How to Play FM14: A Twelve Step Guide

This thread has been knocking around the tactics forum since Beta. As the full game is now available, just as we did last year, we're re-posting it in the General Discussions forum to to help kick start people's playing experience.

Before reading: There are many ways in which we interpret football. Some people believe that a team should always employ the same tactic, no matter the opposition, conditions, and match situation. Others believe that a tactical approach should be altered to take into account absolutely everything, giving instructions to play the ball more direct in wet weather, specific marking oppositional threats, changing formation in relation to the opposition's strengths and weaknesses, etc, etc. FM allows both playing styles, and all those in between, to achieve. The below advice is only intended to help people through the basics, after which their own preferred playing styles should begin to shine through. For those who followed my FM13 thread, very little of this will be new, although I have added depth here and there. Hopefully it refreshes your memory a little at the very least. For those reading this for the first time, I hope it stimulates the grey matter and helps with your enjoyment of FM14.

The Twelve Step Guide

1: Understand the core strategic concepts:

Philosophies/Styles: The philosophies/styles are mentality and creative freedom structures. They range from being very structured with low creative freedom, to being very unstructured with lots of creative freedom. A useful interpretation would be as follows:

Very Rigid: Each player is given a specific job and is supposed to stick to it (usually 5+ different jobs across a team)Rigid: Players are assigned a responsibility that contributes to a specific element of play (Defence, defence & transition, transition & attack, attack)Balanced: Players focus on their duty (Defend, Support, Attack)Fluid: Players are given instructions to focus on defence or attackVery Fluid: Players contribute to all aspects of play

As you can see, each step reduces the level of specialisation. At Very Rigid, you have five plus different jobs, Rigid four responsibilities, Balanced three duties, Fluid two focuses, Very Fluid one method. In Very Rigid philosophies, you expect players to stick to their job description, so can assign multiple specialist roles. In Very Fluid philosophies, you expect everybody to do a bit of everything, which means specialist roles are redundant.

I consider the following to be specialist roles:

Target Man PoacherFalse 9Flank Target ManTrequartistaEnganche

Advanced PlaymakerDeep Lying PlaymakerRegistaBall Winning MidfielderAnchor ManLibero

These four roles can fit in either camp, depending on your interpretation.

Complete ForwardDefensive ForwardShadow StrikerDefensive WingerBox to Box MidfielderComplete Wing BackBall Playing Defender

I consider the following to be generic roles:

Advanced ForwardDeep Lying ForwardAttacking MidfielderInside ForwardWingerCentral MidfielderWide MidfielderDefensive MidfielderHalf BackWing BackFull BackLimited Full BackCentral DefenderLimited DefenderSweeper

I don't include keepers, although you might want to regard a sweeper keeper as specialist.

I generally suggest the following as a good rule of thumb (consider the either/or roles as 0.5):

Very Rigid: 4-5 specialist roles Rigid: 3-4 specialist rolesStandard: 2-3 specialist rolesFluid: 1-2 specialist rolesVery Fluid: 0-1 specialist roles

Please note that these are my interpretations and not hard, fast rules. If you disagree and/or want to be more creative, fire away.

2: Adapt the roles to the player. You will find that many roles do not perfectly fit a player's strengths and

weaknesses. Use the individual instructions to fine tune that player's skills to the role requirements. If you find you are fine tuning everything, it might be that you don't actually want the player to be performing that role at all and another one will be far more suited to his skill set. Don't blindly trust your Assistant!! Have a look and see. As player roles stick to the player, you can have one AMR set to an W/A role/duty, but another player with a skill set more attuned to creative passing set to a AP/S. You are no longer stuck to having the same roles active for all players without making lots of fiddly changes.

3: Become aware that the strategy names are more plastic than they seem. The defensive strategy still attacks on the counter, whereas the attacking strategy can still be defensively solid. Bar the two extremes (Contain and Overload), each strategy is both defensive and attacking. A good rule of thumb is that if you want to play with a lot of deep midfielders and a short passing game, choose a less attacking strategy, whereas if you want to have high, effective wingers and a direct style, choose a more attacking strategy.

4: Focus on roles and duties and their combinations. Make sure you have one Attack duty in defence, generally but not absolutely necessarily combined with one Support Duty (note, this includes the deepest wide players in your formation if you are not using the Full Back positions), one Attack Duty and one Defend Duty in midfield, and one Support Duty (or TQ or F9) in attack. This type of structure encourages movement between the lines, which is absolutely vital for a dynamic tactic that creates multiple chance types. It also ensures a tight defensive system in which the team defends en bloc, rather than in disconnected lines. If you play a lone FC formation, ensure he drops deep by giving him a support duty, a TQ or F9 role, as other roles run the risk of isolating him, resulting in his failure to contribute to play and relying on scraps and half chances. The exception is when playing an AMC directly behind him. In such formations, you might want your forward to stay high and range across the line to create space for the AMC to move into, so an AF/A or CF/A role/duty might be a better option. Make sure you have at least one no-nonsense midfielder role to break up play and provide a solid base for possession. If you want to use a playmaker, think about whether he'll be in the best position to hurt players, or will your approach see him isolated or marked out of the game. If you want to use a target man, consider whether his flick ons and knock downs will be easily picked up by a teammate.

5: Look at the team comparison page to determine how strong / weak your team is to the divisional average. Consider using the tactical adjustments to take advantage of / cover for this (e.g. if you have a very slow or lazy team, stand off more, whereas if they are quick and hard-working, press more). Although this will become less and less important as you shape your squad to a preferred style, the advantages gained from understanding how your team shapes up against divisional rivals could be vital when taking over a new club.

6: Use the team instructions to develop and save a favoured playing style, which should also suit your team strengths / weaknesses. For example, a highly technical team can sit deep and counter at pace, so using retain possession, pass into space, run at defence with a counter strategy may be worthwhile. A less technical but more physical team might want to impose themselves in a different way, so consider using more direct passing, hit early crosses, get stuck in with an attack strategy. There are all kind of possible ways to shape a playing style. At times you'll have a good enough squad to pick a style of your choosing, at times a style might be forced upon you. You might want to change styles on a match by match basis. There's no hard and fast rule. Just try to be logical in your combinations. Examples of different defensive styles can be found here. Examples of different attacking styles can be found here (deep possession and rapier countering a la Barcelona) and here (British fast-paced, direct winger attacks). Both are for earlier versions of FM, but should still be highly relevant to FM14. If you wish to partake in an FM14 thread about developing a playing style, then this thread on Arsenal is a fantastic place to start.

7: Before each match, consider looking at the weather conditions and the opposing team's formation to determine your match strategy. It can be very difficult to counter attack on a heavy, chewed up pitch, so you might have to abandon your preferred style and play an uglier game. You might want to expose an opponents lone wide player formation and exploit the flanks or look for overlap. You might be happy with your starting system. Although it's ultimately up to you how much you wish to adapt things in such circumstances, be aware that a lack of flexibility can sometimes be costly.

8: Look at the opposing team formation or player condition / skills and consider using OIs to counter them. You could use OIs to counter dangerous players or stop crosses coming in, or to target unfit, slow or cowardly players. Be wary of setting too many OIs as that can harm your team's overall structure.

9: Play the match dynamically. During the game, don't be afraid to change things up through shouts and strategies if things are not working. Do it logically rather than willy nilly though. For example, assuming going more attacking equals more goals might be a bad move, especially if the opposition is sitting deep and packing the final third with defensive players. If you see such a pattern, you might find that sitting deeper and countering will produce more chances than becoming more aggressive, as it will pull the opposition out a bit more. Once you've scored, decide whether you want to push for more goals or hang onto a lead and change things / keep things the same based on that decision. Over time, you'll learn to trust your in-match decisions and develop a system that works for you. You'll know what to change, when to change and when to trust your team to just get on with it.

10: Realise that team talks are contextual. They do not relate to the scoreline, rather how expected the scoreline is versus the quality / reputation of the opposition and the football you actually played. Sometimes you can be delighted at 0-0, at other times, if you've scraped a 2-0 lead with very few chances against a poor team, warning the team against complacency is required. React to what you think should have happened, not the scoreline. It's worth noting that although team talks and media interactions generally do not have a huge influence on how a match plays out, they can do. Sometimes a good motivational strategy will result in a player having the game of his life, and vice versa. Consequently, it can be worthwhile carefully considering your motivational strategy before key games, as it might make a subtle but vital difference during squeaky bum time.

11: Never stop learning. I worked out why my pass into space strategy wasn't working when I employed an attacking strategy. Watching through the match after a dour 0-0, it became obvious to me that everyone was rushing so far forward that my main deep creators were my BWM and FB/S. Not ideal. However, with a less aggressive strategy, my main deep creators were my AP and W/S, which was what I wanted. Hence, I abandoned the attacking strategy and played on the counter as a standard approach, changing my roles and shouts if I ever decided to play more aggressively (usually because of the weather / pitch conditions). If things aren't working as expected, there are always clues in the game if you watch closely enough.

12: Finally, if you get stuck and frustrated come to visit the tactics forum and explain your problem. As long as you are clear and detailed, then it is very unusual for us not to be able to help. Good luck and play well. Remember, we are here to help. We all want you to enjoy FM14 as much as we do.

NB: For further and deeper insight into fluidity/rigidity, passing styles, formations and getting your full backs working, please read this post: http://community.sigames.com/showthr...=1#post9150212

Pairs & Combinations: The Complete Series

This is the complete guide for the Pairs & Combinations series, all parts will be added to this single thread for discussion and for simply making it easier to track. I will discuss the following topics:

Goalkeepers Central Defenders Central Midfielders Wide Men Strike Partnerships Team Instructions Building My Team

There may be further updates as time goes on, and they will be added to the base article here. For now though, onto the articles...

GOALKEEPERS

Goalkeepers are still an important part of your team's tactical setup. Their distribution and sweeping up are significantly linked to your overall team style of play, and the players in your team. A well set-up goalkeeper can significantly improve your team's performances.

Distribution

Your goalkeeper has several options for distribution. He can act as a creative presence, or tend towards playing it safe. The options are as follows:

Defender Collect Quick Throw Long Kick

A defender collect option works well with building play from the back, and works particularly well when you have a good creative outlet, like a ball-playing defender, a deep lying playmaker, or a regista, who can help create chances from a deeper position and help maintain possession. A quick throwing option supports a more direct counter-attacking approach, appears to suit distribution to full backs/wing backs (who naturally tend to have the most space from the back) & helps speed play out from the back at a much quicker tempo. The long kicking approach significantly suits a more physical taller option further up the field. If you play a Target Man or a Wide Target Man, these are highly suitable options to distribute long towards - this works well if your team is being pressed at the back and you are struggling to play the ball out from the back. A Sweeper Keeper can provide more creative options from open play, and suits a counter-attacking game from the back in terms of his distribution.

Sweeping Up

A Sweeper Keeper will sweep up in front of, and wide of the penalty area. He can compensate for a high line & the offside trap being breached. A normal Goalkeeper will hold position far more, and as a result, tends to suit being sat behind a deeper defence, claiming crosses and distributing the ball safer. If you have a higher line it may be more appropriate to try and beat the opposing forwards to the ball instead of standing up and facing a shot, where the opponent has time to set himself. It may be less essential to play a Sweeper Keeper if you have a Sweeper/Libero, or if you have a Defender on a Covering duty.

Next onto the Central Defenders...

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

This guide is going to look in your central defensive set-ups, and how to achieve a cohesive backline. I will discuss your common central defensive pairing, and then the less common central trio.

Central Pair

You have 3 central defensive roles and 3 central defensive duties to choose from. The roles are as follows:

Central Defender Limited Defender Ball Playing Defender

and the duties are as follows:

Defend Stopper Cover

The roles are fairly similar in most respects, and defensive distribution is the most significant difference in the roles. The Limited Defender tends to simply clear the ball as far away from goal as he can - ensures you do not get caught in possession at the back, but it does turn over possession to your opponents quicker and can leave you under sustained pressure. A good idea if your team does not possess the skill to keep hold of the ball in the backline. The Central Defender will distribute the ball to nearby teammates, helping you keep possession in the backline, and to calmly distribute the ball to the midfield. There is the risk of getting caught in possession at the backline, however it can alleviate pressure on your backline by keeping the ball, and building attacks and distributing the ball to players in the midfield capable of influencing the game in the middle and final thirds. The Ball Playing Defender will look to influence counter-attacking opportunities by playing through-balls in to players wide of, or in front of himself. He can also help the team maintain possession with his superior passing skills and licence, although he must me fairly creative and a good passer, otherwise you can turn over possession if your player tries overly ambitious passes he is not capable of.

Central Defender & Central Defender Central Defender & Limited Defender Limited Defender & Limited Defender Ball Playing Defender & Central Defender

You can pair Limited Defenders as they do not affect the balance or overall passing structure as they simply play direct, same with a pair of Central Defenders who simply play a short passing game. The Ball Playing Defender however plays through balls, and due to the increased creativity should generally only be paired with just a simple Central Defender - this is because the Central Defender can help maintain possession at the back, passing to his more creative partner instead of hoofing the ball clear like a Limited Defender and his "safety-first" approach. Having 2 Ball Playing Defenders can see your defenders playing with too much creativity, and attempting too many risky passes.

The duties provide the variation in defensive approach, and these can significantly change the way your defence balances. The Defend duty is the standard approach, aiming to defend merely as guided by team instructions on marking and pressing, holding the defensive line and winning the ball when appropriate. It

is a balance of the 2 "extremes" offered by the Stopper and Cover duties. The Stopper duty aims to step up early to engage the opposition and quickly win the ball back. This can expose your team and open up space for your opposition, stepping ahead of your defensive line. The Cover duty will drop off to try and catch any players breaching the defensive line. This can leave your opponents more time and space just in front of your defence unopposed, but it can also prevent your opponents from breaking through without a player to cover and track their runs, reducing their chances of getting a clean shot away in behind.

Defend & Defend Stopper & Cover Stopper & Defend Defend & Cover

You can play most combinations of duties in the backline, however most importantly you CANNOT play a pair of Stoppers or a pair of Covering Defenders. The Stoppers will expose too much space in behind, and the Covers will gift too much room in front of the defence, and fail to challenge for the ball often enough. Both pairings can badly expose your Offside Trap too, by either allowing room behind the full back's or behind the centre backs, played onside by the full backs. The Defend-Defend pairing tend to stay in line better and are significantly better for shape retention, and playing an Offside Trap. The Stopper-Cover pairing tends to exaggerate the best qualities of each individual, with an aggressive defender to attack the ball early, reducing room for the opposition forwards, and the covering defender can make up for the aggressiveness of the Stopper with his excellent positioning and pace. The Stopper can make up for the Covering Defender's deeper positioning and sometimes lack of aggression by closing down the space in front of the defence. This pairing can cause problems maintaining the Offside Trap with the Defenders in line, allowing gaps for your opponents to exploit.

Central Trio

When playing 3 at the back, you have to consider the implications of the wide players, and their positioning. If your full backs/wing backs are fairly attack-minded then your wide central defenders will have to be able to cover the space left out wide. Having a back 3 can take a player away from the flanks or the central zone in the pitch, and if this back 3 can help with this attacking deficit it is useful. A Ball Playing Defender can help out with the deficit in creativity and Central Defenders can help retain possession. This is worth considering, but the suitability of your players for their roles is important. The real art with 3 at the back comes with the distribution of roles:

Defend-Defend-Defend Stopper-Cover-Stopper Cover-Stopper-Cover

The general theories are that you can either keep your entire defence in line, preserving your offside trap and shape by keeping all on the "Defend" duty. You can have Stoppers out wide, closing down opposition wide players to prevent crosses coming in, leaving 2 defenders in the centre to challenge the opponents, with the Covering defender capable of tracking the runs of players in behind the Stoppers. You can invert this by having a Stopper to close down space in the centre, forcing the ball to be played wide, and Cover the balls into the channels for the opposition wide players to chase in behind.

Remember...

Your defensive roles affect your defensive distribution, and duties affect your defensive approach. Defend duties stay in line better, with Stopper and Cover duties useful in tandem closing down and tracking space and runs, but at the expense of your offside trap. Make sure you consider the space you vacate on the flanks if you play 3 at the back, and consider your approach to possession and your player's individual capabilities

when assessing your roles and duties selection.

Now onto Central Midfielders...

CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS

The aim of this guide is to help people come up with a logical selection of instructions when selecting the roles for their team. This will advise on some of the aspects and issues to consider when you select the roles and duties for your team. The guide is in 4 parts, but these parts all relate to each other, and cannot be considered in isolation. A Striker's role is closely linked with the midfielders behind him, and the wide men, which in turn affects the responsibilities of the full backs which can again knock on to a central midfield pairing's instructions, etc etc. The central midfielders have a massive responsibility in the team, and depending on your formation, have very different demands. For instance, the central pairing within a 4-2-3-1, will be much more defensive than the trio in a 4-3-3. So, onto the discussion...

The Pairing

This section assumes you have a 2-man central midfield pairing - in either the DM or MC strata. This pairing will often be outnumbered in football, and as such is required to do a lot of jobs:

Protect the defence Link play Create chances Support attacks high up the pitch.

As you can tell, its a lot for 2 men to do. Without doubt, the first aspect that must be achieved is to have some protection for the defence in the centre - this means that 1 of your 2 central midfielders will almost certainly need to be given a defend duty. If you do not, it will be too easy for opposing teams to simply waltz unchallenged through the centre of your team, at pace, giving your central defenders little realistic chance of stopping them. Having a player who sits and protects the defence is essential. Some appropriate roles for players who sit and protect include:

Central Midfielder (Defend) Defensive Midfielder (Defend) Anchorman (Defend) Half Back (Defend) Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend) Deep Lying Playmaker (Support)

You may notice the exclusion of a Ball-Winning Midfielder - he should only be paired with an above indicated sitting midfielder, as a Ball-Winning Midfielder does not hold position, and this can significantly expose your team. He can be very effective defensively when paired with another more disciplined player, and does provide late support to attacks too, although he is hardly creative and can be simply industrious. The Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support) you will see is included in that list, as he can bring the ball forward, but ultimately still holds the ball up and holds position, but he can link play and create chances too. His forays forward with the ball are fairly rare, but can expose the team when these break down - he also sits higher up the pitch, and is more likely to break position to challenge an opponent, so should be considered carefully before using as your most disciplined player. A Regista simply does not suit the role of most-disciplined player, and must be paired with someone who will sit and protect - therefore a Ball-Winning Midfielder is unlikely to provide good positional cover due to that tendancy to go searching to win the ball.

The part of such a pairing is a more variable role, as this player is required to try and link play, create, and

support attacks, which is not exactly an easy job. He can be a runner, designed to link play and provide a passing option, or late surge further up the pitch, or he can be a passer, aimed more at keeping the ball moving, and provide a through-ball or creating a chance. The issue without having an outright direct attack-minded player in the midfield, is that you will leave 1 player to perform all defensive duties, and both are likely to become quite isolated from each other too, meaning it is harder to hold possession or build meaningful attacks.

The most appropriate options for the sitter/runner role in the pair are the following:

Central Midfielder (Support) Defensive Midfielder (Support) Regista (Support) Box to Box Midfielder (Support) Advanced Playmaker (Support) Ball-Winning Midfielder (Support)

The Ball-Winning Midfielder as discussed above, has more licence to push and hassle high up the pitch with a partner who sits in behind to keep hold of the ball. You will notice as well the lack of a Deep Lying Playmaker (Support) from the list - he does not make enough forward runs to seriously support the attack. As part of a 3-man midfield he will be very well suited, but as part of a 2-man system, it will simply isolate your attack from midfield support. Finally to note, the Defensive Midfielder (Support) can be a very effective runner from deep, and still provide support in the final third of the pitch, a very useful player in a counter-attacking system, yet he still retains an excellent defensive position, and can form a formidable pair with a disciplined sitting midfielder.

The Trio

Midfield trio's are in the vast majority of cases built around a "2 and 1" triangular set up, with the single player at the base protecting the defence, or at the head, spearheading the attack. A flat midfield trio reduces passing options considerably, the only real benefit is making your midfield harder to play through. So otherwise I would stick to a triangular set up. The formation plays a large part in what is required of your central midfielders (in a pair, or in a trio), but the 2 variants of the triangle require different set ups.

The "AM" Triangle

The "AM" Triangle consists of DM-DM-AM or MC-MC-AM - they are fundamentally the same, but the DM's provide better protection in front of the defence, and the MC's provide better pressing of the opposition, as they are stationed higher up the pitch. This midfield set up consists of 2 more defensive players, and a more attacking player. In almost all central midfields, you will require at least 1 defend duty, and 1 support duty - the addition of a 3rd duty means you can choose generally to have another support duty or an attacking duty (the attacking duty is probably better for the balance of your team - the sheer fact you have 3 central midfielders means your attack is often more isolated, and depends more on midfield support - so the extra forward runs are important).

If you refer back to the 4 general duties of a central midfield, you can specialize them a little more by spreading the tasks around. Your AM is a good bet for supporting attacks, and creating chances - so you can have a specialized holding player, and a linking player. You can provide a solid base to protect your defence and begin attacks with this pair, and it can be a little more defensive than in a 2-man midfield. You could set it up as follows:

Central Midfielder (Defend) Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend) Anchorman (Defend)

Half Back (Defend) Defensive Midfielder (Defend) Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend) - as long as partnered with a DLP(S) to cover position.

with:

Central Midfielder (Support) Deep Lying Playmaker (Support) Regista (Support) Ball-Winning Midfielder (Support) Box to Box Midfielder (Support) Defensive Midfielder (Support)

and in the AM position:

Advanced Playmaker (Support/Attack) Trequartista (Attack) Enganche (Attack) Inside Forward (Support/Attack) Attacking Midfielder (Support/Attack)

Note, I would recommend the "Attack" duties in the AM position to help the balance of your team. But that is not to say the support roles won't work either - this depends on your set up.

So there is a way of providing adequate defensive cover, support in linking the play, and possible overloads in the final third, and overall creativity. With a balanced central midfield. As I touched upon earlier in the article though, you need to consider how each role and duty affects the other positions. If you play with a Central Midfielder on an "Attack" duty, then you will need to sacrifice an "Attack" duty in the forward line (either STC or AMR/L positions) in order to balance the movement, and create link ups.

The "DM" Triangle

The "DM" Triangle is an invert of the "AM" Triangle, based with a single holding player in a good defensive position at the bottom, and 2 more creative players in the MC strata, aiming to support the attacks more. You can have an interesting "false" holding player too, and have the real defensive player sitting in the MC strata, a dummy that you cannot use in the "AM" Triangle. This would consist of having a support role in the DM strata, and a defensive role in the MC strata. Once again, a mix of a defend, support & attack duties would help balance your midfield to achieve your 4 aims.

You could set up in the following ways:

Anchorman (Defend) Half Back (Defend) Regista (Support) Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend) Defensive Midfielder (Defend/Support) Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend/Support)

with:

Central Midfielder (Defend/Support) Box to Box Midfielder (Support) Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend/Support) Advanced Playmaker (Support) Ball Winning Midfielder (Defend/Support)

Pick 1 defend duty and 1 support duty, in either position, then add 1 more player from below, as your creative outlet.

Central Midfielder (Attack) Advanced Playmaker (Attack) Box to Box Midfielder (Support) *if you are insistent you do not want an attack duty, then a

Box to Box Mid will at least get forward most out of the Support duties.

This will again help your balance your midfield. Meeting your 4 aims.

Remember...

Your central midfield has to provide defensive cover as a first priority, but this does not mean you can neglect the forward runs, link play & chance creation needed too. You need to pick roles to cover all of these. It is harder to cover them all effectively in a simple pair, so defensive cover is the first priority, as creativity/forward runs can come from the flanks instead, but the defensive cover cannot be replicated on the flanks instead, so is essential. A 3-man midfield is generally more effective in a triangular shape, with a balance of duties. It is easier to meet all 4 aims with this type of set-up. Your duties will knock-on to other positions though.You cannot afford to have an AMC and STC both on an Attack duty, and the AMR/L as well, it will isolate your attack, so balance Attack and Support and Defend duties through different strata in your team to create the movement and structure to help your team.

Now, let's move onto the flanks...

WIDE MEN

Your wide men consist of Full Backs/Wing Backs & Wide Midfielders/Wingers. Most teams will have 2 sets of wide players, some will contain only 1 set of wide players. Your wide players have a very varied set of roles & encompassing all types of duties. There is a lot of potential for variation in your team in this area of the pitch. The formation you use will significantly impact on the choice of roles & duties in the wide areas. A solitary wide player has more responsibilities and has to be able to contribute to all areas of play, whereas a pair of wide players can share the specialisation for a more balanced set up. Sacrificing wide players is a way of having more midfielders to win the possession battle, however wide men used well can contribute to a possession game, a creative game, or be used for their goalscoring exploits, or even their work rate and defensive abilities - this applies to all positions down the flank. A full back who gets into superb advanced positions is a great asset to have, as is a winger who tracks back and makes tackles too.

Lone Wide Men

A formation consisting of lone wide players automatically begins to restrict your roles and duties significantly. A defend duty significantly reduces the contribution a wide man can make in a system where he is expected to get all the way down the flanks, as well as defend. Wide men in systems with only 1 player on the flanks typically come from the more defensive positions, to retain a good defensive shape, but then offer an outlet as the team moves into transition/attack phases. A wide man in the AM strata is highly unsuitable for this job as he exposes his team with too much space behind himself, and provides less tracking back or help in the midfield battle. So typically the wide men will make several forward runs, but

will also tend to be in a deep enough position to offer the defensive cover. The further forward you place your lone wide man (i.e. wide midfielder instead of full back), the lower your duty should generally be (support instead of attack) to ensure that the wide man can cover and link play with your defence as well as midfield and attack. Crucially the wide man here must do everything, so he cannot sit and defend only, or look constantly to get into the final third and shirk his defensive work.

Some of the appropriate roles and duties for this type of role are:

Full Back (Attack) Wing Back (Support/Attack) Complete Wing Back (Attack)*be cautious of if he offers enough defensive cover Wide Midfielder (Support/Attack)*be cautious if he offers enough defensive cover on an

attack duty Defensive Winger (Support/Attack)

Dual Wide Men

With a team of 2 wide players, it offers more room for specialism, with players able to be selected on being individually good defensively, or offensively, without having the be particularly proficient in the other. Playing with 2 wide players you can approach your allocation of roles and duties in 1 of 2 ways; the more traditional pairing of 2 natural wide players, with a more attacking and a more conservative player, or, having the wide midfielder come inside as a goalscorer/creator/passer, leaving the full back/wing back to provide the main attacking outlet, whilst the wide midfielder can still offer defensive cover on the flank too. If you play dual wide men, you should almost certainly select 1 in the full back positions, as otherwise a wing back can leave space behind trying to sit further forward than he needs due to the existing defensive cover provided by a man playing in front of him. Caution should also be taken with playing wing backs with a traditional winger, as this rarely causes the desired overloads, and more often simply leaves 2 players upfield, exposing your team to the counter-attack. The wing back tends to suit having space to attack, whereas if you play a traditional winger a more traditional full back will provide a better outball and cover.

If you wish to play with wide men that stay wide then the following combinations will be useful:

Full Back (Support) & Wide Midfielder/Defensive Winger/Winger (Attack) Full Back (Attack)/Wing Back/Complete Wing Back (Attack) & Wide Midfielder

(Defend/Support)/Defensive Winger (Support)/Wide Target Man (Support) Full Back (Attack) & Winger (Support)

The first combination is a traditional option of more defensive player behind more offensive player, and is a very stable option. The second combination will have a player staying wide, but holding his position/the ball far more, and can be asked to sit narrower, to provide more space for the advancing full/wing back to move into and overlap. The third combination is a variant on the traditional option, with the full back pushing on to form overloads with the winger, but with 1 player sitting deeper/narrower than the other during these moves to encourage good link play and overlaps.

If you wish to play with the advanced wide-man coming infield, then the following combinations will be useful:

Full Back (Attack)/Wing Back (Support/Attack) & Inside Forward/Advanced Playmaker (Support/Attack)

Complete Wing Back (Attack) & Inside Forward/Advanced Playmaker (Support)

The first combination will be for the full back to advance from deep into space vacated by the IF/AP. If you are playing a wing back, you may have much better movement and defensive cover by ensuring the WB & IF/AP have opposite duties (Support-Attack or Attack-Support). If the IF or AP has a support duty, they will tend to tuck inside earlier on, in a deeper position, so it is important the FB/WB offers an outlet earlier on in the move. The second combination enhances the importance of this, as the CWB will need cover from midfield & the man in front to provide tracking back, should he be caught out of position. The CWB will tend to get into the final third early, and an angled reverse ball into the path of an IF/AP(S) can allow him the space to make more penetrating runs. If your IF is on an Attack duty he will tend to be playing more as a goalscorer, so wide support is generally required from the full back, although this burden can be eased by a centre-forward or playmaker drifting wide to offer an outlet.

Remember...

Plan first how many wide players you are using before you decide on their roles. If you are playing a lone wide man you cannot afford to have them doing a defence-only job, they must offer an outlet. Consider that they must also have a good defensive position to begin with, or be able to track back and defend instead. Dual wide men must work in combination, ensure they do not get in each other's way, yet are still capable of providing overlaps and overloads.

Time to add the final piece of your roles and duties - your strike partnerships.

STRIKE PARTNERSHIPS

The term "strike partnerships" does not simply include only the forward(s) in the ST strata, it also includes the Wingers and Attacking Midfielders who have a particularly close link to the Centre-Forward(s). All Strikers have a partnership of some description, even lone forwards require supply and link-ups of some description to function. Football has moved from specialist to universalist theories of roles over time, with the roles demanding more of each player, to be able to fulfill additional requirements. The attempt to find space in modern tactics has also necessitated the need for more unconventional partnerships too. In this guide I will look at various types of pairing, a concept entirely applicable all pairings, from lone forwards with AM strata support to a simple a pair of forwards.

The Big-Man Little - Man Partnership

Many partnerships over the years have been build on getting the best out of the physical prowess of players. A large player can provide an effective target, holding the ball up or playing passes to a quicker team mate, or playing him in behind instead. The larger player generally plays deeper, flicking on the ball, winning aerial challenges, although it is possible for the larger player to stay higher up, flicking the ball back into space or to a teammate, coming in at pace. The smaller player can look to break in behind or into pockets of space, often created by the larger forward beating a defender to the ball. These partnerships generally rely on good wide delivery & crossing from wingers and full backs, and generally suit fairly direct tactics. The are generally Target Man & Poacher combinations. Although an Advanced Forward can provide a more rounded version of the Poacher, and the Bigger forward can still be effective in a more creative role if he possesses the skills, e.g. Deep Lying Forward or Complete Forward.

Creator - Scorer

Probably the most common type of partnership in football. This can simply be a case of 1 forward sitting slightly deeper than the other, providing his more advanced partner with passes and through-balls to score, or occupying defenders to allow his partner to gain more time and space. The creator can exist as a forward, or as a midfielder instead, positioned to assist the striker effectively. This type of system can rely on a number of attributes, not just necessarily physical, but technical ability and mental ability become more prevalent in cases of creative partnerships. It is a type of football that is fairly versatile, but has a

slight tendancy to suit more creative/possession based systems as opposed to direct, attrition football - however its versatility can see it widely applied to many different systems. The most balanced roles for this type of partnership are Deep Lying Forward & Advanced Forward, however a Complete Forward can be an exceptional creator or goalscorer (or both), generally shaped by his duty. A Poacher is obviously a good goalscorer, but is less likely to feed back in his supporting partner in space. A Trequartista is a superb creator, and needs someone capable of attacking the space & chances he creates. He can function from ST or AMC positions, but an Advanced Playmaker can also be a superb deeper (& wide) creative force to supply an Advanced Forward ahead of him. The AF is a role that offers build-up play, as well as goalscoring ability; the CF(A) & DLF(A) are good examples of this too. The Inside Forward can be an excellent creator on a support duty with angled balls from out wide into a breaking forward instead, whereas on an Attack duty, he can attack space left by a more creative forward in a more advanced position ahead of him, and be a prolific goalscorer.

False Nine - False Ten

The false nine & false ten system are based on the central striker dropping deep, attempting to draw a defender with him, or simply allowing space for him or a teammate to attack and unsettle the defence. The false ten aspect is the advanced midfielder pushing from deep into the vacated space to emerge as a significant or main goalscoring threat. The main & obvious way of achieving this is to select a False Nine & Shadow Striker partnership, which will link up well in the final third, and tends to significantly suit a possession & intricate movement based system. There are other roles which can mimic this effect, sometimes by pulling wide instead, or simply drifting for space. The Trequartista in attack will naturally drift around, creating space that players can attack, and again this can cause the central defenders the conundrum to follow him, or allow him space. The Trequartista can drift wide too, whereas the False Nine tends towards moving deeper. The Deep-Lying Forward & Complete Forward (Support) will also act similarly, but are more capable of holding the ball up, and occupying more space higher up the pitch as opposed to constantly looking to move deep. They also have more defensive discipline than a Trequartista which can be an important aspect for many managers. In terms of alternative "false ten" players - the Inside Forward on the flanks can attack the space vacated by a forward dropping deep/drifting wide, and cause the dilemma for full back's to choose to follow the player, opening up space wide, or to leave him to the central defenders, where he may gain space before he is even tracked. Attacking Midfielders can push into the box to support attacking moves, but are less suited to a prolific goalscoring role than the others outlined.

Remember

Remember to split your duties to create good movement. Base your attacking chances around multiple routes of attack to prevent unifocal tactics being rendered useless by the opposition. Your attacking partnerships and link-ups extend to the AM strata, as well general creative & running support from deeper midfield positions too. Have a partnership to suit your team's abilities and style of play, and make sure you have plan B options too.

So now it is time to consider your team's style of play...

TEAM INSTRUCTIONS

Philosophy

The argument of Philosophy has raged since wwfan's 12-steps guide on FM13, and it has been fairly ground-breaking, if not common sense. It helps us see the Philosophy in a new light, it is not simply a creativity argument, it is the debate of specialism v universalism, something that readers of Jonathan Wilson's Inverting the Pyramid will be familiar with. It is an article I am covering elsewhere in the next few weeks too. In essence a very rigid team is full of specialists, with each player's job being rather specific, whereas a very fluid team is a universal approach with all players subscribing to the team game

and instructions. Overall creative freedom is higher in a more fluid system, because there are less specialists to be singularly responsible for creativity. In short, if you want individual player's doing individual jobs (goalscoring, ball-winning, playmaking) then you need a more rigid approach, or if you want a team ethic to pressing, playmaking, etc, then go for a more fluid approach.

Possession

Your team possession instructions are very variable. If you want a possession orientated system, then shorter passing helps to create the overall style, whereas ball retention acts more like the old shout, looking to considerably reduce passing range to simply being an exercise in ball-control, this can leave you blunt in attack, but it can also allow some of your more creative players more time on the ball to work an opening. You can add to this by asking your team to play out of defence, ensuring that your team does not lose the ball lumping it upfield, trying to keep it amongst the defence until openings into midfield become available. If you use possession as a defensive tool, then this is quite important. However if your possession-based team is trying to counter-attack, or simply play in a defensive manner, trying to clear their lines, then this can be very counter-productive.

The direct passing option works in reverse to shorter passing, it aims to move the ball from defence to attack in a swift manner, with go route one a very direct option, to get the ball into the forward lines in an even more swift and urgent fashion for rapid transition. You can elect to ask your team to pump ball into box for Pulis-esque long-ball football to aim for the big blokes up front, in the centre, or if you wish to play a quick transition down the flanks, often in a counter-attacking style, then you can ask your team to clear ball to flanks, to try and pick out swift dribblers to carry the ball forward at pace. It is also a potentially useful way of getting your team to clear their lines late in the game to hold onto a result.

You can modify the use of possession further, by indicating if you want to play more through balls in behind a defence, with the pass into space option, which works well against a high line. If your opponents sit rather deep you can try and unsettled them by asking your team to run at defence, in the hope of drawing some space or wriggling through a compact line. You can also ask your team to either wait for a perfect opening to score, or to try their luck whenever possible; work ball into box asks your team to not waste possession with pot-shots, but shoot on sight asks your team to make the most of any opportunity, useful if you are struggling to create any chances, often through a compact defence, or wish to test a weakness in the opposition goalkeeper.

Your team's use of crosses is important in possession-terms too. Traditionally quick forwards can be aimed for if you drill crosses, this is simply to get something at the end of it, and aims for a nippy forward to get ahead of the defender at the near post to nudge the ball in. This delivery is often better from the byline, or at least no further from the byline than the edge of the penalty area, as the ball is meant to be low and quick. You can make the most of a tall forward if you float crosses, which gives the larger player time to set himself and attack the ball at its highest point, potentially beating a shorter defender, often this is delivered from deeper so it can hang in the air, and also because it does not require much pace on the ball. You can also hit early crosses, which means floating crosses from much deeper, this can support a direct style of play, and it can help get the ball to your forwards from wide if your wide-men are struggling to get past their opponent, allowing them space and time to find their teammate.

Penetration

Penetration refers to how you break through an opposing backline. Certain formations; with central playmakers, runners from deep and forwards on the shoulder of the defence suit playing through the middle. If you have a numerical advantage in the middle, it makes sense to exploit it, as it does if your chief playmaker is in a central position too. You may have a solid, but unspectacular central midfield, or a numerical disadvantage of a 2-man midfield pairing, so the majority of creativity will come from your wide-men and their passing, crossing and/or dribbling abilities, in which case exploit the flanks is a more pertinent point, especially if you are playing a wide playmaker as your only midfield playmaker to ensure

he gets on the ball. You can exploit left flank, or exploit right flank if you wish to take advantage of a weak opponent, a formation weakness, such as lone wide-men, or to mask your own weakness down a certain flank. Exploiting a single, or both flanks can be very effective in a counter-attacking system for rapid transition. If you face a compact defence you can look for overlap to try and create numerical overloads in wide positions, which can help create space for teammates and get more balls into the centre from wide positions. It relies on good energy and delivery from wide, but can be very effective at breaking down a stubborn defence, although it can blunt the directness of your wide-men who tend to hold the ball up and wait for support and combination play instead, this can be a big problem if you like your wide-men coming into central attacking positions in the final phase of a build-up.

Shape

Your team's shape is partly inherent within your formation; i.e. central midfield dominance, high pitch coverage, a low block, a wide midfield strata - all caused by what formation you use. Your shape affects both the way you attack and the way you defend. If you play wider you can often look to stretch the pitch and use more of its width, but it can also cause your defence to sit wider too and create holes, although sometimes that can give good pitch coverage if you want to press heavily all over the pitch. If you play narrower you can compact play into central areas, this can make you easier to defend narrow against in return, but creates less holes between your defenders. A high or low narrow block can both be effective defensive tools, depending on your opponents and approach.

Your defensive line looks at how high your team sits up the pitch, ranging from a push higher up & much higher defensive line to compact play into the central third of the pitch, leaving little room for your opponents, and in the case of slow forwards, forcing them to rely on pace they do not have, to drop deeper & much deeper defensive line to sit closer to goal, leaving little room in behind for quick forwards, but taller forwards may profit from this. This leaves more room in the midfield area too, but can be used to draw opponents closer to you, opening up room to counter-attack into.

You can ask your players to roam from position, which can cause overloads or get your players drifting into areas of the pitch with space to cause problems and recieve the ball. The downside is that your players can get caught out of position defensively. Conversely, you can ask your players to stick to position, but that can make them easier to be marked out of the game, although it provides a more solid defensive structure. You can allow wide players to swap positions, which has the added link-up with setting individual player instructions and roles, allowing your to swap your left and right-footed wingers to get them to go round the outside of your opponents instead of trying to come inside them. This works well if you maybe want to exploit space round the outside of a packed defence before your opponents can react, and vice versa.

Defending

Defending links very closely with shape, if you have a high block, then using an offside trap can help negate the problems of being caught in behind by fast players, although it can be hard to make the trap work if you use a Stopper-Cover split, or a Sweeper in behind. The high block also works very closely when you hassle opponents, to reduce their time and space, in an already compacted area. If you wish to specifically prevent individual players from getting any space, then tight marking or specific man marking can enhance this. If you prefer a low block & remaining compact, then the offside trap is far less effective, as there is less chance being caught in behind, and can allow players space closer to your goal. A particularly shape-focused team can choose to stand off opponents, not closing down the opposition, and simply being hard to play through instead, although this can leave your team long periods without having the ball, it preserves more energy.

Your tackling strategies link closely with pressing and shape too - if you want to press high then get stuck in is more appropriate as it again, reduces time and space for your opponents, but it can concede a lot of free kicks, and quick, agile players can ride the challenge and find themselves in space. If you wish to stay

on feet, then this is more appropriate in a low block where you try and keep shape. If you do not press in a high block, then the opponents have time to simply play a quick forward in behind.

General

Your tempo is linked heavily with passing style - a team that plays in a direct manner will look to transition the ball swiftly from back to front, and that requires a high tempo, to increase the urgency. A short-passing style is much more considered, and works best with a low tempo, waiting for the opportunity, rather than forcing it. Occasionally mixing tempo can help your short-passing into quick combinations to earn some space, and sometimes you can play a direct game, involving simply taking a few moments longer to spot the run from deep if a teammate. However, the general rule is short passing & low tempo, direct passing & high tempo. Your team's creative freedom, to adhere to instructions more, or make their own decisions as they see fit is allowed too. You can allow your team to be more expressive, if you trust their creativity and decision making more, or be more disciplined if you prefer them to play simply as instructed. This ties in with philosophy (above).

You can ask your team to take a breather, to rest with the ball, useful in physically demanding games (depending on conditions, intensity etc), and in a more defensive strategy to waste time, a typical tactic late in the game, when holding a result. You can also ask your team to take more risks when overloading in search of a goal, allowing highly enhanced decision making and attacking intent. Conversely you can ask your team to play even safer to take less risks and simply keep the ball out of your own net - i.e. not double-Cruyff turns on the edge of your own penalty area with 3 attackers close by.

Now here is how I put it all together...

Building My Team

This is part 7 of the Pairs & Combinations Threads; and in this article we look at Building your team, or more specifically, how I build my team. This is the final article in the series, I hope it has been useful. I may release these all as a single pdf guide (if I get them time!). I will explain my decision making and concepts that make me build my teams. I am going to use my Arsenal team, but it has concepts that you can apply to all of your team building though.

Formation, Philosophy & Style

Before you start thinking about your individual roles and duties, you have to have an idea how you want to play. However even that is not as straight forward. My favourite formation is 4-2-3-1, because of the defensive structure and versatility, but great attacking movement combinations it offers. If my team had no wide attacking midfielders though it would be pointless, the formation would be ineffective, so I have to make sure I have genuine options there - this means enough players for each position. If I have a solitary right winger, and a solitary left winger then I cannot hope to use this for up to 60-70 games per season, I need options to rotate. The formation may not suit the players too. I may have options, but if the players are all low quality in those positions, I may be better off choosing another approach to get the best out of my squad. Certain formations suit certain styles too, a 4-2-3-1 is very versatile, a 4-1-2-2-1 (4-5-1/4-3-3) suits possession systems well, a 4-4-2 is very simple to use, a 3-4-3 allows excellent pressing and pitch coverage.

Choosing your style is not just about formation, but about the quality of your players, and particularly the squad's inherent abilities. My team report is the best place to start, where I can establish my team is a good technical team, fairly pacy in defence and attack, good teamwork, but poor strength, aggression & tackling in general. So my team is suited to creative & technical football. We have good teamwork, fairly good energy, but poor aggression & tackling, which suggests I need to adapt my pressing on a game-by-game basis - pressing when I need to, and sitting compact when I don't, there is no point me pressing Chelsea or Man City all over the pitch away from home, but the majority of my home games it is probably

worthwhile.

Finally on the subject of Philosophy, I have several playmaking types (including my best player, Mesut Ozil), a few different varieties of Centre Forwards (the strong, aerial Giroud, or the quick goalscoring Podolski & Walcott), a clear Ball-Winning player in midfielder (Flamini with high aggression, stamina, teamwork & workrate), plus the potential for a few more. However I do not like to neglect the team ethic to my side, and so I will Balance the specialism with a team structure too.

So, after looking at all of this, here are the decisions I have made:

4-2-3-1 Formation - We have a lot of Natural AMC players, and it is where my best players play, it allows for ball retention too, which suits my technical team

Balanced Philosophy - to allow a mixture of specialism & team play Short Passing - To promote ball retention, suits the technical style of the team Variable Pressing - Plan A - high line, pressing style - Plan B - low block, compact &

counter-attacking style

Building the Roles & Duties

Ever since I was young, I have always learned & felt that building from the back is how you build a successful team, a principle I always apply, even in respect of a team with players like Cazorla, Wilshere & Ozil. I stick to the rules I have outlined in the other P&C guides to achieve this too. So, I start with the Goalkeeper & Defence first.

Goalkeeper & Defence

My first choice Goalkeeper is Wojciech Szczesny, who is an excellent aerial goalkeeper, as well as a good shot-stopper too. He is not quick & his distribution is mediocre, he therefore is not the creative type needed for a Sweeper Keeper. So I play him as a Goalkeeper - Defend. If I feel the need to play a Sweeper Keeper then Lukasz Fabianski is in reserve & significantly improves the role compare to Szczesny. I want to play out from the back, so give Szczesny an individual instruction to distribute to defenders.

Looking at the full-backs, Kieran Gibbs & Nacho Monreal offer far more offensively than Bacary Sagna & Carl Jenkinson do. So my left backs will be attack duties, and the right backs support duties, due to their good energy. I will decide the roles later on in the wide slots, in the centre I want to play out from the back, but I have more creative options in midfield, so standard Central Defender roles in the middle. In central defence I have the options to play Stopper-Cover with Thomas Vermaelen & Laurent Koscielny possessing the aggression needed to be good stoppers, with Laurent Koscielny & Per Mertesacker possessing the best positional awareness to play as Covering defenders. If I want to play a high line and offside trap, a defend-defend combination is better for team shape. In the end I go for a Defend-Defend pairing in the centre.

So now my team looks like this:

Goalkeeper - DefendUndecided - Support - Central Defender - Defend - Central Defender - Defend - Undecided - Attack

Central Midfield

Because of my 4-2-3-1 system, the 2 Central Midfielders need to offer some defensive protection. I am not a big fan of both players in the same strata being on Defend duties only, so I am going to split my duties. It is easy to decide which way round they should go, because the defend duty should be on the same side as your attacking full back. The supporting midfielder will sit the same side as the supporting full back. I

already have a good idea what roles I want in my team in midfield. I want defensive cover, with some deeper creativity, as most of my central midfielders are all fairly creative, except for Flamini. So I decide on a Deep Lying Playmaker in the pair. For the other role, this becomes variable, as Flamini is very much a Ball Winning Midfielder, but Ramsey & Wilshere suit a Playmaking or Box to Box Midfielder role instead. Arteta is my first choice in the pairing, but I do not want to play 2 DLP's, neither do I want to play a BWM & BBM combination. So what I decide is...

Without Flamini -

Goalkeeper - DefendUndecided - Support - Central Defender - Defend - Central Defender - Defend - Undecided - Attack

Box to Box Midfielder - Support - Deep Lying Playmaker - Defend

With Flamini -

Goalkeeper - DefendUndecided - Support - Central Defender - Defend - Central Defender - Defend - Undecided - Attack

Deep Lying Playmaker - Support - Ball Winning Midfielder - Defend

I can swap the DLP & BWM roles, to create a BWM(S) & DLP(D) pairing if I need to press much higher up the pitch.

With Flamini being the more defensively solid, and without being the more offensively effective with the extra runner from midfield.

Attackers

My attacking players now begin to clearly suit certain roles and duties, which helps create obvious relationships all over the pitch:

Walcott (right footed, natural wide-right, can play up front, very quick) Podolski (left footed, natural wide-left, can play up front, quick, great goalscorer, lacks

creativity) Giroud (plays only up front, strong, but fairly versatile) Ozil (highly creative, left-footed, can play all across AM, prefers centre, best player in

squad) Cazorla (highly creative, right-footed, can play all across AM, prefers centre) Rosicky (creative, good technical player, lacks pace, but great at pressing high up) Wilshere (creative, great at pressing high, very mobile, very left footed) Oxlade-Chamberlain (good with either foot, but prefers right, good dribbler, direct, and

prefers right flank)

So, what I notice is, I have 1 natural striker - Olivier Giroud, who will therefore play up front. So I have 3 AM slots to fill now. I can see that we have a lot of creativity in general, but some direct options too. The stand out is to look at the flanks. I have only 1 natural left-footed wide-left, Podolski. I cannot rely on him for 60 games a season, so I would prefer to have a more creative player there too, as a midfielder coming inside will really help the possession battle, which suits my team. This means an Advanced Playmaker/Inside Forward on the left - where I will give a player instruction to sit narrower to achieve the possession factor. Now seeing as the left back is on attack duty, the left winger should be on a support duty, to provide a good mixture of runs, and on the opposite flank we should have an attack duty for the converse reason. Furthermore, wide-right I have 2 natural, right-footed players, who offer a different type of player - the more direct Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain, and I intend to use them as Wingers to

maximise that. Because I have a Winger wide right, I want a full back behind him, and on the left flank I have an AP/IF(S), so I want a player to continue down the left flank, provide the bulk of width, which will therefore be a WB(A). So, now this is how we are shaping up;

Goalkeeper - DefendFull Back - Support - Central Defender - Defend - Central Defender - Defend - Wing Back - Attack

Box to Box Midfielder - Support - Deep Lying Playmaker - DefendWinger - Attack - Undecided - Undecided - Inside Forward/Advanced Playmaker - Support

Undecided - Undecided

Which leaves a few decision remaining. First of all, because I want the wide left to come inside, it will work better if they are the right-footed Cazorla or Rosicky, meaning Ozil's place in the team, will be his favourite - AMC. Now Ozil is a superb creative player, and I want him to carry on creating. Which means a specialist role, now this means we risk having 3.5 or 4 specialist roles in a Balanced Philosophy (depending on if Flamini plays) - I can change Philosophy, or change a role - so I will change a role, because I rather like the philosophy. So the best option is making sure wide left is an IF(S) instead of an AP(S) - he will create overloads, still take through-balls and switch play, but the team works more cohesively as a result of his movement. This leaves me free to simply pick a pairing at AMC and STC.

Looking at what my team has and lacks - we don't have many runs in behind the defence currently, only Walcott or Oxlade-Chamberlain in the wide right position, so therefore, I need my central striker making runs in behind, as the creative role that both suits Ozil, and the team at AMC will not have many forward runs - and they have to come from somewhere. So its STC that gets an Attack duty. This means I can give Ozil the free licence of a Trequartista or Enganche if I want him to stay central, or if I want a more defensive contribution to pressing I need to select an AP - which would be a support duty given that Giroud is an attack duty. I like pressing to be a team game, which gives me the choice of 1 role - i.e. not a choice, an Advanced Playmaker which is automatically a Support duty given Giroud's attack duty. I still want Ozil to be roaming though, so I give him an individual player instruction for it.

Finally Olivier Giroud's role I am still undecided on, I can choose a specialist role, and this time I really would need to change philosophy, or I can choose a Generic one. I am undecided on if I still want some link play provided by a DLF(A) or if I want Giroud to simply lead the line like an AF(A). I resolved to test over pre-season which was more effective, and the Advanced Forward provided a significant attacking edge, without falling behind on the link play I want from Giroud. The Advanced Forward suits plan B Podolski will too, as he is a natural goalscorer and fast, so provides 2 different ways of playing the same system, with compromising its effectiveness.

So finally I end up with this:

Goalkeeper* - DefendFull Back - Support - Central Defender - Defend - Central Defender - Defend - Wing Back - Attack

Box to Box Midfielder*** - Support - Deep Lying Playmaker** - DefendWinger - Attack - Advanced Playmaker**** - Support - Inside Forward***** - Support

Advanced Forward - Attack

* Distribute to Defenders** Ball Winning Midfielder when Flamini plays*** Deep Lying Playmaker when Flamini plays**** Roams from Position***** Sits Narrower

Team Instructions

Balanced Philosophy - to allow my team a balance between specialist ability and shape.Counter/Control Style - because I have 2 plans, retain shape and counter at pace, or to move the ball patiently and retain possession.Shorter Passing - because I want my team to retain the ball, and they have the ability too.Pass into Space - because I have quick forwards and exceptional creativity in midfield.Work Ball into Box - because I prefer to wait for a good chance than taking pot-shots.More Roaming - good movement is key to good possession tactics, my team has a lot of intelligent movers too.More Expressive - I trust my players and am happy to let them make their own decisions, they are very creative.Play Out of Defence - when using Standard to Overload Strategies - I want my team to retain the ball, but if I am countering at pace, then this will stop me transitioning swiftly.Push Higher & Offside Trap/Much Higher Defensive Line & Offside Trap & Hassle Opponents - If I am playing a high line, to compact space, and to offer some protection against quick balls in behind my defence.OR Drop Deeper & Stay on Feet - If I am trying to keep shape and not allow room in behind my defence.

DURING THE MATCH

What I do during the match is something of great importance - there is no point having a great tactical set up that is inflexible, as you will come up against certain opponents and fail to exert the influence on the game you need to. My in-game changes earn me several points a season, either holding on to a lead, changing my approach, or starting the game with a slightly altered approach.

Formation

I have 3 alternate formations - my above primary system, a 4-2-3-1, a 4-2DM-3-1 version to try and offer more solidity and offer a greater threat on the break, and, a 4-2-3-1 (Narrow) if I lack available wide players. My 4-2-3-1 formation is generally suited to a pressing game, so if I am playing a match, or opposition to which I would prefer to remain solid, or, no lose at least, then I will drop my 2 Central Midfielders back to the Defensive Midfield strata. This specifically involves the selection of Arteta & Flamini, as they are my only decent holding midfielders. During the match, if I wish to hold onto a result I will look to shield the defence more. I will only use my narrow version of the formation when I have no natural wide players, however I will encourage my full backs to get forward more to provide the necessary width.

Team Instructions

During the game, if I wish to play on a counter-attacking strategy I will ask my team to stay on feet & also to drop deeper if we are still leaving too much space in behind, this is to try and retain our shape and be hard to play through, hopefully restricting my opponents to long shots only. During a counter-attacking strategy as well I will drop the instruction to play the ball out from the back, to try and encourage the rapid transition from back to front that epitomises counter-attacking football. This is also a useful way of trying to protect a narrow lead, potentially exposing gaps in the opposing defence as they try and push forward in search of an equaliser.

Sometimes retaining shape may invite too much pressure, so I will try instead to keep hold of the ball, simply retain possession, very low tempo, work ball into the box, play out of defence, to try and encourage risk-free use of the ball, along with a defensive strategy, so as not to encourage any risky football if I am trying to keep the ball. Often I will personally make a choice to sit compact, or to press high up the pitch, which involves a high line, hassling of opponents, and an offside trap to help account for the space I am leaving in behind.

Offensively, sometimes I simply feel that my short passing game can still need a shade more urgency, so can simply ask my team to increase their tempo by a small amount. Otherwise if I am looking to increase the speed of transition either in a Counter-Attacking, or simply a direct Attacking system, then I will ask the team to be more direct instead. I like to try and use the pace of my team by passing into space and playing more balls in behind.

Player Instructions

I tend to make very few changes to player instructions in-game, with the typical accounting for Flamini's presence in the team. Lukas Podolski on the left flank often will play as a Winger instead, due to his natural left-footedness. Often when Podolski plays wide left, I like to make sure I am playing a Box to Box Midfielder in the central pair as he can get forward and provide another forward presence in the box to account for the width on both flanks instead.

Final Thoughts

I hope you've found the series useful, I also hope it gives you some ideas as to what you are doing well, and what you can improve on. Most of all, hope you enjoy FM.

Fluidity and Duty

TABLE OF CONTENTS1. The Mentality Ladder2. Collective Responsibilities: Very Fluid Mentality Structures3. Solid Foundations: Fluid Mentality Structures4. Asymmetric Shapes: Balanced Mentality Structures5. Gestalt Systems: Rigid Mentality Structures6. Production Lines: Very Rigid Mentality Structures7. The Mentality Ladder, Duty and Other Settings8. Tactical Priorities in Detail

UPDATE

I've added a step-by-step walkthrough outlining how I create tactics using this framework.

FOREWORD

Fluidity is a complex idea, and its effects on tactics are subtle and nuanced. Given the difficulty of succinctly and accurately defining it, some Football Manager players have justifiably questioned whether it should even be present in the game. While I don't share this view, I do agree that most Football Manager players don't really need to overly concern themselves with the effects of the setting. Simply, a change of fluidity will not make or break your tactical approach, and if you stick to the sort of reasonable principles of tactical design outlined in wwfan's excellent introductory guide and llama3's superb commentary on role combinations, you will have all the tools you need to be a successful manager. However, if you're interested in exploring ways to make full use of the powerful and versatile tools that FM14 provides, this project presents a new framework for understanding how the various team settings interact to promote specific behaviours on the pitch. The basic idea is that the different combinations of team mentality and fluidity settings can be interpreted in terms of telling individual players to prioritize specific responsibilities, and through this interpretation, I think fluidity can be presented in a way that more accurately reflects its impact on play.

The idea of fluidity as a game mechanic for Football Manager has its roots in the Tactical Theorems & Frameworks series that preceded and informed the development of the Tactics Creator. This series incorporated a variety of different theoretical perspectives, from critical theory to Karl Popper's scientific epistemology, to approach the slider-based system of classic tactics and develop practical frameworks for tactical design. These frameworks were later refined in terms of concepts developed by the tactical historian Jonathan Wilson to form the basis of the Tactics Creator as we know it today. Since this project is largely an effort at reopening and reconsidering this dialogue from a different perspective, it inevitably addresses and assumes some degree of familiarity with Wilson's concepts, though when possible, I've made a conscious effort to explain the relevant terminology for those who are new to the debate.

If you're looking for tips on applying specific tactical settings, I believe most players will find much of the advice in Section 7 immediately useful while the outlines of player responsibilities in Sections 2-6 will give you a sense of how a tactic will be organized under different fluidity/mentality combinations. Beyond that, some of the more theoretical content here may not be useful or even remotely interesting to a lot of players. Fortunately, as I noted above, a nuanced understanding of fluidity is not a prerequisite to enjoying the game, though I hope the advice and

interpretations presented here will help lead to new ideas for making the game more enjoyable for everyone.

INTRODUCTION

Philosophy, style, fluidity.

Among both new and experienced Football Manager players, this core concept of the Tactics Creator remains a persistent source of confusion and misconceptions. To some extent, this is an expected consequence of the abstract nature of the idea itself. Designed to provide a coherent framework for setting positions on the infamously vague mentality slider, it operates as an abstraction of an abstraction that circumvents the ambiguity of the parts by attempting to give a clear and accessible sense to the whole.

Yet, as the persistent confusion suggests, important details are still missing from the picture. The organization is there, but there is still no clear sense as to what, exactly, is being organized and how this would translate into an instruction that a manager would actually give his players.

In practice, fluidity is less of a tactical concept than a managerial concept. It does not represent the style of football actually produced by the players on the pitch so much as the way in which the manager goes about getting the players to produce it. In other words, it is not the team's style or philosophy of play but the manager's style and philosophy of management. Unsurprisingly, for many players, it remains unclear how the setting actually affects their team on the pitch while debate continues over the extent to which it should actually dictate the details of tactical design.

The continuing debate itself seems to be an indication that, conceptually, fluidity was not quite rooted in firm ground from the outset. While the Tactics Creator retains a simplistic and misleading emphasis on positional contributions to the various phases of play, the more nuanced analysis of recent guides and discussions reflect considerable evolution in how the theory behind the setting is being interpreted.

A key aspect of this is the scope of the universalist vs. specialist distinction in modern football. This divide between tactical systems that emphasize player versatility and tactical systems that emphasize player mastery of highly specific skill sets is central to the theory underlying the idea of fluidity, but in the broader historical sense, the debate has long been settled. The universalism pioneered by Michels and Lobanovskyi has permeated tactical thinking at virtual every level of play. As Jonathan Wilson recently noted in regards to the holding midfielder, even the nominal specialists are becoming universalists to ever greater degrees. Wilson describes this as "paradoxical," but in fact, it's a natural implication of the near total demise of the overly static, positionally fixed football of bygone eras.

In this sense, the match engine itself has always been a step ahead of the Tactics Creator that set out to explain it, and the all-encompassing, intertwining influence of both universalism and role theory, in which position refers primarily to a vague set of defensive responsibilities, are now the norm in both football and, moreso with FM14 than ever, Football Manager. Accordingly, fluidity has never done exactly what it says on the tin. The effects are certainly significant and crucial to coherent tactical design, but they are subtle and, more importantly, thoroughly rooted in a match engine that seeks to represent the modern game of football in which the lines between the rigid and the fluid can often be imperceptible on the pitch.

This is not to say that there is no distinction between universalism and specialism in either football or Football Manager. There most certainly is, but it is a historically relative distinction that exists within a more generally

universalist paradigm. The current prominence of the 4-2-3-1, in which two midfielders are withdrawn to free up a pair of attacking defenders, is an ever present reminder of this, regardless of whether that midfield pair consists of a destroyer/creator partnership or a duo of hybrid controllers.

From this perspective, I think there are reasonable grounds to revisit the foundations of the fluidity setting and reconsider the theory in terms of the relatively mundane managerial instructions being theorized. In other words, in order to better refine and utilize the theory behind the setting, the particular details underlying the setting must be brought into focus.

What is needed, then, is a clear, practical interpretation of what fluidity actually does within the context and vernacular of the Tactics Creator itself. The following document is an exploratory and, hopefully, elucidating attempt at accomplishing this. Using an interpretative framework called the mentality ladder, I have attempted to illustrate the practical basis upon which the concept of fluidity is based.

The fundamental assumption underlying this framework is that fluidity is not, in practice, a team instruction. Rather, it represents the principle by which a set of relatively simple individual instructions are organized. Accordingly, to understand fluidity, it's important to understand how this abstract concept translates into the clearly expressed instructions given to individual players.

PART I. THE MENTALITY LADDER

Below, you will find four versions of the mentality ladder: one for attack duty players (excluding advanced playmakers, trequartistas and enganches), one for support duty players and playmakers, one for defend/cover/stopper duty players (excluding deep lying playmakers) and one for goalkeepers.

In each case, the mentality ladder represents a set of general tactical responsibilities listed in descending order from most attacking to most defensive. These responsibilities indicate which task a player will look to carry out when occupying a different position or rung on the mentality ladder.

The rung or task that a player is primarily associated with is his tactical priority. A tactical priority indicates a player's main function and responsibility within a team's specific set of tactical instructions. While the relationship between role, duty and tactical priority will be discussed in detail further on, it should be noted here that the concepts are distinct yet closely connected.

Basically, a role shapes the precise manner in which a player approaches his tactical priority while duty controls his willingness to deviate it from it to join the attack. In this sense, tactical priorities are both general and responsive to other tactical settings. This reflects, as discussed in the introduction, the underlying universalism of modern tactical systems.

Image by NakS

The Mentality Ladder for Attack Duty Players

-----------------------------------------------ATTACKING RESPONSIBILITIES------------------------------------------------ Bypass Last Defender- Challenge Defenders- Overload Defenders- Draw Off Defenders- Penetrate Gaps Persistently- Penetrate Gaps- Penetrate Gaps Intermittently- Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to Defence- Spearhead Attacking Moves- Spearhead Attacking Moves from the Hole------------------------------------------------CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES--------------------------------------------------- Shuttle Ball Through Defence- Shuttle Ball- Shuttle Ball Into Space- Keep Possession Under Pressure- Keep Possession- Keep Possession Away From Pressure- Recover Possession Immediately- Recover Possession- Recover Possession After Defensive Transition-----------------------------------------------DEFENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES------------------------------------------------ Disrupt Attacks Quickly- Disrupt Attacks- Disrupt Attacks Judiciously- Restrict Space Aggressively

- Restrict Space- Restrict Space Cautiously- Divert Attacking Movement- Contain Attacking Movement- Slow Attacking Movement- Obstruct Shots The Mentality Ladder for Support Duty Players and Playmakers

-----------------------------------------------ATTACKING RESPONSIBILITIES------------------------------------------------ Surge Into Box- Rush Ball Forward- Test Defence With Power- Test Defence- Test Defence With Precision- Force Half Chances Without Hesitation- Force Half Chances- Force Half Chances When Necessary- Create Chances Urgently- Create Chances- Create Chances Patiently------------------------------------------------CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES--------------------------------------------------- Shuttle Ball Through Defence- Shuttle Ball- Shuttle Ball Into Space- Keep Possession Under Pressure- Keep Possession- Keep Possession Away From Pressure- Recover Possession Immediately- Recover Possession- Recover Possession After Defensive Transition-----------------------------------------------DEFENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES------------------------------------------------ Disrupt Attacks Quickly- Disrupt Attacks- Disrupt Attacks Judiciously- Restrict Space Aggressively- Restrict Space- Restrict Space Cautiously- Divert Attacking Movement- Contain Attacking Movement- Slow Attacking Movement- Obstruct Shots

The Mentality Ladder for Defend Duty Players

-----------------------------------------------ATTACKING RESPONSIBILITIES------------------------------------------------ Join Attack- Force Clearance- Hassle Defenders Relentlessly

- Hassle Defenders- Hassle Dawdling Defenders- Isolate Holding Midfielders- Isolate Midfielders- Isolate Advancing Midfielders- Suppress Counterattacking Outlets- Suppress Counterattacks- Suppress Counterattacking Options------------------------------------------------CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES--------------------------------------------------- Shuttle Ball Through Defence- Shuttle Ball- Shuttle Ball Into Space- Keep Possession Under Pressure- Keep Possession- Keep Possession Away From Pressure- Recover Possession Immediately- Recover Possession- Recover Possession After Defensive Transition-----------------------------------------------DEFENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES------------------------------------------------ Disrupt Attacks Quickly- Disrupt Attacks- Disrupt Attacks Judiciously- Restrict Space Aggressively- Restrict Space- Restrict Space Cautiously- Divert Attacking Movement- Contain Attacking Movement- Slow Attacking Movement- Obstruct Shots

The Mentality Ladder for Goalkeepers

- Support Attacks- Initiate Attacks- Cycle Possession- Distribute Safely- Limit Pressure- Shield Goal

While the names of the tasks will hopefully give you a fairly clear sense of what they involve, detailed descriptions of each have been provided in "Part VIII: Tactical Priorities in Detail."

One important aspect of the mentality ladder that should be noted is the duty-based division of priorities that occurs as players assume attacking responsibilities in the opposition half. While defensive and control responsibilities are the same for all outfield players, duty determines the nature of a player's attacking responsibilities as support and defend duty players are less likely to take up responsibilities that necessarily involve getting into the opposition area. This is why there are three, duty-based versions of the mentality ladder for outfield players, though in effect, each operates according to the same principles.

Finally, it should be noted that duty does not affect playmaker roles in the same manner they affect other roles. All playmakers will look to stay behind the forefront of the attack and look for space from which to play dangerous balls forward. To reflect this, all playmaker roles (i.e., the Deep Lying Playmaker, Advanced Playmaker, Enganche and Trequartista), regardless of assigned duty, are interpreted as following the "Support Duty" path.

TACTICAL PRIORITY AND THE TASK AT HAND

As I will explain in more detail below, a player's effective position on the mentality ladder is dynamic and responsive to how play is developing. While a player's tactical priority certainly influences and informs the mentality and decision-making with which he approaches the task at hand, no player is ever constrained to just one task and all players respond in some manner to the current phase of play. In other words, a player's tactical priority represents what task the player will primarily be focused on carrying out as well as the point at which a player will typically look to get directly involved in play, but all outfield players will move up and down the ladder in response to what's actually happening on the pitch.

Generally, players will attempt to find a balance between successfully carrying out the current task and carrying out that task in a way that serves their tactical priority. Again, a tactical priority is not a constraint but a guiding point of reference to which a player gravitates while taking up and carrying out a multitude of responsibilities during the match.

Of course, much depends on how well your players play. When your players decisively outplay your opponent, they will spend much or most of their time carrying out their tactical priority, but if they struggle, they will spend more time being forced to carry out tasks further down the mentality ladder. Thus, a very fluid overload tactic may direct nearly all of your team to get into or around the opposition penalty area, but ultimately, they still need to play well enough to carry out such an ambitious objective. In this sense, outplaying your opponent or nullifying their tactics can be thought of as the extent to which you force them to deviate from their tactical priorities.

Accordingly, it's important to keep in mind that a player's position on the mentality ladder does not necessarily correspond to a player's current physical location on the pitch. Rather, it represents a player's mental orientation, and while each position on the ladder does direct a player towards playing the ball in a certain area of the pitch, there will be points in a match where a player is focused on moving either himself or the ball into another area of the pitch. This may mean the player is simply out of position or transitioning to a new phase of play, but it could also mean that the player is setting himself up to quickly perform a task in anticipation of the progression of play or has been asked to play a tactical function that involves playing the ball back to teammates advancing from deeper positions.

If you're not averse to mixing metaphors, you can think of players as having a sort of imaginary elastic cord that attaches them (in a mental sense) to the rung representing their tactical priority. Thus, while all players will move up and down the ladder (i.e., take up different responsibilities in response to the present situation), the further they stretch the cord, the more the cord will pull back and noticeably influence their decision-making.

MENTALITY STRUCTURE

A mentality structure is the way a team is organized by individual players' tactical priorities. It is shaped by a tactic's formation, fluidity, mentality, roles and duties, and it fundamentally determines how your team operates in attack and defence. In the following sections, I've listed the various fluidity/mentality combinations along with the tactical

priorities for each position (and relevant roles and duties) under that combination. This will allow you to determine a given tactic's mentality structure and give you a better sense of how it will operate.

FORMATION, POSITION AND TACTICAL PRIORITY

A player's position also partially determines their tactical priority. Within the framework of the Tactics Creator, fluidity has mainly been thought of in terms of the team's overall strategic focus (or as it's now called, mentality), but here, the concept of a player's tactical priority makes a finer distinction on an individual level.

Therefore, even in a very fluid system, a centreback and striker typically aren't going to share the exact same tactical priority. There is, rather, an inherent division of responsibilities established by the formation itself. This is plainly evident when watching a very fluid tactic in action. While a very fluid tactic will usually cause a team to collectively focus on a smaller number of tasks, the team doesn't all focus on the same task at once. Strikers will still tend to operate as the more advanced players while centrebacks will still be the ones holding the defensive line.

With this in mind, a formation can be thought of as establishing a baseline mentality structure that fluidity modfies. In this baseline structure, players positioned further from their goal have a slightly more attacking orientation than those positioned directly behind them while wide players of a given positional stratum (e.g., defensive midfield, midfield, attacking midfield, etc.) have a slightly more attacking orientation than their central counterparts. In the following outlines of the various mentality structures, I've attempted to reflect this to provide a better sense of how the mentality structures actually operate in practice as well as emphasizing the effect of formation.

ASYMMETRIC PRIORITY ARRANGEMENTS

In some mentality structures, especially balanced mentality structures, a player in an advanced position may have a less aggressive tactical priority than a player in a deeper position. As noted above, a tactical priority does not necessarily correspond to a physical position on the pitch, so this asymmetry between formation and tactical priority does not mean your formation (or to be precise, your defensive formation) will be altered. However, it does mean that the advanced player with the lower tactical priority will be more likely to drop deep to help players positioned much lower on the pitch (including providing positional cover for their forward runs), more cautious in his general decision-making with a greater tendency to hold off on a risky pass or tackle, and notably for playmakers, less urgent in advancing up the pitch and attempting runs deep into the attacking third. For players in deeper positions with more aggressive tactical priorities, the reverse is also true.

Certainly, this may have a significant effect on how your team's shape develops at various points in the match, particularly during the attacking phase, but as discussed above, it's a question of movement and tendencies in decision-making. Again, a player's effective position on the mentality ladder is dynamic in response to the movement of the rest of the team, and in these sort of asymmetric arrangements of tactical priority, it typically means the advanced player with the less aggressive tactical priority will serve as a sort of cautionary check on the urgency of your team's play and look to control the tempo while staving off rash decisions when necessary. Good examples of this include the advanced playmaker who looks to dictate tempo from the hole until midfielders get forward to support the attack and the more aggressively positioned ball-winner who consistently looks to play the ball back to a creative player who initiates attacks from deep.

Accordingly, these asymmetric arrangements should not be seen as somehow counterproductive or contradictory to your formation. On the contrary, such arrangements can be highly effective and useful in modeling certain

tactical systems.

THE ORIENTING EFFECT OF TEAM MENTALITY AND FLUIDITY

For all fluidity settings, the team mentality setting defines the core tactical priority around which the mentality structure is based while the fluidity setting determines the degree of differentation between the tactical priorities of individual players. As you will notice when examining the mentality structures, no mentality structure on any fluidity setting will have a massive difference in tactical focus between any two players. This is necessary to prevent the team from becoming overly disconnected and, in effect, having players working against one another's tactical priorities. Ultimately, all mentality structures will sensibly base the team around a core set of tactical priorities in a way that ensures even the most defensive and attacking players are contributing to the team's basic objective in some way.

Of course, this means that much of the in-game descriptions of fluidity and team mentality settings is simply inaccurate. No fluidity setting necessarily restricts any one type of player to any one phase of play nor does a high level of fluidity mean that, for example, an attacker told to go all-out attack will be more inclined to help defend than a striker in a rigid system told to do the same. In fact, team mentality is far more relevant than fluidity in terms of determining a defender's willingness to get forward or an attacker's willingness to track back, and it is simply not true that more fluid settings always increase their willingness to do so while more rigid settings decrease it.

As discussed above, all players respond dynamically to the development of play, and this is true on all mentality and fluidity settings. Fluidity settings merely establish the basic orientation of individual players relative to the team mentality, and the interaction between fluidity and mentality is much more nuanced than the Tactics Creator descriptions seem to suggest.

OUTLINING THE MENTALITY STRUCTURES

The following sections outline the anatomy of the various mentality structures. The outlines are grouped under fluidity settings and presented in order from most defensive to most attacking. The specific tactical priorities in each fluidity/mentality combination are listed by position with unique role or duty exceptions listed in italics under the position.

Hopefully, these outlines will serve as a useful reference point as you set out to put your tactical vision into practice. However, keep in mind that these outlines only present the most basic underlying foundation of a tactic. Subsequent sections will delve into more detail regarding the interaction between tactical priority and duty in various phases of play. Simply, understanding this interaction is essential to understanding how and why a tactic operates in the way it does, so while these outlines are intended to provide a firm basis for tactical design, they merely represent the first step in that process.

PART II. COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES: VERY FLUID MENTALITY STRUCTURES

Very fluid mentality structures cover the smallest range of tactical priorities with the team as a whole sharply focused on carrying out a highly specific strategic objective (e.g., completely negating the opposition's attack, controlling possession in midfield, overloading the opposition third, etc.). This represents systems in which all players are expected to help contribute to a general, collective function and in which, accordingly, there is significantly less differentiation between players based on position and role. While this demands a greater degree

of versatilty and tactical awareness from each of the players, it encourages the team to cooperate closely in carrying out specific tasks while promoting more movement between positional strata and, thus, greater variety and unpredictability in the team's play.

The Controller EffectCertain very fluid mentality structures are subject to the Controller Effect. Essentially, under a more defensive team mentality, using a designated playmaker with a lower tactical priority than other roles in the same position will cause others on the team to become slightly more aggressive.In practical terms, this represents a playmaker who stays deeper than other players in his position to focus on controlling the flow and tempo of the match. His non-controller teammates, accordingly, become slightly more aggressive to compensate for the controller-playmaker's more cautious orienation.

The Controller Effect applies to very fluid contain, defensive and counter mentality structures that use a Trequartista at ST, an Advanced Playmaker at AMC/L/R, a Deep-Lying Playmaker at CM or a Sweeper (that is, the role, not the position). In the following outlines, you should move each outfield player (with the exception of other sweepers, DLPs at MC, APs at AMLRC and trequartistas at ST) up one position on the mentality ladder for Counter/Defensive mentalities and up two positions for Contain if the mentality structure is subject to the Controller Effect. Keep in mind, the Controller Effect does not affect other controller-playmakers regardless of their position, and the alterations imposed by the Controller Effect are the same regardless of how many controller-playmakers are used.

-------------------------------------CONTAIN-------------------------------------GK: Shield Goal

SW: Obstruct Shots

DC: Obstruct ShotsStopper Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking Movement

DL/R: Slow Attacking Movement

DMC: Contain Attacking Movement

WB: Divert Attacking Movement

MC: Restrict Space Cautiously

ML/R: Restrict Space

AMC: Restrict Space AggressivelyShadow Striker: Disrupt Attacks

AML/R: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

ST (Lone Striker): Disrupt AttacksAttack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Recover Possession

-------------------------------------DEFENSIVE-------------------------------------GK: Limit Pressure

SW: Divert Attacking MovementLibero (All Duties): Restrict Space Cautiously

DC: Restrict Space CautiouslyCover Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DL/R: Restrict Space

DMC: Restrict Space AggressivelyHalfback: Restrict Space

WB: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

MC: Disrupt AttacksDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

ML/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

AMC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyShadow Striker: Recover Possession Immediately

AML/R: Recover PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

ST (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelyAttack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Keep Possession Under PressureFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Recover PossessionSupport/Defend Duty with Multiple Strikers: Recover PossessionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Recover PossessionTrequartista with Multiple Strikers: Keep Possession

-------------------------------------COUNTER-------------------------------------GK: Distribute Safely

SW: Restrict Space AggressivelyLibero (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DC: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict SpaceStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks

DMC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyHalfback: Disrupt Attacks

WBL/R: Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

MC: Recover PossessionDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

ML/R: Recover Possession Immediately

AMC: Keep Possession Away From PressureAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession ImmediatelyShadow Striker: Keep Possession Under Pressure

AML/R: Keep PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureAttack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Shuttle BallFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Keep PossessionSupport/Defend Duty with Multiple Strikers: Keep Possession Away From PressureTrequartista (Lone Striker): Keep PossessionTrequartista with Multiple Strikers: Shuttle Ball Into Space

-------------------------------------STANDARD-------------------------------------GK: Cycle Possession

SW: Disrupt AttacksLibero (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionCover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

DL/R: Recover Possession

DMC: Recover Possession ImmediatelyHalfback: Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

WBL/R: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

MC: Keep PossessionDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession Immediately

ML/R: Keep Possession Under Pressure

AMC: Shuttle Ball Into Space

Advanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep PossessionShadow Striker: Shuttle Ball Through Defence

AML/R: Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAttack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Spearhead Attacking MovesFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceSupport/Defend Duty with Multiple Strikers: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceTrequartista (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceTrequartista with Multiple Strikers: Shuttle Ball Through Defence

-------------------------------------CONTROL-------------------------------------GK: Cycle Possession

SW: Recover PossessionLibero (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

DC: Keep Possession Away From PressureCover Duty (All Roles): Recover PossessionStopper Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

DL/R: Keep Possession

DMC: Keep Possession Under PressureHalfback: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

WBL/R: Shuttle Ball Into Space

MC: Shuttle BallDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ML/R: Shuttle Ball Through Defence

AMC: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle BallShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

AML/R: Spearhead Attacking MovesAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefensive Winger (Defend): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceAttack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Penetrate GapsDefensive Forward (Defend-Lone Striker): Suppress Counterattacking Outlets

Defensive Forward (Defend-Multiple Strikers): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Create Chances PatientlySupport Duty (Lone Striker): Create Chances UrgentlySupport Duty with Multiple Strikers: Create Chances PatientlyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Create Chances PatientlyTrequartista with Multiple Strikers: Create Chances Urgently

-------------------------------------ATTACKING-------------------------------------GK: Initiate Attacks

SW: Keep PossessionLibero (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Into Space

DC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceCover Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Away From PressureStopper Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball

DL/R: Shuttle Ball

DMC: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceHalfback: Shuttle Ball Into Space

WBL/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleDefend Duty: Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty: Create Chances Patiently

MC: Spearhead Attacking MovesDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances

ML/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceDefend Duty: Suppress Counterattacking OutletsSupport Duty: Create Chances Urgently

AMC: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create ChancesEnganche: Force Half Chances When NecessaryShadow Striker: Penetrate GapsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances When NecessaryTrequartista: Force Half Chances When Necessary

AML/R: Penetrate GapsAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create Chances UrgentlyDefensive Winger (Defend): Isolate MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances

ST (Lone Striker): Penetrate Gaps Persistently

Attack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Draw Off DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend-Lone Striker): Isolate Holding MidfieldersDefensive Forward (Defend-Multiple Strikers): Suppress Counterattacking OutletsFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Force Half Chances When NecessarySupport Duty with Multiple Strikers: Create Chances UrgentlyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Force Half Chances When NecessaryTrequartista with Multiple Strikers: Force Half Chances

-------------------------------------OVERLOAD-------------------------------------GK: Support Attacks

SW: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceLibero (Attack Duty): Spearhead Attacking MovesLibero (Support Duty): Create Chances

DC: Suppress CounterattacksCover Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball

DL/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceDefend Duty (All Roles): Suppress Counterattacking OutletsSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances Urgently

DMC: Force Half Chances When NecessaryDefend Duty (All Roles Except DLP and HB): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersHalfback: Suppress Counterattacks

WBL/R: Penetrate GapsDefend Duty (All Roles): Isolate MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Roles): Force Half Chances

MC: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances Without HesitationDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances When NecessaryDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Isolate Holding MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

ML/R: Draw Off DefendersDefend Duty (All Roles): Hassle Dawdling DefendersSupport Duty (All Roles): Test Defence With Precision

AMC: Overload DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances Without HesitationEnganche: Test DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test DefenceTrequartista: Test Defence

AML/R: Challenge DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Test Defence With Precision

Defensive Winger (Defend): Hassle Defenders RelentlesslySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test Defence With Power

ST (Lone Striker): Bypass Last DefenderAttack Duty with Multiple Strikers: Bypass Last DefenderDefensive Forward (Defend-Lone Striker): Force ClearanceDefensive Forward (Defend-Multiple Strikers): Hassle Dawdling DefendersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Test DefenceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Rush Ball ForwardSupport Duty with Multiple Strikers: Draw Off DefendersTrequartista (Lone Striker): Test DefenceTrequartista with Multiple Strikers: Test Defence with Power

PART III. SOLID FOUNDATIONS: FLUID MENTALITY STRUCTURES

Fluid mentality structures divide the team into two separate units each focused closely on a small but distinct range of tactical priorities. In effect, this creates a divided structure with a more aggressive, fluid attack backed by a significantly more cautious defence. The idea is that the entrenched, disciplined defensive unit frees the attacking unit to get forward without being distracted by pressing defensive responsibilities, though the division between the units calls for a higher degree of attacking/defensive specialization to ensure both can cope with the increased demands resulting from their relative isolation from one another.

The Controller EffectCertain fluid mentality structures are subject to the Controller Effect. Essentially, under a more defensive team mentality, using certain roles with a lower tactical priority than other roles in the same position will cause others on the team to become slightly more aggressive.

In practical terms, this represents a player who stays deeper than other players in his position to focus on controlling the flow and tempo of the match. His non-controller teammates, accordingly, become slightly more aggressive to compensate for the controller-playmaker's more cautious orienation.

The Controller Effect applies to fluid contain and defensive mentality structures that use a Deep-Lying Playmaker at CM or a Sweeper (that is, the role, not the position). In the following outlines, you should move each outfield player (with the exception of other sweepers, DLPs at MC, APs at AMLRC and trequartistas at ST) up one position on the mentality ladder for Defensive mentalities and up two positions for Contain if the mentality structure is subject to the Controller Effect. Keep in mind, the Controller Effect does not affect other sweepers or CM-DLPs, and the alterations imposed by the Controller Effect are the same regardless of how many controller-playmakers are used.

-------------------------------------CONTAIN-------------------------------------GK: Shield GoalSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Limit Pressure

SW: Obstruct ShotsLibero (All Duties): Restrict Space Cautiously

DC: Obstruct ShotsStopper Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking Movement

DL/R: Slow Attacking Movement

DMC: Contain Attacking Movement

WBL/R: Divert Attacking Movement

MC: Disrupt AttacksBox to Box Midfielder: Restrict Space AggressivelyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Restrict Space CautiouslyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Restrict Space Cautiously

ML/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

AMC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt AttacksShadow Striker: Recover Possession Immediately

AML/R: Recover PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

ST (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelyAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Under PressureFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionSupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Recover PossessionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

-------------------------------------DEFENSIVE-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Distribute Safely

SW: Contain Attacking MovementLibero (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DC: Divert Attacking MovementCover Duty (All Roles): Contain Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space Aggressively

DL/R: Restrict Space Cautiously

DMC: Restrict SpaceHalfback: Restrict Space Cautiously

WBL/R: Restrict Space Aggressively

MC: Recover Possession

Box to Box Midfielder: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Restrict Space AggressivelyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

ML/R: Recover Possession Immediately

AMC: Keep Possession Away From PressureAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover PossessionShadow Striker: Keep Possession Under Pressure

AML/R: Keep PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession Immediately

ST (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Away From PressureSupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep PossessionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Away From PressureTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Into Space

-------------------------------------COUNTER-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict Space CautiouslyLibero (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DC: Restrict Space AggressivelyCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space CautiouslyStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DMC: Disrupt AttacksHalfback: Restrict Space Aggressively

WBL/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

MC: Keep PossessionBox to Box Midfielder: Recover Possession ImmediatelyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt AttacksDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

ML/R: Keep Possession Under Pressure

AMC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession

Shadow Striker: Shuttle Ball Through Defence

AML/R: Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Spearhead Attacking MovesFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceSupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceTrequartista (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Through Defence

-------------------------------------STANDARD-------------------------------------GK: Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (All Duties): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict Space AggressivelyLibero (All Duties): Recover Possession Immediately

DC: Disrupt AttacksCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space AggressivelyStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DMC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionHalfback: Disrupt Attacks

WBL/R: Recover Possession

MC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceBox to Box Midfielder: Keep PossessionDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

ML/R: Shuttle Ball

AMC: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves

AML/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle BallDefensive Winger (Defend): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacking Moves

Attack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Suppress CounterattacksFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Create ChancesSupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceTrequartista (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances

-------------------------------------CONTROL-------------------------------------GK: Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Initiate Attacks

SW: Disrupt AttacksLibero (All Duties): Keep Possession

DC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionCover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

DL/R: Recover Possession

DMC: Recover Possession ImmediatelyHalfback: Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

WBL/R: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

MC: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceBox to Box Midfielder: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession ImmediatelyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession

ML/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleDefend Duty (All Roles): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances Patiently

AMC: Spearhead Attacking MovesAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create ChancesShadow Striker: Penetrate Gaps Intermittently

AML/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create Chances PatientlyDefensive Winger (Defend): Suppress Counterattacking OutletsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Urgently

ST (Lone Striker): Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate Gaps Persistently

Defensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Suppress CounterattacksFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Create ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Force Half Chances When NecessarySupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Create ChancesTrequartista (Lone Striker): Create ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Force Chances When Necessary

-------------------------------------ATTACK-------------------------------------GK: Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Initiate Attacks

SW: Recover PossessionLibero (All Duties): Shuttle Ball

DC: Keep Possession Away From PressureCover Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionStopper Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession

DL/R: Keep Possession

DMC: Keep Possession Under PressureHalfback: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

WBL/R: Shuttle Ball Into Space

MC: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceBox to Box Midfielder: Create Chances PatientlyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under PressureDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle BallSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Urgently

ML/R: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyDefend Duty (All Roles): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Roles): Force Half Chances When Necessary

AMC: Penetrate GapsAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create Chances UrgentlyEnganche: Force Half ChancesShadow Striker: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half ChancesTrequartista: Force Half Chances

AML/R: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances When NecessaryDefensive Winger (Defend): Isolate Holding MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

ST (Lone Striker): Draw Off DefendersAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Overload DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Hassle Dawdling DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Test Defence With PrecisionSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances When NecessaryTrequartista (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

-------------------------------------OVERLOAD-------------------------------------GK: Initiate AttacksSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Support Attacks

SW: Keep PossessionLibero (Attack Duty): Spearhead Attacking MovesLibero (Support Duty): Create Chances

DC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceCover Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Away From PressureStopper Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball

DL/R: Shuttle Ball

DMC: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceHalfback: Shuttle Ball Into Space

WBL/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleDefend Duty: Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty: Create Chances Patiently

MC: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances Without HesitationBox to Box Midfielder: Force Half Chances When NecessaryDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

ML/R: Draw Off DefendersDefend Duty (All Roles): Hassle Dawdling DefendersSupport Duty (All Roles): Test Defence With Precision

AMC: Overload DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances When NecessaryEnganche: Test DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test Defence

Trequartista: Test Defence

AML/R: Challenge DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Test Defence With PrecisionDefensive Winger (Defend): Hassle Defenders RelentlesslySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test Defence With Power

ST (Lone Striker): Bypass Last DefenderAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Bypass Last DefenderDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Force ClearanceDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Hassle Dawdling DefendersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Test DefenceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Rush Ball ForwardSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence With PrecisionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Test DefenceTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence with Power

PART IV. ASYMMETRIC SHAPES: BALANCED MENTALITY STRUCTURES

Balanced mentality structures divide the team into three units based on the duties assigned to individual players. As with fluid structures, a more cautious defensive unit provides a stable, structural core that frees a more adventurous attacking unit to get forward aggressively, though this is further balanced by a "supporting" unit that serves to provide a more consistent link between the two. However, since a player's respective unit is defined by his duty rather than position, this gives the manager greater flexibility in refining his defensive and attacking shape to fit the personnel at his disposal. Consequently, Balanced mentality structures can accommodate a high degree of either duty-based specialization or general versatility.

The Controller EffectCertain balanced mentality structures are subject to the Controller Effect. Essentially, under a more defensive team mentality, using certain roles with a lower tactical priority than other roles in the same position will cause others on the team to become slightly more aggressive.In practical terms, this represents a player who stays deeper than other players in his position to focus on controlling the flow and tempo of the match. His non-controller teammates, accordingly, become slightly more aggressive to compensate for the controller-playmaker's more cautious orienation.

The Controller Effect applies to balanced contain, defensive and counter mentality structures that use a Deep-Lying Playmaker at CM or a Sweeper (that is, the role, not the position). In the following outlines, you should move each outfield player (with the exception of sweepers, DLPs at MC, APs at AMLRC and trequartistas at ST) up one position on the mentality ladder for Defensive mentalities and up two positions for Contain if the mentality structure is subject to the Controller Effect. Keep in mind, the Controller Effect does not affect other sweepers or CM-DLPs, and the alterations imposed by the Controller Effect are the same regardless of how many controller-playmakers are used.

-------------------------------------CONTAIN-------------------------------------GK: Shield GoalSweeper Keeper (Attack): Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (Support): Limit Pressure

SW: Obstruct ShotsLibero (Attack): Restrict Space AggressivelyLibero (Support): Divert Attacking Movement

DC: Obstruct ShotsStopper Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking Movement

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyDefend Duty (All Roles): Slow Attacking MovementSupport Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space Cautiously

DMC: Contain Attacking MovementSupport Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space

WBL/R: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyWingback (Defend): Divert Attacking MovementWingback (Support): Restrict Space Aggressively

MC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Restrict SpaceDefend Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space CautiouslySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

ML/R: Recover PossessionDefend Duty (All Roles): Restrict SpaceSupport Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks

AMC: Recover Possession ImmediatelyAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyShadow Striker: Keep PossessionSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

AML/R: Keep Possession Away From PressureAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Recover PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Disrupt AttacksDefensive Winger (Defend): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

ST (Lone Striker): Keep PossessionAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle BallDefensive Forward (Defend): Disrupt AttacksFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Recover PossessionSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelyTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Under Pressure

-------------------------------------DEFENSIVE-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (Attack): Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (Support): Limit Pressure

SW: Contain Attacking MovementLibero (Attack): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyLibero (Support): Restrict Space Aggressively

DC: Divert Attacking MovementCover Duty (All Roles): Contain Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space Aggressively

DL/R: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionDefend Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space CautiouslySupport Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DMC: Restrict SpaceHalfback: Restrict Space CautiouslySupport Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks

WBL/R: Recover Possession ImmediatelyWingback (Defend): Restrict Space AggressivelyWingback (Support): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

MC: Keep Possession Away From PressureDeep Lying Playmaker (Defend): Restrict Space AggressivelyDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Disrupt AttacksDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

ML/R: Keep PossessionDefend Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksSupport Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession

AMC: Keep Possession Under PressureAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Keep Possession Away From PressureAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionShadow Striker: Shuttle BallSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

AML/R: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Keep PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Recover PossessionDefensive Winger (Defend): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Spearhead Attacking MovesDefensive Forward (Defend): Recover PossessionFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelySupport Duty (Lone Striker): Keep PossessionSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Away From PressureTrequartista (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Through Defence

-------------------------------------COUNTER-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (Attack): Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (Support): Distribute Safely

SW: Restrict Space CautiouslyLibero (Attack): Recover PossessionLibero (Support): Disrupt Attacks

DC: Restrict SpaceCover Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DL/R: Recover Possession ImmediatelyDefend Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space AggressivelySupport Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DMC: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyHalfback: Restrict SpaceSupport Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

WBL/R: Keep PossessionWingback (Defend): Disrupt AttacksWingback (Support): Recover Possession

MC: Keep Possession Under PressureDeep Lying Playmaker (Defend): Disrupt AttacksDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks QuicklySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

ML/R: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDefend Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionSupport Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

AMC: Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Keep Possession Under Pressure

Advanced Playmaker (Support): Recover Possession ImmediatelyShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession

AML/R: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Keep Possession Away From PressureDefensive Winger (Defend): Recover Possession ImmediatelySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceDefensive Forward (Defend): Keep Possession Away From PressureFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Keep PossessionSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep PossessionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances Patiently

-------------------------------------STANDARD-------------------------------------GK: Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (Attack): Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (Support): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict SpaceLibero (Attack): Keep Possession Away From PressureLibero (Support): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DC: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict SpaceStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DL/R: Keep PossessionDefend Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksSupport Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession

DMC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyHalfback: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslySupport Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

WBL/R: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceWingback (Defend): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionWingback (Support): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

MC: Shuttle BallDeep Lying Playmaker (Defend): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Recover Possession Immediately

Defend Duty (All Other Roles): Recover PossessionSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession

ML/R: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefend Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession ImmediatelySupport Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

AMC: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Keep PossessionShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball Into Space

AML/R: Spearhead Attacking MovesAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Keep Possession Under PressureDefensive Winger (Defend): Keep PossessionSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate GapsDefensive Forward (Defend): Keep Possession Under PressureFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceTrequartista (Lone Striker): Create Chances PatientlyTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances Urgently

-------------------------------------CONTROL-------------------------------------GK: Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (Attack): Initiate AttacksSweeper Keeper (Support): Cycle Possession

SW: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyLibero (Attack): Keep Possession Under PressureLibero (Support): Recover Possession Immediately

DC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyCover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession

DL/R: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDefend Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionSupport Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

DMC: Recover PossessionHalfback: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

Support Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession

WBL/R: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceWingback (Defend): Recover Possession ImmediatelyWingback (Support): Keep Possession Under Pressure

MC: Spearhead Attacks from the HoleDeep Lying Playmaker (Defend): Recover PossessionDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Keep PossessionDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Away From PressureSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball Into Space

ML/R: Spearhead AttacksDefend Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Support Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball

AMC: Spearhead Attacks Closer to DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Create Chances PatientlyAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceShadow Striker: Penetrate GapsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball Through Defence

AML/R: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Create ChancesAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Shuttle BallDefensive Winger (Defend): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

ST (Lone Striker): Penetrate GapsAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Draw Off DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend): Shuttle BallFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Create ChancesSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Bal AggressivelyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Create Chances UrgentlyTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances

-------------------------------------ATTACKING-------------------------------------GK: Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (Attack): Initiate AttacksSweeper Keeper (Support): Initiate Attacks

SW: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyLibero (Attack): Shuttle BallLibero (Support): Keep Possession

DC: Recover Possession

Cover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

DL/R: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefend Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession ImmediatelySupport Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

DMC: Keep Possession Away From PressureHalfback: Recover PossessionSupport Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball Into Space

WBL/R: Spearhead AttacksWingback (Defend): Keep PossessionWingback (Support): Shuttle Ball

MC: Spearhead Attacks Closer to DefenceDeep Lying Playmaker (Defend): Keep Possession Away From PressureDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Under PressureSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball Through Defence

ML/R: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyDefend Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances Patiently

AMC: Penetrate GapsAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Create Chances UrgentlyAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceEnganche: Force Half ChancesShadow Striker: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlySupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create ChancesTrequartista: Force Half Chances

AML/R: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Force Half Chances When NecessaryAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDefensive Winger (Defend): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Urgently

ST (Lone Striker): Draw Off DefendersAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Overload DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Create ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Force Half Chances When NecessarySupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances PatientlyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

-------------------------------------OVERLOAD-------------------------------------GK: Initiate AttacksSweeper Keeper (Attack): Support AttacksSweeper Keeper (Support): Initiate Attacks

SW: Recover Possession ImmediatelyLibero (Attack): Spearhead AttacksLibero (Support): Shuttle Ball

DC: Keep PossessionCover Duty (All Roles): Recover PossessionStopper Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

DL/R: Spearhead Attacks Closer to DefenceDefend Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Under PressureSupport Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball Through Defence

DMC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceHalfback: Keep PossessionSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances Patiently

WBL/R: Penetrate GapsWingback (Defend): Shuttle BallWingback (Support): Create Chances

MC: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Force Half Chances Without HesitationDeep Lying Playmaker (Defend): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDeep Lying Playmaker (Support): Create Chances PatientlyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Urgently

ML/R: Draw Off DefendersDefend Duty (All Roles): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances Urgently

AMC: Overload DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Force Half Chances Without HesitationAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Create Chances UrgentlyEnganche: Test DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half ChancesTrequartista: Test Defence

AML/R: Challenge DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (Attack): Test Defence With PrecisionAdvanced Playmaker (Support): Force Half Chances When NecessaryDefensive Winger (Defend): Suppress Counterattacking Outlets

Support Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

ST (Lone Striker): Bypass Last DefenderAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Bypass Last DefenderDefensive Forward (Defend): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Test Defence With PrecisionSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances When NecessaryTrequartista (Lone Striker): Test DefenceTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence With Power

PART V. GESTALT SYSTEMS: RIGID MENTALITY STRUCTURES

Rigid mentality structures cover the broadest range of tactical priorities with roles sharply defining how players contribute to the team's strategic objective. While Balanced mentality structures can also cover a very wide range of tactical priorities, Rigid mentality structures organize tactical priorities according to position within the team's defensive shape regardless of duty (with a few exceptions). The idea is that each player has a more distinct and clearly defined function within the team compared to more fluid systems. The main purpose of this is to ensure a quick and well organized transition from defense to attack (and vice versa) with wide players moving up more readily to link the defence, support and attack. While this can make the team's approach somewhat predictable, it better enables players to play to their specific strengths while reducing the risk of the team getting bogged down in aimless, incoherent play.

Previously, rigid mentality structures have been equated with archaic tactical systems in which specific positions are strictly limited to contributing to specific phases of play, but this is not an accurate depiction. Team mentality and duty are the primary factors in determining whether specific players get forward or drop back to defend. A rigid mentality structure merely causes players in different positions to be incrementally more cautious or adventurous to ensure a greater tactical distinction between positions and roles. This is quite different from limiting certain positions to a single phase of play.

The Sweeper EffectCertain rigid mentality structures are subject to the Sweeper Effect. Essentially, under a more defensive team mentality, using a sweeper role will cause other players on the team to become slightly more aggressive.

The Sweeper Effect applies to rigid contain, defensive and counter mentality structures that use a Sweeper (that is, the role, not the position). In the following outlines, you should move each outfield player (with the exception of other sweepers) up one position on the mentality ladder for Defensive mentalities and up two positions for Contain if the mentality structure is subject to the Sweeper Effect. Keep in mind, the alterations imposed by the Sweeper Effect are the same regardless of how many sweepers are used.

The Trequartista EffectA similar effect occurs when a Trequartista is used as a lone striker in Control, Attack and Overload mentalities. In such situations, you should move every outfield player other than the Trequartista up one position on the mentality ladder for Control mentalities and up two positions for Attacking and Overload mentalities.

-------------------------------------CONTAIN-------------------------------------GK: Shield Goal

Sweeper Keeper (All Duties): Limit Pressure

SW: Obstruct ShotsLibero (All Duties): Restrict Space Aggressively

DC: Obstruct ShotsStopper Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking Movement

DL/R: Divert Attacking Movement

DMC: Restrict Space CautiouslyHalfback: Divert Attacking Movement

WBL/R: Restrict Space

MC: Disrupt AttacksBox to Box Midfielder: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Restrict Space CautiouslyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Restrict Space Aggressively

ML/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

AMC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt AttacksShadow Striker: Recover Possession Immediately

AML/R: Recover PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

ST (Lone Striker): Keep PossessionAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle BallFalse NIne (Lone Striker): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionSupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Away From PressureTrequartista (Lone Striker): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

-------------------------------------DEFENSIVE-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Distribute Safely

SW: Contain Attacking MovementLibero (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DC: Divert Attacking MovementCover Duty (All Roles): Contain Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space Aggressively

DL/R: Restrict Space Aggressively

DMC: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyHalfback: Restrict Space

WBL/R: Disrupt Attacks

MC: Recover PossessionBox to Box Midfielder: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

ML/R: Recover Possession Immediately

AMC: Keep Possession Away From PressureAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover PossessionShadow Striker: Keep Possession Under Pressure

AML/R: Keep PossessionAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession Immediately

ST (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Spearhead AttacksFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Away From PressureSupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceTrequartista (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Away From PressureTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Into Space

-------------------------------------COUNTER-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict Space CautiouslyLibero (All Duties): Recover Possession

DC: Restrict SpaceCover Duty (All Roles): Divert Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks

DMC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyHalfback: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

WBL/R: Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

MC: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

Box to Box Midfielder: Recover Possession ImmediatelyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession

ML/R: Keep Possession

AMC: Keep Possession Under PressureAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From PressureShadow Striker: Shuttle Ball

AML/R: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacks from the HoleAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances UrgentlyDefensive Forward (Defend Duty - Lone Striker): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Create Chances PatientlySupport/Defend Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle BallTrequartista (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball

-------------------------------------STANDARD-------------------------------------GK: Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (All Duties): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict SpaceLibero (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

DC: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict SpaceStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DL/R: Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DMC: Recover PossessionHalfback: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

WBL/R: Recover Possession Immediately

MC: Keep Possession Under PressureBox to Box Midfielder: Keep PossessionDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Recover PossessionDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

ML/R: Shuttle Ball Into Space

AMC: Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under PressureShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the Hole

AML/R: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Into Space

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate GapsDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Suppress Counterattacking OutletsDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Create Chances UrgentlySupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances PatientlyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances Patiently

-------------------------------------CONTROL-------------------------------------GK: Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (All Duties): Initiate Attacks

SW: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyLibero (All Duties): Keep Possession Under Pressure

DC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyCover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession

DL/R: Recover Possession Immediately

DMC: Keep Possession Away From PressureHalfback: Recover Possession

WBL/R: Keep Possession

MC: Shuttle BallBox to Box Midfielder: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From PressureDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ML/R: Shuttle Ball Through Defence

AMC: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle BallShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

AML/R: Spearhead Attacking MovesAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefensive Winger (Defend): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances

ST (Lone Striker): Penetrate GapsAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Draw Off DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Isolate MidfieldersDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Suppress Counterattacking OutletsFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Create ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances UrgentlyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Create ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances Urgently

-------------------------------------ATTACK-------------------------------------GK: Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Initiate Attacks

SW: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyLibero (All Duties): Shuttle Ball

DC: Recover PossessionCover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

DL/R: Keep Possession

DMC: Keep Possession Under PressureHalfback: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

WBL/R: Shuttle Ball Into Space

MC: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleBox to Box Midfielder: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under PressureDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle BallSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

ML/R: Spearhead Attacking MovesDefend Duty (All Roles): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances

AMC: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create Chances PatientlyShadow Striker: Penetrate GapsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Urgently

AML/R: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create ChancesDefensive Winger (Defend): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances When Necessary

ST (Lone Striker): Draw Off DefendersAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Overload DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Hassle Dawdling DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Test Defence With PrecisionSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances When Necessary

-------------------------------------OVERLOAD-------------------------------------GK: Initiate AttacksSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Support Attacks

SW: Recover Possession ImmediatelyLibero (Attack Duty): Spearhead Attacking MovesLibero (Support Duty): Create Chances

DC: Keep PossessionCover Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Under PressureStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession

DL/R: Shuttle Ball

DMC: Shuttle Ball Through DefenceHalfback: Shuttle Ball Into Space

WBL/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleDefend Duty: Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty: Create Chances Patiently

MC: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances When NecessaryBox to Box Midfielder: Create Chances UrgentlyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances When Necessary

ML/R: Penetrate GapsDefend Duty (All Roles): Isolate MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Roles): Force Half Chances

AMC: Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances When NecessaryEnganche: Force Half Chances Without HesitationShadow Striker: Draw Off DefendersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances Without HesitationTrequartista: Force Half Chances Without Hesitation

AML/R: Draw Off DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances Without HesitationDefensive Winger (Defend): Hassle Dawdling DefendersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test Defence With Precision

ST (Lone Striker): Bypass Last DefenderAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Bypass Last DefenderDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Force ClearanceDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Hassle Dawdling DefendersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Test DefenceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Rush Ball ForwardSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence With PrecisionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Test DefenceTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence With Precision

PART VI. PRODUCTION LINES: VERY RIGID MENTALITY STRUCTURES

Very rigid mentality structures actually cover a narrower range of tactical priorities than rigid (and, potentially, balanced) mentality structures. Like rigid mentality structures, very rigid mentality structures organizes tactical priorities according to position within the team's defensive shape, but unlike rigid mentality structures, there is less of a general tactical distinction between wide and central players. This means that wide players are not specifically relied upon to help quickly link the various parts of the team, though the team as a whole will look to prevent either the attack or defence from becoming isolated by maintaining a slightly more compact shape. In practice, this means the team will be slightly slower to break from its defensive shape going forward, though centrebacks and forwards will also be slightly more inclined to help support the midfield compared to a rigid system.

Basically, very rigid mentality structures are intended to produce highly organized football in which the team can execute a focused, precise attacking approach while maintaining the ability to quickly transition back to its defensive shape at a moment's notice. As with rigid mentality structures, this means players have a distinct and clearly defined function within the team with defensive position having an even greater influence on the decion-making of wide players. Accordingly, this can make the team's approach very predictable, though this isn't necessarily a problem for managers looking to perfect a highly specfic style of play.

Very rigid mentality structures should also not be equated with limiting specific position's contribution to a single phase of play. Again, team mentality and duty are the primary factors in determining whether specific players get forward or drop back to defend.

The Sweeper EffectCertain very rigid mentality structures are subject to the Sweeper Effect. Essentially, under a more defensive team

mentality, using a sweeper role will cause other players on the team to become slightly more aggressive.

The Sweeper Effect applies to very rigid contain and defensive mentality structures that use a Sweeper (that is, the role, not the position). In the following outlines, you should move each outfield player (with the exception of other sweepers) up one position on the mentality ladder for Defensive mentalities and up two positions for Contain mentalities if the mentality structure is subject to the Sweeper Effect. Keep in mind, the alterations imposed by the Sweeper Effect are the same regardless of how many sweepers are used.

The Deep Lying Playmaker EffectA similar effect occurs when a Deep Lying Playmaker is used as at CM in Contain and Defensive mentalities. In such situations, you should move every outfield player other than the Deep Lying Playmaker and sweepers up one position on the mentality ladder. Keep in mind, however, that the sweeper effect still applies to the DLP and the effects of using a CM DLP and sweeper are cumulative for all other players.

The Trequartista EffectAnd again, a similar effect occurs when a Trequartista is used as a lone striker in Control, Attack and Overload mentalities . In such situations, you should move every outfield player other than the Trequartista up one position on the mentality ladder.

-------------------------------------CONTAIN-------------------------------------GK: Shield GoalSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Limit Pressure

SW: Obstruct ShotsLibero (All Duties): Restrict Space Cautiiously

DC: Obstruct ShotsStopper Duty (All Roles): Contain Attacking Movement

DL/R: Slow Attacking Movement

DMC: Divert Attacking MovementHalfback: Contain Attacking Movement

WBL/R: Divert Attacking Movement

MC: Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyBox to Box Midfielder: Restrict Space AggressivelyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Restrict Space CautiiouslyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Restrict Space

ML/R: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

AMC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyShadow Striker: Recover Possession

AML/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

Advanced Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

ST (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelyAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Under PressureDefend/Support Duty (Multiple Strikers): Recover PossessionFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Recover Possession Immediately

-------------------------------------DEFENSIVE-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Distribute Safely

SW: Contain Attacking MovementLibero (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DC: Divert Attacking MovementCover Duty (All Roles): Contain Attacking MovementStopper Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space Aggressively

DL/R: Restrict Space Cautiously

DMC: Restrict Space AggressivelyHalfback: Restrict Space

WBL/R: Restrict Space Aggressively

MC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionBox to Box Midfielder: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Disrupt Attacks

ML/R: Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

AMC: Recover Possession ImmediatelyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionShadow Striker: Keep Possession

AML/R: Recover Possession ImmediatelyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Recover Possession

ST (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefend/Support Duty (Multiple Strikers): Keep PossessionFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelyTrequartista (Lone Striker): Recover Possession ImmediatelyTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Keep Possession Under Pressure

-------------------------------------COUNTER-------------------------------------GK: Limit PressureSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict Space CautiiouslyLibero (All Duties): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DC: Restrict Space AggressivelyCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space CautiiouslyStopper Duty (All Roles): Disrupt Attacks

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

DMC: Disrupt Attacks QuicklyHalfback: Disrupt Attacks Judiciously

WBL/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

MC: Keep Possession Away From PressureBox to Box Midfielder: Recover Possession ImmediatelyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Disrupt Attacks QuicklyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Recover Possession

ML/R: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

AMC: Keep Possession Under PressureAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From PressureShadow Striker: Shuttle Ball

AML/R: Keep Possession Under PressureAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Spearhead Attacking MovesDefend/Support Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureTrequartista (Lone Striker): Keep Possession Under PressureTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball

-------------------------------------STANDARD-------------------------------------GK: Distribute SafelySweeper Keeper (All Duties): Cycle Possession

SW: Restrict Space AggressivelyLibero (All Duties): Recover Possession Immediately

DC: Disrupt AttacksCover Duty (All Roles): Restrict Space AggressivelyStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive Transition

DL/R: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

DMC: Recover PossessionHalfback: Disrupt Attacks Quickly

WBL/R: Recover Possession

MC: Keep Possession Under PressureBox to Box Midfielder: Keep PossessionDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Recover PossessionDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Away From Pressure

ML/R: Keep Possession Under Pressure

AMC: Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under PressureShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the Hole

AML/R: Shuttle BallAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ST (Lone Striker): Spearhead Attacking MovesAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyDefend/Support Duty (Multiple Strikers): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallTrequartista (Lone Striker): Shuttle BallTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances Patiently

-------------------------------------CONTROL-------------------------------------GK: Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Initiate Attacks

SW: Disrupt AttacksLibero (All Duties): Keep Possession

DC: Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionCover Duty (All Roles): Disrupt AttacksStopper Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession Immediately

DL/R: Recover Possession

DMC: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

Halfback: Recover Possession

WBL/R: Keep Possession Away From Pressure

MC: Shuttle BallBox to Box Midfielder: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Keep Possession Away From PressureDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Keep Possession Under Pressure

ML/R: Shuttle Ball

AMC: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle BallShadow Striker: Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

AML/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceDefensive Winger (Defend): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances Patiently

ST (Lone Striker): Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Suppress CounterattacksFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Create ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Force Half Chances When NecessarySupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Create ChancesTrequartista (Lone Striker): Create ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Create Chances Urgently

-------------------------------------ATTACKING-------------------------------------GK: Cycle PossessionSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Initiate Attacks

SW: Recover PossessionLibero (All Duties): Shuttle Ball

DC: Keep Possession Away From PressureCover Duty (All Roles): Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionStopper Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession

DL/R: Keep Possession

DMC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceHalfback: Keep Possession

WBL/R: Shuttle Ball Into Space

MC: Spearhead Attacking MovesBox to Box Midfielder: Create Chances PatientlyDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Shuttle Ball Into SpaceDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Shuttle Ball Through DefenceSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Create Chances

ML/R: Spearhead Attacking MovesDefend Duty (All Roles): Suppress CounterattacksSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances

AMC: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create ChancesEnganche: Force Half Chances When NecessaryShadow Striker: Penetrate GapsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances When NecessaryTrequartista: Force Half Chances When Necessary

AML/R: Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Create Chances UrgentlyDefensive Winger (Defend): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances When Necessary

ST (Lone Striker): Draw Off DefendersAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Overload DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Hassle Dawdling DefendersDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Isolate Advancing MidfieldersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Test Defence With PrecisionSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances When NecessaryTrequartista (Lone Striker): Force Half ChancesTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Force Half Chances

-------------------------------------OVERLOAD-------------------------------------GK: Initiate AttacksSweeper Keeper (All Duties): Support Attacks

SW: Keep PossessionLibero (Attack Duty): Spearhead Attacking MovesLibero (Support Duty): Create Chances

DC: Shuttle Ball Into SpaceCover Duty (All Roles): Keep Possession Away From PressureStopper Duty (All Roles): Shuttle Ball

DL/R: Shuttle Ball

DMC: Create Chances PatientlyDefend Duty (All Roles Except Deep Lying Playmaker): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsHalfback: Shuttle Ball

WBL/R: Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleDefend Duty (All Roles): Suppress Counterattacking OptionsSupport Duty (All Roles): Create Chances Patiently

MC: Penetrate GapsAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half ChancesBox to Box Midfielder: Force Half Chances When NecessaryDeep Lying Playmaker (All Duties): Create Chances PatientlyDefend Duty (All Other Roles): Suppress Counterattacking OutletsSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Force Half Chances

ML/R: Penetrate GapsDefend Duty (All Roles): Isolate MidfieldersSupport Duty (All Roles): Force Half Chances

AMC: Draw Off DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half ChancesEnganche: Test Defence With PrecisionShadow Striker: Overload DefendersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test Defence With PrecisionTrequartista: Test Defence With Precision

AML/R: Draw Off DefendersAdvanced Playmaker (All Duties): Force Half Chances Without HesitationDefensive Winger (Defend): Hassle Dawdling DefendersSupport Duty (All Other Roles): Test Defence With Precision

ST (Lone Striker): Bypass Last DefenderAttack Duty (Multiple Strikers): Bypass Last DefenderDefensive Forward (Defend - Lone Striker): Force ClearanceDefensive Forward (Defend - Multiple Strikers): Hassle Dawdling DefendersFalse Nine (Lone Striker): Test DefenceSupport Duty (Lone Striker): Rush Ball ForwardSupport Duty (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence With PrecisionTrequartista (Lone Striker): Test DefenceTrequartista (Multiple Strikers): Test Defence

PART VII. THE MENTALITY LADDER, DUTY AND OTHER SETTINGS

DUTY, THE ATTACKING PHASE AND THE TASK AT HAND

As attacking play progresses into the opposition half, players will climb up the mentality ladder. As previously

noted, duty determines what sort of responsibilities a player takes up as attacking play moves into the final third, and it also determines how quickly they will do this relative to the rest of the team and the likelihood that they will take up responsibilities that necessarily involve making runs into and around the opposition area (i.e., attack duty attacking responsibilities).

Defend, Stopper and Cover duty players are the most reluctant to climb the mentality ladder. As the team enters the attacking phase, these players will initially look to move to and hold their position in the mentality structure to focus on their tactical priority, but as attacking play progresses and more opposition players track back to help defend, they will climb the mentality ladder to cover space and assume responsibilities left behind by advancing support and attack duty players.

When play advances deep into the opposition half, there is a chance that these players will briefly take up support or, on rare occasions, attack duty responsibilities when it is both safe and opportune to do so. This possibility is represented by the "Join Attack" task at the top of the Defend duty mentality ladder. "Join Attack," essentially, represents all the various support and attack duty attacking responsibilities. As such, it is not actually available as a tactical priority (as a player with such a priority would then cease to be a Defend duty player), and given Defend duty players' general hesitancy to move up the mentality ladder during the attacking phase, the responsibility is typically only taken up by players who have very aggressive tactical priorities.

Support duty players will move up and down the ladder as necessary to prevent the attack from becoming too isolated. As the attacking phase begins, support duty players will attempt to quickly move into an area where they can receive the ball and focus on their tactical priority. From there, they will either look to circulate possession among nearby players or, depending on the risk involved and the player's tactical instructions, play the ball forward to an advancing teammate. As attack duty players and more advanced support duty players push the opposition defence deeper, a support duty player will readily move up behind them to prevent the attack from becoming isolated.

When play advances deep into the opposition half, there is a chance that these players will briefly take up attack duty responsibilities when it is both safe and opportune to do so. This possibility is represented by the "Surge Into Box" task at the top of the Support duty and playmaker mentality ladder. As with "Join Attack," "Surge Into Box" represents all the various attack duty attacking responsibilities, and as noted above, this means it is not actually available as a tactical priority. However, given support duty players' greater tendency to move up the ladder compared to defend duty players, most such players with attacking or control-oriented tactical priorities will typically attempt forward runs periodically throughout the match, though as with defend duty players, it is contingent on the availability of defensive cover and teammates willing to take up their current attacking responsibilities.

Whereas other players will tend to focus more heavily on their specified tactical priority in the attacking phase and be more hesitant to move forward once their main responsibilities have been securely carried out, attack duty players will rapidly climb the mentality ladder as soon as supporting teammates are available to help take up the attack duty player's main responsibility. In this sense, attack duty players view themselves as the vanguard of the team's progression, and while they may stay deep to help carry out a defensive or control-oriented responsibility, they will only look to initiate the task in question before pushing forward to create room for teammates to advance.

Thus, just as support duty players with attack-oriented tactical priorities have a greater tendency to get forward themselves, attack duty players with control or defend-oriented tactical priorities will have a greater tendency to wait to receive the ball ahead of the defensive line and look for support before taking on the defence. However,

unlike defend and support duty players, attack duty players will readily advance deep into the attacking third with minimal regard for the amount of defensive cover available. In this sense, when it comes to attack duty players, it is the manager's responsibility to ensure the structure is in place to ensure they get forward without compromising the team's ability to defend against counterattacks.

ASSIGNING DUTIES

The specific assignment of duties in a mentality structure will greatly affect how the team's shape develops in attack. In most situations, it's wise to keep a balanced arrangement of duties to ensure no one part of the team finds itself isolated and overwhelmed, and if circumstances demand a reorientation of the team's tactical priorities, altering the team mentality setting (and thus, mentality structure) is the most balanced and prudent option.

Though different arrangements of team mentality, roles, formation and playing style may call for different arrangements to achieve an effective balance, all mentality structures should have at least two support duties, two attack duties and three defend/cover/stopper duties among the outfield players. Moreover, these duties should be spread out among the strikers, midfielders and defenders to ensure some degree of movement and stability between the lines. Of course, assigning two attack, two support and three defend leaves three outfield players without a duty.

Traditionally, the general recommendation has been that these spare duties should be assigned in accordance with the team's mentality setting with more defensive team mentalities having more defend duties, more control-oriented team mentalities having more support duties and more attack-oriented team mentalities having more attack duties.

However, there may be circumstances where simply assigning more of one type of duty may prove a better option for refocusing the team's attacking shape to serve a highly specific objective. This should only be done with careful consideration of what you're trying to achieve, and unbalanced mentality structures should never be indiscriminately taken into every match with no regard for the opposition. Unbalanced structures inherently lack versatility (this is what makes them unbalanced), and they all contain glaring weaknesses that will be readily exploited by most opponents.

In terms of the mentality ladder, assigning more defend duties will lead to significantly less deviation from the mentality structure as much of the team's defensive shape will remain intact during the attacking phase. Predictably, this will reduce the risk of counter attacks, but it will also severely blunt the team's attacking momentum and make it difficult for the team to advance the ball up the pitch.

Assigning more support duties will cause more of the team to gradually climb the mentality ladder as attacking play progress. This will give the team more avenues through which to advance the ball ahead of the attacking third, but this will cause either the defence to be more exposed or the attack to be more isolated. If a support duty is assigned in place of a defend duty, the team will be more vulnerable to counter attacks, and if a support duty is assigned in place of attack duty, the team will be presented with less opportunities to successfully play the ball into and around the opposition area, even if there are now more players looking for such opportunities.

Assigning more attack duties will cause the team's shape to deviate dramatically from the mentality structure during the attacking phase (and keep in mind, this doesn't just apply to the player with the attack duty as any drastic movement on the mentality ladder from any one player will have a domino effect on the rest of the team). This will create more options for successfully playing the ball deep into the attacking third, but it will greatly

increase the risk of counter attacks and leave less players looking for the best option to play the ball forward as the creative burden of linking the attack is shifted onto a smaller group of players.

Finally, as previously noted, playmaker roles (i.e., the Advanced Playmaker, Deep Lying Playmaker, Enganche, Regista and Trequartista) are considered support duty players for the purposes of the mentality ladder since they all have the tendency to stay deep and support play rather than actually getting forward. WIth this in mind, you should consider assigning an additional attack duty when using a playmaker role with a nominal attack duty, as this will prevent being presented with a dearth of options going forward. Moreover, the specialized nature of the playmaker himself means too many additional support roles may end up being redundant.

DUTY, FORMATION AND ATTACKING SHAPE

An implicit, yet important, concept in all this is the distinction between formation and attacking shape. A mentality structure can be thought of as a combination of the two, and while the football punditry often glosses over this distinction in tactical discussions, it is crucial to understanding how and why your team attacks and defends as it does.

Unless you follow the inadvisable route of simply assigning defend duties to defenders, support duties to midfielders and attack duties to strikers, your team will not attack in the shape of your assigned formation. A common misconception is that a rigid or very rigid fluidity will cause this to happen, but that is not the case. While these fluidity settings will cause your attack to be more regimented by affecting the fine margins of how attack and support duty players prioritize tasks, they will not prevent attack duty players from attempting to get forward or support duty players from following up behind the attack.

Visualizing exactly how your formation transforms into its attacking shape is one of the more challenging aspects of designing a tactic, and in fact, there is no simple way to do this. Much will depend on how your attack shapes around the structure and quality of the opposition's defence, but duty can give you an imperfect sense of how to translate your attacking shape into the nomenclature of formation. In general, attack duties will add more numbers to the striker and attacking midfield strata, support duties will add more numbers to the central midfield stratum and defend duties will add more numbers to the defensive midfield and defender strata. Again, this is a highly imperfect method, but if you're having trouble sorting out how a mentality structure will operate, it may prove helpful.

It is also important to remember that you do not need to set your formation to your desired attacking shape. For example, playing a 4-2-3-1 does not require playing three attacking midfielders behind the striker. The attacking shape usually associated with the 4-2-3-1 formation can be accomplished with numerous formations given the appropriate assignment of duties, roles and personal instructions. Many real world 4-2-3-1s are better interpreted as 4411s, 451s or even 442s in Football Manager.

RECYCLING POSSESSION

When attacking play breaks down and your players are forced to play the ball back to keep possession, all players will begin to move back down the ladder with defend and support duty players being more inclined to quickly gravitate back towards their tactical priority. Usually, only players with the most attack-oriented tactical priorities will simply drift around looking for space in the box while possession is being recycled, and of course, even they will drop deeper if play is pulled back deep enough to allow the opposition's defensive line to push up.

In general, when off the ball with a teammate in possession well inside the opposition's half, attack duty players with tactical priorities that call for them to be beyond the current position of the opposition's defensive line will either sit on the shoulder of the last defender or drift into available space ahead of the defence.

CENTREBACKS AND THE DEFENSIVE LINE

For centrebacks, your defensive line instructions will also have an effect. For the most part, centrebacks will be highly reluctant to deviate from a position that enables them to maintain a focus on their tactical priority. Therefore, your most cautious centreback's tactical priority will give you a good sense of where your default defensive line will be positioned while your defensive line instruction will control how far they deviate from this position.

A lower defensive line will strictly limit how high your centrebacks will climb up the ladder whereas a higher defensive line will allow them to climb higher than normal, though even on the most aggressive settings, centrebacks generally won't position themselves to do much more than suppress counterattacks. Accordingly, the defensive line instruction has less significance for centrebacks with more aggressive tactical priorities as there is less "space" between the upper limit to which they may push up and the tactical priority towards which they are inclined to drop.

In the defensive phase, much of the above applies in defensive terms. For the most part, centrebacks will gravitate with the rest of the team towards their tactical priority in reconstituting their defensive posture, though your defensive line instructions will determine how likely they are to push up from their default position to collectively press with a high block intended to compress the space in which the opposition can play the ball.

THE DEFENSIVE PHASE

When your opponent regains possession, your team will transition to the defensive phase by reorganizing into its basic defensive shape. In other words, players will descend back down the mentality ladder to their tactical priority with more defensively oriented players typically doing so with more urgency.

However, it's important to keep in mind that your mentality structure mainly determines how and where your players will first attempt to win the ball, but as the opposition's attacking play progresses into your half, your team will respond by climbing down the mentality ladder accordingly. For players with a more attacking mentality, their tactical priority will determine how soon they'll stop waiting to break forward and start tracking back to defend with the rest of the team.

For the most part, the fundamental organization of your mentality structure will hold as this defensive descent down the ladder occurs, so even if your tactic is operating on a more aggressive mentality setting, the structures for the lower mentality settings will provide an indication of how your fluidity setting will affect your defensive shape as it drops deeper.

It's important to note that this means players with aggressive tactical priorities won't be in any hurry to track back into the defensive third. With certain style and mentality combinations, this means your strikers and attacking midfielders will generally stay forward with the intention of initiating counterattacks from recovered clearances or intercepted back passes. Additionally, strikers and attacking midfielders aren't going to be inclined to help central and defensive midfielders cover space behind the ball, so using an abundance of attacking players will naturally increase the likelihood that your defensive shape will contain glaring gaps for the opposition to exploit.

RISK TAKING AND TACTICAL PRIORITY

While the pace and directness with which attacking play develops is determined by several different settings and instructions, a player's tactical priority largely determines the amount of risk they're willing to take to either create a chance or just simply move the ball into a more advanced position. For the most part, a player with a more aggressive tactical priority will take more risks to impose offensive pressure on the opposition and play through defensive pressure imposed by the opposition in order to ensure play advances to an area of the pitch where he will be able to carry out his priority's associated task.

This tendency remains consistent regardless of where a player happens to actually be on the mentality ladder. In other words, even as players move up and down the mentality ladder to carry out different tasks, they will still persistently gravitate towards their tactical priority via higher or lower risk decision-making. Thus, for example, players with attack-oriented tactical priorities will look to play the ball out from a precarious defensive position rather than simply hoofing it clear while players with defend or control-oriented tactical priorities will be more inclined to pass the ball around in the opposition half rather than attempt to force a half-chance.

Again, though numerous team and personal instructions can affect the details of a player's decision-making, a player's tactical priority will give you a very general indication of how they'll behave at various points along the mentality ladder. Defensive-oriented players will mainly focus on keeping the ball well clear of the defensive third and minimizing the risk of being hit on the break. Control-oriented players will mainly focus on keeping the ball circulating through a certain area of the pitch until they see a clear opportunity to play it forward (assuming, of course, this opportunity conforms with their tactical instructions or, failing that, personal tendencies as a player). Attack-oriented players will show significantly less regard for maintaining possession as they focus on simply moving the ball up the pitch and into the attacking third (again, in accordance with their other tactical instructions and personal playing tendencies) .

This relationship is largely what makes a particular task or responsibility that player's priority. While I have so far emphasized that mentality structures are dynamic with players shifting up and down the ladder to take up different tasks when appropriate, this does not mean a player simply loses sight of what he's primarily supposed to do when circumstance demands that he does something else. Players with different tactical priorities will play differently even if they happen to be on the same rung of the mentality ladder.

The influence of tactical priority applies to duty as well. Though attack duty players will all attempt to push play into the opposition area, their tactical priority will influence how they go about doing this. Thus, for example, an attack duty player with a lower tactical priority will be more risk-averse than another attack-duty player with a higher tactical priority, even if they are both currently attempting to, for example, penetrate gaps or overload a defender.

ROLE, FLAIR, AGGRESSION AND TACTICAL PRIORITY

Again, in the most practical terms, a player's tactical priority reflects the degree of risk they're willing to take to perform any given action on the pitch. This includes getting forward, passing, dribbling, shooting, tackling, basic positioning and basically every conscious act that a footballer might perform. The attacking priorities in the upper third of the ladder will, thus, lead a player to take more risks to move the ball up the pitch, create chances and promptly regain possession. The control priorities in the middle third of the ladder will lead a player to try to balance risks in various aspects of play. In general, this will lead him to emphasize maintaining possession, as he will

neither be too wasteful with his passing in the opposition half nor too hasty to clear the ball from danger in his own. The defensive priorities in the lower third of the ladder will lead a player to limit risk with a greater emphasis on simply preventing opposition chances and holding onto the ball when not under pressure.

Role mainly functions by increasing a player's preference for performing certain actions over others, so in terms of tactical priority, it can be thought of as modifying the acceptable level of risk that a player is willing to take to perform a specific action (e.g., dribbling, passing, tackling, shooting from distance, etc.). Of course, no setting will make a player a mere robot. Players will deviate from their role's instruction if the action in question appears to have the highest potential benefit and the risk is low enough. However, as risk naturally escalates with a phase of play culminating in an attacking move, the collective effects of tactical priority and role will become more pronounced.

The basic level of risk-taking established by a player's tactical priority is further modified by a player's expressiveness. A player's level of expressiveness is controlled both by their flair attribute and tactical instructions. A higher degree of expressiveness will raise the maximum risk a player is willing to accept to perform specific types of actions when in possession. In effect, it will primarily make the player more likely to attempt ambitious, higher risk actions to achieve greater benefits in attacking play.

Notably, by counteracting the more restrictive tactical instructions imposed by roles, it will also cause a player to be more likely to deviate from their role when they perceive it as beneficial.A team's fluidity setting has a significant influence on the expressiveness of players. More fluid settings will encourage players to be more expressive while more rigid settings will encourage players to be less expressive. Thus, in more fluid settings, players will generally be more ambitious in how they choose to carry out their tactical priority and will deviate more readily from the confines of their role (especially if the role imposes numerous restrictions on how the player plays), whereas players in more rigid settings will be more disciplined and methodical in how they choose to carry out their tactical priority with less deviation from any restrictions imposed by their role.

Aggression can be thought of as the defensive counterpart of flair. While flair modifies a player's tendency to attempt more ambitious actions in possession, aggression will increase a player's tendency to take risks when out of possession. Specifically, a highly aggressive player will look to get directly involved in defensive play at every opportunity with a greater willingness to get stuck in and risk fouls. On the other hand, a more passive player will tend to sit back and help the team maintain its shape while waiting for clear cut opportunities to dispossess opposition attackers.

As tendency attributes, neither flair nor aggression are necessarily good or bad, though you should carefully consider how they might affect the system you are attempting to put in place. Players with high ratings in these attributes are often a poor fit for roles that demand a high level of tactical discipline while players with low ratings may prove too cautious for roles that call for a player to take charge and improvise when necessary.

ROAMING, FREE ROLES AND MENTALITY STRUCTURES

The roaming instruction controls what is often referred to as positional fluidity, so not surprisingly, roaming and fluidity are often confused with one another. However, though the distinction between the two may appear subtle on the first glance, they are quite different. As noted in the introduction, team fluidity represents more of a general principle of tactical organization that controls how many players will focus on a given task at one time and how closely players in different positional strata will work together to carry out their individual responsibilities.

However, while fluidity is largely a managerial concept that serves as an abstract and somewhat esoteric representation of a set of more mundane instructions, roaming is a much more simple footballing concept that applies to an individual player. In short, the roaming instruction gives a player more freedom to break from the team's basic shape to open up play or provide positional support for a teammate.

To a great extent, this will cause a player's lateral movement to be much more dynamic, though in terms of the mentality ladder, roaming can be thought of as also making a player's movement up and down the ladder much more eratic and unpredictable in relation to the rest of the team and, by extension, the mentality structure. Thus, a roaming player will be much more likely to take up responsibilities well outside the basic organizational framework specified by the team's mentality, fluidity and duty settings.

Notably, the team fluidity setting does not affect how many players are permitted to roam. The amount of roaming permitted is primarily determined by the mentality setting, though certain roles will always be permitted to roam by default. Thus, both very rigid and very fluid systems can accomodate high levels of positional "fluidity."

FLUIDITY, SHAPE AND EXPANSIVENESS

As you may have noticed in the prior sections, more fluid settings do not necessarily equate to a greater gap between the tactical priority of forwards and the tactical priority of the deepest defender, only the number and degree of the distinctions in tactical priority between various roles and positions. While fluidity will affect how "vertically" expansive or compact your team's shape will be at various points in attacking and defensive play, both sides of the continuum give you options.

In fact, the fluid and rigid settings are actually mirror images of one another with "Very Rigid" and "Very Fluid" resulting in a generally more compact shape while "Rigid" and "Fluid" result in a generally more expansive shape ("Balanced," on the other hand, offers more flexibility).

But again, fluidity merely modifies other tactical settings at the most abstract level. In terms of defining the team's shape for the various phases of play, fluidity is only one component along with formation, duty assignment, role, etc.

FLUIDITY, GENERALISM AND SPECIALISM

Ultimately, no matter how compact or expansive the shape, all teams attack and defend as a whole to the extent that the entire team will collectively climb up and down the mentality ladder in accordance with a specific organizational framework (or rather, mentality structure). In other words, no player ever wholly disconnects from the broader activity of the team, and even the striker who discourages overlapping runs by roaming into gaps in the defensive line or the defender who cautiously recycles possession from deep within his own half can be said to contribute to defence or attack to some degree.

Fluidity, in this sense, is not a question of whether a team coheres as a single, cooperative unit during a given phase of play. Fluidity simply determines how many different tasks the team will usually be focused on carrying out at any given moment, or in terms of the mentality ladder, it determines how many positions or rungs the players occupy

at any given moment. A more fluid system will usually have the team focused on less tasks as a whole with more players focused on carrying out a specific task. A more rigid system will have the team as a whole focused on more tasks with less players focused on carrying out a specific task. In both cases, the team will be structured around a group of core tasks of a certain type (i.e., defensive, controlling, attacking as defined by the team's mentality setting), but more rigid teams will typically have a greater degree of stratification between different positions and roles.

Accordingly, fluid systems are associated with generalism (also referred to as universalism), the idea that players should be more versatile and intuitive in their play while cooperating closely to carry out specific tasks. The greater number of players focused on or closely supporting specific tasks means the team has more options available for successfully carrying out each task. However, it also means the team may progress up the ladder in a slower, more disorganized fashion while the players themselves are more likely to be called upon to carry out a broader range of tactical responsibilities during a single phase of play. This is why it's recommended that managers who prefer a more fluid system make more use of the more generic roles that are designed to carry out multiple tasks.

In contrast, rigid systems are associated with specialism, the idea that players should focus on a more refined set of skills and tactical instructions to optimize their ability to carry out specific tasks. The smaller number of players focused on or closely supporting specific tasks means the team can typically progress up the ladder in a faster, more efficient manner with players less likely to deviate too far from their tactical comfort zone, but reversing the benefits and drawbacks of a fluid system, it also means the team has fewer immediately options available for successfully carrying out each task and can become disjointed if one link in the chain is effectively targeted by the opposition or just simply underperforms. And this is why it's recommended that managers who prefer a more rigid system make more use of the specialist roles that are designed to optimize their ability to individually carry out specific tasks.

Expressiveness, as discussed above, is also an important aspect of this distinction. More fluidity promotes more expressiveness which, in turn, encourages players to take the initiative with higher risk actions and deviate more from restrictions imposed by their roles. On the other hand, more rigidity promotes less expressiveness which encourages players to adhere to the restrictions imposed by their roles and stick with the plan set forth by the manager.

In this sense, rigid structures promote a system-oriented approach to the game. Players adhere to a more restrictive style of play with the assumption being that the aggregate effect of adhering to a more coherent plan will ultimately prove more beneficial than the aggregate effect of simply letting players follow their intuitions on a moment-by-moment basis. In other words, the rigid, system-oriented approach asserts that the whole is greater than its parts with the best possible sequence of play not always resulting from the "best" option in an individual moment of play.

In contrast, fluid structures promote a more player-oriented, intuitive approach to the game. Players adhere less to the restrictions imposed by the system with the assumption being that the aggregate effect of players intuitively responding to dynamic situations will ultimately prove more beneficial than the aggregate effect of expecting a strictly defined system to adequately adapt to every possible context. In other words, the fluid, player-oriented approach asserts that the collective depends on the ingenuity of the individual to effectively adapt to the chaos of a football match with the best possible sequence of play rarely resulting from attempting to impose order on what is essentially an exercise in disorder.

THE COUNTER ATTACK PHASE AND THE MENTALITY LADDER

A counter attack phase is initiated when your team gains possession and the opposition has left itself exposed or overextended with a lack of defenders between the ball and goal.

The counter attack phase effectively overrides your mentality structure by causing all players to assume the highest position on their respective mentality ladders and temporarily focus on overloading the opposition defence. All players will immediately begin climbing the mentality ladder with an extreme level of urgency, and only defend duty players will hold off from attacking the opposition's third (though even they will be to do so if there are sufficient number of teammates behind them). This temporary alteration of the mentality structure will continue until the opposition regains possession or gets an adequate number of players back between the ball and goal.

All teams, regardless of style and mentality, will enter the counter attack phase when the aforementioned conditions are met. The frequency of counter attacks will mainly be determined by the way your tactical settings interact with those of the opposition, though some team mentality settings encourage players to enter the phase more readily.

On the Defensive, Counter and Overload mentalities, teams will be more inclined to enter the counter attack phase when there are a slightly greater number of defenders between the ball and the goal. In the case of Defensive and Counter mentalities, this better enables these more defensive mentalities to alternate between more cautious build-up plays and fast breaks without needlessly giving away possession. Moreover, since more defensive mentalities allow the opposition to come deeper, counter attacks will usually have more depth to work with going forward. Thus, even if the opposition has slightly greater numbers behind the ball, there is a good chance their defenders will be scrambling to cover a large expanse of space ahead of their goal.

In the case of Overload mentalities, this merely ensures that your players break forward at every opening.

On a Contain mentality, the team will be more inclined to keep possession and hold up the ball in advanced positions when possible, so counter attacks are less likely to occur.

On a Standard, Control and Attack mentality, counter attacks are less likely to occur after winning the ball in a deep position. Since these mentalities already encourage relatively quick build-up play, the players will be more inclined to carry out a more elaborate build-up at a faster pace, though the counter attack phase will still be initiated if the opposition has left its defence badly exposed. Additionally, since you will typically go up against more cautious opponents when using these mentalities, it ensures your side won't simply bomb forward directly into an entrenched, well organized defence when a more considered approach is necessary.

On these more aggressive mentalities, the counter attack phase will be more likely occur when an attacker manages to win the ball in an advanced position or if you happen to be playing an open game against another aggressive opponent. As such, if you want to facilitate more quick breaks on these settings, you will need to ensure you have attackers pressing the opposition's deep-lying midfielders and defenders.

PRESSING AND THE MENTALITY LADDER

Closing down settings function by modifying a player's willingness to break from the defensive shape to press an opponent on the ball. For the most part, it determines how quickly and how far a player is willing to venture forward to close down the opposition, but as with other settings, this is relative to the risk and reward involved. A player's tactical priority will give you a good sense of the default point in the defensive phase at which a player will start pressing the opposition as well as the manner in which they go about closing down the opponent (e.g.,

promptly diving into a tackle or methodically restricting space from a comfortable distance... or any degree in between).

Accordingly, there is no fixed location on the pitch which will always prompt a player to immediately close down the opposition. There are always limits to how far a player will venture from their defensive position, even if they have an aggressive tactical priority and are assigned to press higher. Generally, a player won't venture too far beyond the zone defined by the team's defensive shape unless there is both sufficient positional cover behind him and a sizable, undefended gap between himself and the player with the ball.

PASSING AND THE MENTALITY LADDER

Various instructions and settings will also have an effect on how quickly players move up the mentality ladder. More direct and riskier passing will cause the ball to move up the pitch more quickly, often causing the midfield to be bypassed altogether. This, consequently, will cause players to move up the mentality ladder more quickly.

In previous versions, passing risk was controlled by the "through balls" instruction, but this name often created the misconception that it only referred to attempts to play the ball behind the defensive line. Now, this instruction is referred to as the more appropriately general "risky passing." Telling a player to attempt riskier passing increases their tendency to attempt passes behind or between defenders with the intent of getting the intended recipient beyond his marker. Thus, less risky passing will encourage players on the ball to wait for options to drop back and make themselves available for a pass while more risky passing will encourage players to play the ball through gaps in the defence (though not necessarily beyond the defence as a whole).

PRIORITY ALTERING TEAM INSTRUCTIONS

Some team instructions will have a direct effect on your mentality structure.

"Exploit the Flanks" will increase the tactical priority of your fullbacks or wingbacks while effectively giving them all an attack duty. While the alteration of tactical priority is variable depending on your team mentality, the idea is that it will essentially encourage your fullbacks or wingbacks to operate more like wide midfielders.

"Exploit the Middle" will give a more aggressive duty to all central players other than keepers, sweepers and centrebacks while giving a more cautious duty to all wide players. Thus, defend duty central players take up a support duty, support duty central players take up an attack duty, attack duty wide players take up a support duty, and support duty wide players take up a defend duty.

"Look for Overlap" works much like "Exploit the Flanks" with the added effect of wingers and wide forwards being given a more cautious duty to cover for the more aggressive fullbacks and wingbacks.

"Take a Breather" effectively instructs everyone to drop down to a more cautious duty (i.e., attack duty players become support duty players while support duty players become defend duty players). In practical terms, this encourages your team to just sit back and avoid moving play into the attacking third.

PART VIII. TACTICAL PRIORITIES IN DETAIL

In this final section, you will find a brief description of the various tactical priorities for both outfield players and

goalkeepers. Each tactical priority serves as a general point of reference that clarifies how a player is supposed to function within a broader tactical system. However, again, it is important to distinguish between tactical priority and role. While a tactical priority tells a player what he's supposed to focus on doing within a given system, the exact details regarding how a player goes about doing it is further refined by role and duty.

Accordingly, effectively putting the mentality ladder into practice requires considering a player's tactical priority in relation to his role. For example, while a trequartista can be given a "defensive" tactical priority, the particular instructions of the role will typically cause him to emphasize more passive aspects of defending like hunting down clearances, denying passing angles, discouraging forward runs from defenders, etc. Similarly, a ball-winning midfielder told to sit deep and help contain incoming attacks will be much more defensively aggressive relative to teammates with the same priority and more inclined to break from the defensive shape to do what he's been told to do.

The relationship between duty and tactical priority is less nuanced and more easily outlined in broad terms. Simply, as discussed in the prior section, it controls the willingness and urgency with which a player progresses beyond his tactical priority during attacking play. To this extent, the following duty descriptions can be appended to any tactical priority description. Note, again, that the playmaker roles (i.e., the Regista, Deep Lying Playmaker, Advanced Playmaker, Enganche and Trequartista) should all, in practice, use the Support Duty description.

Attack DutyWith an attack duty, the player will look to immediately advance into an attacking position after helping to carry out his tactical priority.

Support DutyWith a support duty, the player will aim to securely carry out his tactical priority and wait for sufficient defensive cover before advancing forward to provide close support to players in attacking positions.

Defend/Cover/Stopper DutyWith a defend/cover/stopper duty, the player will mainly stick to his defensive position during the attacking phase and only advance forward when there is minimal risk involved.

And now, the outfield tactical priorities:

Obstruct ShotsUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will be inclined to position himself very deep with an aim towards simply blocking passing and shooting angles in and around his penalty area.

Slow Attacking MovementUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on containing runs into the defensive third with a greater emphasis on simply impeding the momentum of the attack until there is enough defensive support to safely deal with the threat.

Contain Attacking MovementUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on containing runs into the defensive third by impeding the momentum of the attack and, if enough defensive support is available, diverting attackers into areas where they will pose less of a threat.

Divert Attacking Movement

Under the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on containing runs into the defensive third with a greater willingness to hold his ground ahead of the penalty area to force attackers into areas where they will pose less of a threat.

Restrict Space CautiouslyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on denying opposition attackers space in which to play the ball with a greater emphasis on attempting to simply force technical errors without giving away a foul.

Restrict SpaceUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on denying opposition attackers space in which to receive and play the ball while being careful not to give away a foul in a dangerous area.

Restrict Space AggressivelyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on denying opposition attackers space in which to receive and play the ball with a slightly greater willingness to challenge for the ball when the opportunity presents itself.

Disrupt Attacks JudiciouslyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on challenging opposition attackers as they venture deep into the defensive half and promptly clearing the ball from dangerous areas.

Disrupt AttacksUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on challenging opposition attackers as they venture into the defensive half and, if no safe passing options are available, promptly clearing the ball from dangerous areas.

Disrupt Attacks QuicklyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on promptly challenging advancing opposition attackers and carefully getting the ball forward without needlessly compromising the team's defensive shape.

Recover Possession After Defensive TransitionUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on venturing forward and challenging for possession in the centre of the park once the team has securely transitioned into a cohesive defensive shape.

Recover PossessionUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on venturing forward and regaining possession in the centre of the park when sufficient defensive cover is available.

Recover Possession ImmediatelyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on venturing forward and regaining possession in the centre of the park before the opposition can coordinate its attack.

Keep Possession Away from PressureUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on winning and holding onto the ball in the centre of the park with a greater inclination to securely play it back deep into his own half in order to

draw out the opposition defence.

Keep PossessionUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on winning and holding onto the ball in the centre of the park until it can be securely moved into a more advanced area.

Keep Possession Under PressureUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, this player will focus on winning and holding onto the ball in the centre of the park with a greater emphasis on luring nearby defenders out of position in order to create space for advancing teammates.

Shuttle Ball into SpaceUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on taking possession of the ball near or inside the opposition half and promptly moving it into the attacking third while being careful not to needlessly play it into the path of a defender.

Shuttle BallUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on taking possession of the ball near or inside the opposition half and promptly moving it into the attacking third.

Shuttle Ball Through DefenceUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on taking possession of the ball inside the opposition half and promptly moving it into the attacking third with a greater willingness to take on or thread the ball between defenders.

Suppress Counterattacking OptionsUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before moving to aggressively deny space to opposition forwards looking to break forward on the counter.

Suppress CounterattacksUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before moving to aggressively mark or close down opposition forwards and attacking midfielders looking to initiate a quick counterattack.

Suppress Counterattacking OutletsUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before aggressively moving to close down opposition players attempting to receive passes or recover clearances in the hole between the midfield and defence.

Isolate Advancing MidfieldersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to disrupt the opposition's build-up play by aggressively marking and closing down opposition midfielders attempting to get forward to support a counterattack.

Isolate MidfieldersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to disrupt the opposition's build-up play by aggressively marking and closing

down opposition midfielders attempting to advance play out of their own third.

Isolate Holding MidfieldersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to disrupt the opposition's build-up play by aggressively closing opposition midfielders attempting to hold onto or play the ball from within their own third.

Hassle Dawdling DefendersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to disrupt the opposition's build-up play and initiate counterattacking opportunities by closing down defenders who either appear hesitant to move the ball forward or are purposefully attempting to waste time by passing it around in the defensive third.

Hassle DefendersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to disrupt the opposition's build-up play and initiate counterattacking opportunities by aggressively closing down defenders attempting to play the ball out from the back.

Hassle Defenders RelentlesslyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to disrupt the opposition's build-up play and initiate immediate counterattacking opportunities by aggressively closing down defenders attempting to get the ball out of their own third.

Force ClearanceUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on sitting behind the attack in the opposition half before quickly moving to force either the defender or the goalkeeper into a hasty clearance.

Join AttackThis task is not available as a tactical priority in any mentality structure. If teammates take up the player's responsibilities and provide sufficient defensive cover, a defend duty player will momentarily assume support duty attacking responsibilities or, on rare occasions, attack duty attacking responsibilities if a good opportunity presents itself.

Create Chances PatientlyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on finding space ahead of the defence from which he can receive the ball and, if possible, wait for a clear opportunity to craft a chance before he is closed down by opposition defenders.

Create ChancesUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on finding space ahead of the defence from which he can receive the ball and look for an opportunity to craft a chance before he is he closed down by opposition defenders.

Create Chances UrgentlyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on finding space ahead of the defence from which he can receive the ball and look to quickly craft a chance as soon as a credible opportunity emerges.

Force Half Chances When NecessaryUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on getting onto the ball in advanced areas and crafting chances with a greater willingness to attempt to force a chance when support is lacking and no clear opportunities appear likely to emerge.

Force Half ChancesUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on getting onto the ball in advanced areas and crafting chances, though rather than patiently probe a stubborn defence, he will be more inclined to attempt to force a chance to sustain the momentum of the attack.

Force Half Chances Without HesitationUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on getting onto the ball in advanced areas and attempting to craft a chance at the first possible opportunity.

Test Defence with PrecisionUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on finding occasional opportunities to test the opposition defence's concentration and discipline with carefully placed shots and precise passes intended to cause panic and indecision.

Test DefenceUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on testing the opposition defence's concentration and discipline by periodically taking a shot on goal or playing a hopeful ball into the area with the intent of provoking panic and indecision.

Test Defence with PowerUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on testing the opposition defence's concentration and discipline with a much greater willingness to simply blast the ball goalwards or lob it into the area when other options appear limited.

Rush Ball ForwardUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on simply overwhelming the opposition defence by playing hopeful balls into the area at every opportunity.

Surge Into BoxThis task is not available as a tactical priority in any mentality structure. If teammates take up the player's responsibilities and provide sufficient defensive cover, a support duty player will momentarily assume attack duty attacking responsibilities if a good opportunity presents itself.

Spearhead Attacking Moves from the HoleUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on utilizing space between the opposition midfield and defence to make himself available for passes before either running at the defence or attempting to quickly link up with another advancing attacker.

Spearhead Attacking MovesUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on finding space near the opposition defence to make himself available for passes before either running at the defence or attempting to quickly link up with another advancing attacker.

Spearhead Attacking Moves Closer to DefenceUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on persistently pushing up against and dropping back from the opposition defensive line to both lure defenders out of position and make himself available for passes before either running at the defence or attempting to quickly link up with another advancing attacker.

Penetrate Gaps IntermittentlyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on staying forward and, when not needed to help link up the attack, looking for openings to run deep into the attacking third.

Penetrate GapsUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on staying forward and, when sufficient support is available, moving deep into the attacking third to either stretch the defence or get on the end of chances.

Penetrate Gaps PersistentlyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on staying forward and immediately exploiting any defensive gaps that open up in the attacking third.

Draw Off DefendersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on staying forward and pushing up against the opposition defensive line while looking to either immediately break forward on the counter or drag defenders out of position to create space for teammates' runs and passes.

Overload DefendersUnder the current team meantlity and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on staying forward and pushing up against the opposition defensive line while looking to either break forward on the counter, drag defenders out of position or simply provide a physical presence to occupy and obstruct them as teammates look overload the opposition penalty area.

Challenge DefendersUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on staying forward and pushing up against the opposition defensive line while looking to either break forward on the counter or provoke panic among opposition defenders by providing a persistent, aggressive presence poised to get on the end of any balls played into the opposition penalty area.

Bypass Last DefenderUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the player will focus on simply sitting on the shoulder of the last defender at all times with the intention of pinning back the opposition defence and breaking forward into space at every opportunity.

And finally, the goalkeeper tactical priorities:

Shield GoalUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the goalkeeper will mainly rely on his defenders to obstruct shooting angles as he focuses on stopping shots from the line and claiming balls played across the six yard box.

Limit PressureUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the goalkeeper will focus on minimizing the risk of being exposed by defensive errors with a strong tendency to dwell on claimed balls and kick it long after his teammates have assumed attacking positions higher up the pitch.

Distribute SafelyUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the goalkeeper will focus on securely distributing the ball to defenders as soon as possible, though he will still kick it long if the defence finds itself under pressure.

Cycle PossessionUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the goalkeeper will focus on securely distributing the ball to the defence and helping them keep possession when under pressure from opposition forwards.

Initiate AttacksUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the goalkeeper will focus on quickly distributing the ball to facilitiate rapid counterattacks and offering a deep outlet for possession passes to help his team keep hold of the ball during elaborate build-up plays.

Support AttacksUnder the current team mentality and fluidity instructions, the goalkeeper will focus on quickly distributing the ball to open teammates across the pitch with a much greater willingness to leave his area to help sustain offensive pressure.

CONCLUSION

Philosophy, style, fluidity.

My intention in creating the mentality ladder was to provide a more accessible foundation for understanding and utilizing the common concept to which these terms refer. Hopefully, if you were totally confused before, this guide has provided you with a greater degree of clarity and a useful tool for getting what you want out of your tactics. If you were already comfortable with the fluidity setting, then at the very least, I hope this guide has inspired a few ideas for using them in new and novel ways.

However, as I said in the introduction, this guide is only an initial, exploratory attempt at outlining and clarifying the practical foundations of fluidity in terms of the ordinary language used between coach and player. While the mentality ladder is rooted in my experiences playing the game and testing various tactical settings within the confines of the Tactics Creator, it will undoubtedly need to be further adjusted and refined (certainly, it has already undergone multiple revisions prior to this initial publication).

With that said, even in this early state, I hope it will prove to be an accessible and entertaining heuristic framework that will better enable you to avoid unnecessary guesswork and just have more fun with the game.

DESIGNING TACTICS WITH TACTICAL PRIORITIES

So now I will walk through building a few tactics and putting them to work. Since there seems to be more interest in replicating how the more recognizable clubs play, I've decided to try to replicate the style of a larger club that people seem to struggle with in FM14: Liverpool.

My goal, then, is to recreate how this teams current plays as closely as possible while still paying attention to the need to respond tactically to my virtual opposition. I'm a firm believer in the idea that no team plays with a single tactic, not even for a single match, but always goes in with a variety of plans to adapt to different situations. In the case of Liverpool, then, I want to create three base tactics that I can freely adapt to fit the available squad and the opponent I'm facing:

(a) A fast-paced, attacking tactic intended to draw out smaller opponents before hitting them with quick, relatively direct attacks

(b) A more patient, possession tactic for controlling games when we've taken the lead or are struggling to get the ball to the striker

(c) A more defensive, counterattacking tactic for dealing with teams that press heavily and throw numbers forward

PLAN A: RELENTLESS, ATTACKING FOOTBALL

This is what the board wants, so we'll start by giving it to them.

When designing a tactic, formation will define our system at the most basic level, but there are really four shapes that we need to be concerned with:

(1) The Defensive ShapeThis is the team's shape when the opposition has comfortably regained possession of the ball and we're defending in our half. This is mainly a question of how many players we want to keep behind the ball and whether we want any players operating between the midfield and defensive lines. It is primarily controlled by formation.

(2) The Attacking-Transition ShapeThis is the team's shape immediately after possession has been regained. While this will depend partially on where possession has been regained and whether the team will look to immediately spring a break, we will operate under the assumption that possession has been regained in our own half and that the ball is at the feet of either the keeper or a defender.

This is mainly a question of how players line up to provide passing options in the early part of the attacking build-up. It is primarily controlled by fluidity, mentality, role and formation. But as we'll see below, tactical priority will provide us with a quick reference for seeing how all of these settings interact.

(3) The Attacking Shape

This is the team's shape when the ball is in an advanced position and moving into the final third. This is mainly a question of how many players are committed forward and how many players are holding position to provide cover. It is primarily controlled by role and duty.

(4) The Defensive-Transition ShapeThis is the team's shape when the ball has been lost, presumably in the opposition half. This is mainly a question of how the team will press the opposition before falling back into the standard defensive shape. It is primarily controlled by fluidity, mentality, formation, defensive line settings and individual closing down settings.

Setting the Defensive ShapeThe defensive shape is the easiest to set as this is just our formation. Liverpool tend to defend in their own half with a DM sitting behind a flat bank of four, so I will set the formation to 4-1-4-1. Now, when possession is lost and the ball is in the opposition half, I will want the team to initially press in more of a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 shape, but this will be achieved automatically through the assignment of roles and duties when I create a double pivot in midfield. For now, I just want to ensure I always have five in midfield to cover every possible angle ahead of my defence.

Setting the Attacking-Transition Shape and the Attacking ShapeNext, we will move from the easiest shape to the most difficult shape: the attacking-transition shape. This is where mentality, fluidity and tactical priority will come into play.

Now, tactical priority will specify where I want my players to generally position themselves in the attacking build-up, so it's important to arrive at a clear idea of exactly what I want. Since I'm trying to replicate Liverpool, I know I want

(a) an aggressive, highly cooperative attack designed to provide quick support to the striker(b) a slightly angled double pivot in front of a relatively deep defence(c) fullbacks who won't bomb forward too quickly but will look to provide midfield support behind the aggressive attacking unit(d) defenders who will play it out of the back if possible but will just get it forward if they run into trouble

Fluid, which divides the team into two distinct units going forward, seems ideal for this.

Now, knowing what kind of basic organization I want, I can decide on a Mentality setting. I know I want my attacking unit to be quite aggressive, but I do not want my defensive unit being too cavalier on the ball. Standard is a bit too cautious with central defenders told to just focus on "Disrupting Attacks" while Attacking is a bit too aggressive in telling them to prioritize "Keeping Possession." Yes, that would be "Keep Possession Away from Pressure," but even that might be a little too close for comfort with the possibility of an underhit backpass or poorly aimed square pass.

Control, then, seems to be the best bet as it will get my attacking unit focused on making attacks happen quickly while ensuring my defensive unit has possession on the mind but not so much that they'll risk giving up a goal to keep hold of the ball. Got that, Kolo? Good.

Having chosen a fluidity and mentality, we can now go to a specific list of tactical priorities and, with wwfan and llama3's guides close at hand, settle on some roles to define how the team will look to create chances.

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper (Defend) - "Cycle Possession" with PI "Distribute to Defenders"

Mignolet is a great shot stopper, but his distribution is mediocre. His tactical priority, "Cycle Possession," will already be asking a lot of him, so I'll try to keep things as simple as possible by giving him the standard goalkeeper role and ensuring he isn't being too ambitious on the ball.

However, as Liverpool are now lacking the services of Andy Carroll, I will need to tell Mignolet to "Distribute to Defenders" to prevent Sturridge, Suarez and Sterling from being asked to challenge for too many long balls.

Central Defender Left: Central Defender (Defend) - "Recover Possession After Defensive Transition" with PIs "More Direct Passes" and "More Risky Passes"

I want my central defenders holding onto the ball and using their passing ability to distribute it carefully, but I do not want them taking too many risks just to hold possession. Tactical priorities telling them to "Recover Possession" will put them at the lower end of the Control range between an emphasis on maintaining possession and simply keeping the ball out of the defensive third.

Daniel Agger will be my first choice at DCL. While I don't want him playing too many risky passes, he is a good passer and I do want him being a bit more direct when necessary, so I give him some PIs to make him something between a standard central defender and a ball-playing defender.

Central Defender Right: Central Defender (Defend - "Recover Possession After Defensive Transition" with PIs "More DIrect Passes" and "More Risky Passes"

Skrtel is also a good passer, and as I'm going for a counterattacking style with occasional long balls into space from defence, I give him the same instructions.

Wide Defender Left: Wingback (Support) - "Recover Possession" with PI "Play Fewer Risky Passes"

My two wide defenders will have a slightly more aggressive version of the "Recover Possession" tactical priority than my centrebacks. This means they'll also play it safe in deeper positions while waiting for play to advance into a safer position before getting forward.

Enrique is relatively limited on the ball, so while my central defenders are free to play it long to the attackers, I mainly want him working the ball between the more creative players. At the same time, I need him to provide width, so I'll give him a Wingback (Support) role with additional instructions to play a more cautious passing game.

Wide Defender Right: Wingback (Attack) - "Recover Possession"

Johnson, on the otherhand, will be relied upon to provide width and crosses if the first wave of the attack breaks down.

Defensive Midfield Central: Defensive Midfielder (Defend) - "Recover Possession Immediately" with PIs "More Risky Passes" and "More Direct Passes"

After some deliberation, I decided to put Gerrard here and go with the second half of the season version of the team. This ensures Gerrard gets the ball more quickly while ensuring he doesn't have to wear himself out with the amount of running necessary for the MC positions. I also want Gerrard to be able to make full use of his creativity and passing range, but I don't want to make him a playmaker and force play to always channel through him. Liverpool have multiple creative outlets on the pitch at all times, so the system needs to be more fluid and

democratic than that.

Gerrard's tactical priority should make him quite aggressive in defence but not too ambitious when he's on the ball. I want him trying the killer ball when it's on, but otherwise, I want him to just get the ball safely to one of the players in the attacking unit. The fact that he's not quite prioritizing holding possession should also actually encourage a few more characteristic Gerrard passes if he's isolated and under pressure.

Central Midfield Left: Central Midfielder (Defend) - "Keep Possession"

This player adds additional cover to the wingbacks, distributes the ball safely around midfield and tirelessly closes down opponents. With Gerrard occupying the DM role, Lucas is the best choice for the more advanced pivot. The "Keep Possession" tactical priority will encourage him to sit just ahead of the outright DM and hold onto the ball whenever possible until it can be intelligently distributed to a teammate.

Central Midfield Right: Central Midfielder (Support) - "Shuttle Through Defence" with PIs "Dribble More"

This is the more advanced creative player. He needs to be able to get the ball and work it through the opposition midfield to draw off defenders and occasionally put himself in a goal-scoring position, so I give him the PI "Dribble More." His tactical priority will see him trying to aggressively carve open defences to get the ball to an attacking player ahead of the attacking third. First choice will likely be Coutinho with Henderson coming on later to add fresh legs.

Wide Midfield Left: Wide Midfielder (Attack)- "Spearhead Attacking Moves from the Hole"

This role will typically be played by Sterling and Henderson. With most of the attacking threat coming down the right, this player will be more focused on stretching the defence and poaching the occasional goal at the far post. His tactical priority will ensure he moves quickly and aggressively when the ball is played to his feet.

Wide Midfield Right: Wide Midfielder (Attack) - "Spearhead Attacking Moves from the Hole" with PIs "More Risky Passes," "Dribble More" and "Cut Inside"

The second wide mifielder will be expected to get forward to act as the second striker in attack. The PI "Cut Inside" ensures he will try to come through the middle as much as possible while "More Risky Passes" will ensure he acts a creator for the central striker. Sturridge and Suarez will alternate between this role and the central striker position.

Central Striker: Complete Forward (Attack/Support) - "Penetrate Gaps Intermittently"/"Force Half Chances When Necessary"

This role will alternate between an attack and support duty depending on whether Sturridge or Suarez is playing here. With Sturridge, an attack duty will ensure he's trying to use his pace and movement to try to get behind the defensive line while the Complete Forward role will ensure he still tries to hold up the ball if it's played to his feet. With Suarez, a support duty will keep him deeper to participate more in build-up play and tell him to quickly play dangerous balls to either wide midfielder.

So with the roles set, I have settled on an attacking transition shape. Ideally, this would translate to the following plan if I were writing it out on a chalkboard in the dressing room:

Here you can see the sizable split that a fluid tactic will create, but with my front four fairly compact and my deep defensive triangle given instructions to play a more direct game, every player should have multiple options at any given moment and no two players are needlessly occupying the same area of the pitch. The greatest concern will be the right flank, though if necessary, I can swap the position of the CM-S and CM-D to counter a specific threat or even switch the CM-S to a more cautious role. However, for the most part, I'll trust my DM-D to come wide to shut down any breaks down that flank with the CM-D then dropping into a more central position.

The fact that I've also assigned duties means my attacking shape is also in place. With the above roles and duties, this system should look like a 2-2-3-3 going into the final third. Now, I just need to add a few more TIs to refine the style I want.

I want a lot of positional fluidity in my attacking unit, so I add "Roam from Positions." I also want my wide players to

come inside off the ball and attempt intricate passing moves, so I add both "Shorter Passing" and "Retain Possession." This will reduce width and passing range for all the players except the defenders with PIs to "Play More Direct." The reduction in width is not a problem as both wingbacks are instructed to move forward to vacate the space left by the two wide midfielders. The high amount of roaming will also encourage players to naturally move into wider positions when it would be advantageous.

However, these two passing TIs will also reduce tempo which will conflict with the high intensity style I'm looking for, so I offset this with the TI "Much Higher Tempo."

Finally, as Sterling and Sturridge will be the main recipients of crosses, I choose "Drill Crosses" to ensure they're not being forced to challenge in the air too often.

Setting the Defensive-Transition ShapeWith that settled, I can move on to refining my Defensive-Transition shape. Currently, options for refining your pressing strategy are a bit limited, but I do know I want to drop back quite a bit to lure out the opposition and create depth behind their defence. To do this, I add the "Much Deeper Defensive Line" TI.

PLAN B: PITCH CONTROL

Plan A is designed to create chances by rapidly exploiting any openings in the opposition defence. Plan B will focus on taking control of midfield, frustrating the opposition and waiting patiently for opportunities to capitalize on their mistakes. This will serve three functions. First, it will allow me to carefully manage a lead by shutting down the centre of the park. Second, it will give me the option of a more patient, methodical approach when my players clearly aren't in the right mental state to play a high tempo, attacking game. And third, it will give me the option of picking apart opponents who are determined to sit back and not give any space for my more attacking approach.

Setting the Defensive Shape

I'll stick with a Fluid 4-1-4-1 but I want to change my mentality to keep my attacking unit from being too aggressive. Standard will make my wide midfielders more inclined to pick up the ball in a deeper position and work it through the defence without making my defensive unit too cautious to support a possession-oriented approach.

Setting the Attacking-Transition/Attacking Shape

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper (Defend) - "Distribute Safely" with PI "Distribute to Defenders"

Mignolet will be even more cautious, but this is okay. We're going to be relying on the midfield to just shut things down in the middle of the park, so there's no need for the keeper to be too concerned with keeping hold of the ball. Still, I tell him to distribute to defenders to avoid needlessly long balls to the forward.

Central Defender Left and Right: Central Defender (Defend) - "Disrupt Attacks"

With this tactic, my central defenders will only be looking to break up attacks and be very cautious on the ball. I don't want them to even think about playing an early ball to put the striker through, so they will remain on the default settings for their role.

Wide Defender Left and Right: Wingback (Support) - "Disrupt Attacks Quickly" with PI "Play Fewer Risky Passes"

Both wingbacks will also be fairly cautious, and going forward, I do not want them attempting too many crosses or risky passes into what I expect to be a packed defence, so I put both on a support duty and tell them to attempt fewer risky passes. I basically just want them to provide width, occupy defenders and link up with attackers around the area.

Defensive Midfield Central: Defensive Midfielder (Defend) - "Recover Possession After Defensive Transition" with PIs "More Risky Passes" and "More Direct Passes"

My creative DM will be left with the same PIs to ensure he can always reach the more advanced support player, though again, he'll be slightly more cautious on this setting.

Central Midfield Left: Central Midfielder (Defend) - "Recover Possession Immediately"

This player will again play essentially the same role as he does in the more attacking tactic.

Central Midfield Right: Box to Box Midfielder (Support) - "Keep Possession"

This player will now be pulled deeper and asked to play a more cautious game on the ball with a stronger emphasis on maintaining possession. However, as a box to box midfielder, he will be given a bit more creative freedom to take advantage of clear opportunities when they arise.

Wide Midfield Left: Wide Midfielder (Attack) - "Shuttle Ball"

The more peripheral wide midfielder will retain his role as a player expected to drift in at the far post and poach the occasional goal.

Wide Midfield Right: Wide Midfielder (Support) - "Shuttle Ball" with PIs "Dribble More," "Cut Inside," "Cross from Byline" and "Shoot Less Often"

The second wide mifielder, however, will be pulled into a more creative role as he will take on some of the more attacking responsibilities of the CM-S. "Dribble More" will encourage him to take the ball forward while "Cross from Byline" and "Shoot Less Often" encourages him to wait before attempting a final ball. The use of a free-roaming Box to Box Midfielder nearby should also see a player ready to move into a wider position should the wide midfielder move inside with the wingback still sitting deep.

Central Striker: Complete Forward (Support) - "Create Chances"

Similarly, the Complete Forward will be expected to stay deeper to link up with the central midfielders and right wide midfielder before moving into the area.

Going back to our chalkboard, then, we come up with this plan of attack for our midfield control approach:

Next, team instructions to refine the style. I add "Shorter Passing" to lower passing range and encourage the wide midfielders to sit narrower. I still want a lot of positional fluidity, so I'll again tell them to "Roam from Positions" while "Drill Crosses" will provide more appropriate service to my attackers.

Finally, to refine my defensive transition shape, I want to compress space and really control the midfield, as I'm no longer concerned with creating depth for Sterling and Sturridge. So I tell the team to "Push Higher Up" to combine my Standard mentality build-up approach with a pressing strategy closer to what I would get on a Control mentality.

PLAN C: BEAUTIFUL, UGLY FOOTBALL

The third and final tactic will be designed to soak up pressure and rely on the opposition willingly providing a steady

stream of counterattacking opportunities. This tactic will look to take advantage of the pace of the team's attackers when playing against strong sides away from home.

Setting the Defensive Shape

Again, I'll stick with the Fluid 4-1-4-1, but the question is whether I should go with a Defensive or Counter mentality. Defensive will have the defensive unit mainly focused on covering space and obstructing movement around the area while the attacking unit will be put in a relatively defensive posture with a focus on recovering possession and moving it to a safe area. Counter will have the defensive unit trying to actually break up attacks while the attacking unit will attempt to hold onto possession in midfield. Given the purpose of this tactic, then, I go for Defensive as the more aggressive defending and possession play of Counter could lead to too many breakaways in our own half.

Setting the Attacking-Transition/Attacking Shape

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper (Defend) - "Distribute Safely" with PI "Distribute to Defenders"

Mignolet will take no chances, but I still when him to distribute short when possible.

Central Defender Left and Right: Central Defender (Defend) - "Divert Attacking Movement"

The central defenders are tasked with just tracking attackers' movement, preventing them from bursting into space and ushering them into safe areas if necessary. As we will be defending deep against world class opposition, such a defensive tactical priority will also help ensure they don't make hasty challenges and give away free kicks in dangerous areas.

Wide Defender Left and Right: Wingback (Attack) - "Restrict Space Cautiously"

The wingbacks will be a bit more inclined to hassle the opposition wide players, though they'll still be mainly looking to avoid being beaten down the flank or giving away a foul. In possession, I will be looking to keep a tight defensive core with wide attackers coming inside, so the wide defenders will still need to get up and provide width. Given the directness of our play, I'm giving them both attack duties to encourage them to just get forward and cross the ball.

Defensive Midfield Central: Defensive Midfielder (Defend) - "Restrict Space"

In this tactic, the defensive midfielder will be more of a purely defensive player responsible for keeping a creative player in check. Lucas or Allen will likely be pulled back into this role when this tactic is used.

Central Midfield Left: Ball Winning Midfielder (Support) - "Recover Possession" with PI "Hold Position"

This is where the tactic will significantly break from the others. While my defensive unit will be instructed to cover space and avoid mistakes, I want my attacking unit to make the opposition fight their way forward. To help with this, I will play the left MC as a support duty Ball Winning Midfielder. This will encourage him to position himself higher up the pitch in defence and break up attacks as soon as possible. I still want him to act as the more advanced pivot to provide additional cover for the wingbacks, so I give him a PI to "Hold Position" to encourage him to drop back into his defensive position as the attack advances.

Central Midfield Right: Box to Box Midfielder (Support) - "Disrupt Attacks Quickly"

I stick with the Box to Box Midfielder as I want this more creative player to come deeper to receive the ball and also to provide a bit of cover for the Ball Winner's destructive forays into the opposition half. He will still move ahead of the Ball Winner as the attack progresses, but he will not be as aggressive as a support duty Central Midfielder.

Wide Midfield Left: Wide Midfielder (Support) - "Recover Possession Immediately" with PIs "Dribble More," "Cut Inside with Ball" and "Shoot Less Often."

In this tactic, the left wide midfielder will operate as more of a creator working closely with the Ball Winning Midfielder to initiate rapid counterattacks. This will also create a more natural place for Coutinho whereas the central trio in this tactic will likely be some combination of the more defensively capable Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson and Allen. The PIs "Dribble More," "Sit Narrower" and "Cut Inside with Ball" will encourage him to bring the ball into the middle where he can link up with both the complete forward and the right wide midfielder while "Shoot Less Often" is intended to encourage him to feed the two attackers rather than going for a goal himself.

Wide Midfield Right: Wide Midfielder (Attack) - "Recover Possession Immediately" with PIs "Dribble More," "Cut Inside," "Play More Risky Passes," and "Sit Narrower."

The right wide midfielder resumes the role he took up in Plan A, though with this tactical priority, he won't be quite so eager to burst forward unless there's a clear opportunity to counter attack.

Central Striker: Complete Forward (Attack) - "Keep Possession Under Pressure"

Again, the Complete Forward will mainly be responsible for providing pace and clever movement up front with an eye towards attacking the depth behind the defence, though if the ball comes to his feet in front of the defence, his tactical priority will encourage him to try to hold onto the ball until support arrives.

Going back to our chalkboard one more time, we now have this plan of attack for our defensive approach:

For Team Instructions, I want to keep things simple for this tactic. As the tactic is heavily reliant on defensive solidity and attacking with pace, players do not need to roam as much. However, we're still not playing with any big attackers, so I add "Drill Crosses." I also want the team to get the ball forward quickly even if only Suarez and Sturridge are making runs, so I add "More Direct Passing" and "Much Higher Tempo."

For this tactic, I've already settled on the defensive-transition shape that I want through combining roles, PIs and the fluidity setting, so no further adjustments are needed. And with that, we have a versatile set of tactics that we can adapt to nearly any opponent and situation.