ A different tactic is used for away games, eliminating counter-pressing and focusing on counter-attacking.
- ✅ This tactic is effective against favorite teams like Cambridge United.
- ✅ The importance of pressing the goalkeeper and focusing play down the wings is highlighted.
12:21 - 13:07
13. 🔄 Tactical adjustments during the match and mentality
- ✅ Starts with a balanced mentality, adjusting it according to the development of the match.
- ✅ Switches to the away tactic (counter-attack) if the opposing team dominates.
- ✅ The importance of getting better goal-scoring opportunities on the counter-attack is highlighted.
13:08 - 13:43
14. 👤 Individual player instructions
- ✅ Players with less technical quality are asked to take fewer risks.
- ✅ Full-backs and wingers are instructed to cross towards the target striker.
- ✅ Wingers mark the position of the opposing full-back for greater defensive solidity.
- ✅ Central midfielders are ordered to tackle harder.
13:44 - 14:54
15. 🤝 Team success and future plans: Promotion to the Premier League?
- ✅ The team is in second place in the league and has maintained a good defense.
- ✅ The possibility of continuing the story and promoting the team to the Premier League is raised.
14:55 - 15:17
16. 🔑 Final summary and tips for success
- ✅ The importance of having two versions of the tactic to adapt to the opponent is highlighted.
- ✅ Small adjustments that can be made during the match are mentioned, such as adding or removing the counter-attack or counter-pressing.
- ✅ The role of the target striker and the importance of the other players feeding off him is emphasized.