Custom Tactics for 4-1-2-1-2 (2)

Twas the Weekend League after Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a player was stirring, Playstation doesn’t need a mouse,
The player picks were placed in the store with care,
In hopes that Freeze Dembélé soon would be there;

The players were sorted, including lucky reds,
While visions of Elite one, danced in our heads;
A new formation selected, and no midfield gap,
The 4 depth meant, don’t need the offside trap,

When out on the flanks there arose such a clatter,
Ferland Mendy overlapping, I’m wondering does this matter? 
Away to the sidelines, I passed it in a flash,
He sprints, then a cross, I hope his passing is not trash.

Now, Mbappe! now, Mane, now Gini and Auoar!
On Trent! On Marquinhos, on Mendy and Neymar!
To the top of the box, to the top of the goal!
Now back to half! Back to half! Back to half all!

Now in our own half, the numbers ready to work,
And I can only hope, my opponents not a jerk,
And laying a tackle, his playstyle Varane slows,
And away on the counter attack, all my squad goes, 

The formation is wild, all out attack until the whistle,
Three goals each match as shots fly in like missiles.
And if you defend, your opponent will be drove out of sight,
Happy FUTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

… I realize it is not FUTMAS, but a guy can wish for better times, right?

Why 4-1-2-1-2 (2)?

Why?  Because just about every person I watch play FIFA who has fluency and fun to watch gameplay is using it… or something similar.  I am not at a point that I am ready to use it in Weekend League just yet, despite my poem to kick things off.  But having used it for two weeks in Division Rivals preparing for this review, I am really starting to love it.  I find myself enjoying the game more and more when I complete these tactics reviews… mostly because it is something new and therefore brings a revitalization of interest into the game.  But also, the level and variety in the attack in a formation like the 4-1-2-1-2 (2) create situations that simply cannot be replicated in more reserved styles.  Finally, I have been really struggling with finding the right formation to get me back into matches that are not going my way; this weekend will be the first time I turn to the 4-1-2-1-2 (2) in matches that I am down, and if you follow me on Twitter @IVIaeNine …  I will let you know how it went when it is all over.
 

Tactics
 

Play Style

No matter the playstyle I think you are going to see me using Balanced Attack and Defending at the start of any match. Later in matches, the need for Constant Pressure or All-Out Attack can become clear … but I like to start with a more reserved approach.  However, one thing I played within almost every match with the 4-3-3 (4) was the instruction on the CAM and CMs.  As I stated previously, this formation does not take much to transform from Guardiola’s Barcelona with midfielders and strikers overloading opponent’s leaving them wondering where everyone came from… into a conservative, Mourinho parking the bus in a massive match approach.  I actually started to picture a weekend where I never change formation, but have a bunch of tactic variations based on opponents and circumstance for the 4-3-3 (4), and I think it would be interesting to see the results. 
 

Width 

The formation is meant to be more compact and therefore offers the intricacy of play in the midfield.  However, with 5 Width in both attack and defence there are some interesting phases of play that offer cover in the wide areas when necessary.  In attack… when your LB or RB receives the ball the CM on that side is always quick to make themselves available if the ST has not already done so.  These runs into space are actually quite effective as your player receives the ball on the move as opposed to more stagnant in the 4-4-2 for example.  Similarly, on defence if you leave the CMs to Cover Wing as I did, they will come across to help when your LB or RB have left the space vacant by one of their marauding runs. When all else fails, the CB on that side of the pitch will drift over to deal with these issues… while the other CB and CDM fill in the gaps left behind by his movement.  The formation is quite nice in the different ways that the players rotate to maintain balance.  
 

Depth

While I will always advocate for a high depth high octane style of FUT… this is one of those occasions where it would be a nightmare to try and implement.  While I am sure there are players superior to me doing it, I am just not there in terms of defending to be exposing my squad to that level.  The 4 Depth in this case allows a bit of time for the reorganization that I mentioned above to take place as your full backs tirelessly sprint back into position.  Even still, there are still plenty of opportunities to apply pressure on your opponents.  The sheer volume of players that are in and around your opponents box when attacking in this formation means that a loss in possession can quickly turn to a devastating press… or… a devastating counter attack against you if you are not prepared.  
 

Player Instructions

ST #1: Bal. Width - Mixed Attack (sometimes Get in Behind) - Normal Int. - Bal. Support

ST #2: Bal. Width - Mixed Attack - Normal Int. - Bal. Support

CAM: Stay Forward - Get in Box - Free Roam - Norm. Int

CM #1 (More Attacking): Balanced Attack - Get in Box - Normal Int. - Stick Position - Cover Wing
CM #2 : Balanced Attack - Balanced Crossing - Normal Int. - Stick Position - Cover Wing

CDM: Cut Passing Lanes - Stay Back Attack - Normal Int. - Cover Wing

LB & RB: Balanced Attack - Normal Int. - Mixed Attack

CBs: Stay Back Attacking - Normal Int.

GK: Comes for Crosses - Sweeper Keeper

Conclusion

The reason that 4-1-2-1-2 (2) is not a more popular formation in FIFA 21 is because it is difficult for Drop Back Danny to get all 18 of his players and bench behind the ball.  There it is, I said it.  However, one thing that I did notice while I was experimenting with the different tactics and instructions was the increased pressure I could put on drop back opponents. While the 4-4-2 is rather blunt against really defensive opponents, the 4-1-2-1-2 (2) was a relentless bombardment of their box.  Specifically, I enjoyed how often I was able to immediately win the ball back to prolong my attacks, wearing down my opponents until chances revealed themselves.  All in all, I enjoyed making this review of the 4-1-2-1-2 (2) tactics and would love to hear if you test them out, how they are working, or maybe slight tweaks that have worked better for you. Stay safe out there. Happy Holidays. Cheers for reading.
 

4-1-2-1-2 (2) Custom Tactics Video: