FIFA 23 Best 4231 Rank 1 Meta Tactics & Instructions ft. NealGuides

The Tactics Guides are back just in time for Christmas, with a new tactician taking the wheel, experienced Coach & Content Creator NealGuides.

This week, we’re taking a look at one of the most popular, well-rounded formations over recent years, and certainly in FIFA 23, the 4231.

With defensive stability and 4 attackers ready to cause trouble, the 4231 is one of the most versatile formations in FIFA and is perfect for a lot of playstyles, ranging from possession play to fast, counter-attacking build-up.

Let’s dive into the Tactics & Instructions in the video down below, and how you can effectively set up your 4231.

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On the Attack…

You have the freedom to push forward and create chances with effectively a four-striker formation, comprised of your ST, CAM, LAM and RAM. You can also push one of your midfielders on for additional support should you prefer.

With the way the 4231 sets up in-game, you’re spoilt for passing options, with triangles all over the pitch for 1-2s between your midfielders and attackers, as shown below.

Playing almost like a 4-4-1-1 in attack, be sure to utilise your wide attacking midfielders like wingers, getting outside of the opposition full-backs before bringing the ball back inside to your central attacking midfielder and striker.

Secondly, don’t hesitate to push your full-backs on to create overloads in wide areas, drawing out defenders and midfielders to create space for central attacking options.

In Defence…

The 4231 is one of the most defensively solid formations in FIFA 23, defending with a back 4, with a dual central defensive midfielder partnership cutting passing lanes to strikers, with attacking midfielders ready to put pressure on the opposition ball carriers.

In essence, with the instructions explained in the video above, this 4231 defends in a 4-5-1 setup, making it very difficult for opponents to play through and create space for threatening chances.

Suggested Players for the 4231

Here are our suggestions for what to look for from your players to build the best squad possible in the 4231.

Best Strikers To Use in 4-2-3-1

From your main striker, we recommend looking at these core attributes.

• High acceleration & sprint speed - to burst away from defences on counterattacks

• 5 Star Weak Foot - to be unpredictable in and around the box and score from any position

• High agility & balance stats to allow for quick dribbling to create chances in tight areas.

Examples of top players to consider here include Eusebio, Mbappe, Ben Yedder & Correa.

Best Central Attacking Midfielders To Use in 4-2-3-1

In this iteration of the 4231, the CAM acts as a second striker, so having similar attributes to strikers will be key, however also look for some additional passing stats here, as your CAM needs to be comfortable on the ball, playing up to the striker or out to wide midfielders.

Look at players such as Pele, Neymar and Messi that can fill that playmaker element.

Best Left & Right Attacking Midfielders To Use in 4-2-3-1

It’s important to note, that these positions play like wingers, not traditional attacking midfielders, so treat them as such.

Look to prioritise Pace & Dribbling in wide areas, with wingers such as Ousmane Dembele, Vinicius Jr & Al Owairan.

Best Central Defensive Midfielders To Use in 4-2-3-1

With your CDMs, feel free to be a little more creative, depending on the approach you want to take.

Ensure that you have at least one option that is defensively sound and can sit back to win the ball in front of the defence, Vieira is a perfect example.

However, whether you go with another defensive option, or more of a box-to-box style midfielder to partner with your anchoring defensive-minded player, is up to you. 

Taking someone like Zidane who’s more attack-minded, but somewhat capable defensively will suit some players more than others, so feel free to experiment here. Another option to recommend would be Renato Sanches, who can capably bring the ball out of defence with his well-rounded stats and high agility and balance

Best Full Backs To Use in 4-2-3-1

When it comes to your full backs, make sure to prioritise pace, naturally given how you’ll be defending fast wingers a lot of the time.

In addition, if you can include full-backs with good passing, you can utilise through balls down the wing to your wide attacking midfielders, a key chance-creation method.

If you liked this article & video, check out NealGuides, and also be sure to check out his FIFA School for in-depth tutorials and 1-on-1 interactive coaching