I always find deciding on tactics is one of the hardest things to do in career mode. I can never figure out if I want to just copy a real manager, or if this time i’ll make my own style. Well, over the years I've tried a bunch of different tactics based on real teams, and today I thought I could share 5 of my favourites.
We’ll be starting with the most defensive one of all, Catenaccio.
Catenaccio (Inspired by Inter Milan - 1960s):
Formation: 5-3-2
Playing Style: Defensive, counter-attacking
Key Instructions: Deep defensive line, Stay Back While Attacking for full-backs, Counter-Attack
Player Roles: Sweeper-keeper, ball-winning midfielder, target man
Tactics: Compact defensive shape, disciplined defending, quick transitions from defence to counter-attack.
Prioritizes defensive stability with a focus on minimising space. You’ll want all three of your defenders to have the block playstyle, even better if you can find three with the plus version. Araujo, Gvardiol and Kimpembe would make you an elite Catenaccio style team.
Sign a sweeper-keeper comfortable with playing off the line (e.g., Dino Zoff).
Ball-winning midfielders adept at breaking up opposition plays (e.g., N'Golo Kanté).
Target man with aerial ability and strong hold-up play (e.g., Marco van Basten).
Total Football (Inspired by Ajax - 1970s):
Formation: 4-3-3
Playing Style: Possession-based, fluid movement
Key Instructions: High defensive line, Press After Possession Loss, Balanced width
Player Roles: Ball-playing defenders, box-to-box midfielders, inverted wingers
Tactics: Build-up play focused on short, quick passes; players interchanging positions; full-backs providing width; high pressing to win the ball back quickly.
The tactic is all about collective movement and positional awareness. This tactic works really well with incisive pass+ playstyle on your deeper players and first touch+ on your attackers. You’ll have lots of runners, so someone like Kovacic can easily find the right through ball, basically every time. First touch+ lets you smash the ball at attackers in tight spaces, which unironically makes Reus and Havertz two of the best options, despite their limitations irl.
In general, sign technically gifted defenders who are comfortable on the ball (e.g., Matthijs de Ligt).
Midfielders with high stamina, work rate, and passing ability (e.g., Frenkie de Jong).
Inverted wingers who can cut inside and contribute to both goals and assists (e.g., Johan Cruyff).
Tiki-Taka (Inspired by Barcelona - 2008-2012):
Formation: 4-3-3 (False 9)
Playing Style: Possession-oriented, quick passing
Key Instructions: Short passing, Possession-based, High defensive line
Player Roles: Playmaker in the false 9 position, ball-playing midfielders, attacking full-backs
Tactics: Quick and precise passing, players constantly moving to create passing options, patient buildup play.
Counter-Pressing (Inspired by Liverpool - 2018-present):
Formation: 4-3-3 (Gegenpress)
Playing Style: High-intensity pressing, quick transitions
Key Instructions: Press After Possession Loss, High defensive line, Fast Build-Up
Player Roles: High work rate forwards, ball-winning midfielders, attacking full-backs
Tactics: Immediately pressuring opponents when possession is lost, fast counter-attacks, overlapping runs from full-backs.
Cruyff's Diamond (Inspired by AC Milan - late 1980s):
Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond
Playing Style: Fluid attacking, dynamic midfield
Key Instructions: Balanced width, Free Roam for central midfielders
Player Roles: Creative attacking midfielder, box-to-box midfielders, poacher
Tactics: Build-up play through the central diamond, quick transitions, overlapping full-backs providing width.
These tactical setups are inspired by the playing styles of legendary football teams and managers. Feel free to adapt them based on your squad's strengths and weaknesses in FIFA Career Mode. Adjust player instructions and individual roles as needed to suit the characteristics of your players.
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