FM23 Attacking Tactic Analysis
FM23 Attacking Tactic Analysis
Manager 2023
The ambition to craft a football tactic that is not only successful but also delivers an
attacking, possession-dominant, and captivating style of play is a common pursuit for
Football Manager enthusiasts. The specific formation chosen for this endeavor
consists of a Striker deployed as a False 9, an AML as a Wide Target Man, an AMR as
an Inside Forward, a MCL as a Mezzala, a MCR as a Deep Lying Playmaker, a DM as a
Half Back, a DL as an Inverted Wingback, a DCR as a Ball Playing Defender, a DCL as a
Central Defender, a DR as a Complete Wingback, and a GK as a Sweeper Keeper. To
effectively implement this system in Football Manager 2023, a thorough
understanding of each player role and their intricate interactions is paramount,
aligning with the fundamental principles of balance highlighted in available tactical
guides.1 The objective of this report is to provide an expert-level analysis and a
comprehensive guide to realizing the full potential of this particular tactical setup.
The False 9 operates as a pivotal creative hub in the attacking third. This role is
unconventional, as it sees the striker drop deeper into midfield during possession,
effectively becoming an additional midfielder.2 The primary function is not necessarily
to score a high volume of goals, but rather to facilitate opportunities for more
attack-minded teammates.2 By moving into central areas, the False Nine aims to
create midfield overloads and, crucially, draw opposition center-backs out of their
defensive line.2 This movement can carve out openings for other attacking players
making runs into the space vacated by the defenders. The attributes essential for an
effective False Nine include a good First Touch, Composure, Balance, Agility, and
Dribbling to receive and retain possession under pressure.3 Excellent Passing and
Technique are required to execute through balls and link play.3 While Finishing is still
important, it is secondary to their creative responsibilities.3 Mental attributes such as
visual spatial awareness and the ability to quickly analyze the field for opportunities
are also paramount.3 A player with traits like "one-twos", "arrives late", and "killer
balls" can further enhance the effectiveness of this role.3 The success of the False
Nine is intrinsically linked to the movement and attacking intent of the players around
them. Without proactive runs from deep or wide areas, the space created by the False
Nine will not be effectively exploited. Therefore, the Inside Forward and the Mezzala
need to make intelligent runs to capitalize on the openings, and the Deep Lying
Playmaker should utilize the False Nine as a pivot to distribute the ball and dictate the
tempo of attacks.
Positioned on the left flank, the Wide Target Man serves as a crucial outlet for
clearances and long balls from the defense.4 Ideally positioned against a potentially
smaller and weaker full-back, this role is tasked with winning aerial duels, holding up
the ball, and recycling possession to supporting teammates.4 Key attributes for a Wide
Target Man include a strong First Touch to control long balls, excellent Heading and
Jumping Reach to win aerial challenges, and good Passing to link up with midfielders
and forwards.4 Strength, Anticipation, Off the Ball movement, Teamwork, and Work
Rate are also highly important, as the player will be involved in physical battles and
needs to contribute both offensively and defensively.4 Unlike traditional wingers or
inside forwards who primarily run into space, the Wide Target Man often creates
space through their physical presence and ability to hold onto the ball.4 This makes
them a valuable asset in retaining possession in the final third and building sustained
attacks. Their aerial prowess also provides a direct threat from crosses delivered from
the opposite flank. A strong partnership can develop between the Wide Target Man
and the Mezzala operating on the same side. The Mezzala can make underlapping
runs into the space created by the Wide Target Man holding the ball wide, offering a
dynamic attacking option on the left.
Operating on the right flank, the Inside Forward provides a significant goalscoring
threat from a wide starting position.6 This role essentially functions as a wide striker,
with the primary aim of cutting inside towards the goal, making diagonal runs into the
penalty area.6 The attributes crucial for an effective Inside Forward include excellent
Dribbling ability to beat defenders, high Finishing to convert chances, good Technique
for intricate play, and strong Acceleration and Agility to make quick movements and
exploit space.9 Flair can also be beneficial for creating unpredictable moments.8 The
Inside Forward differs from an Inverted Winger in that their focus is more on making
runs to score goals rather than being heavily involved in the initial build-up play and
delivering crosses from the byline.6 The Inside Forward's tendency to move infield
complements the False Nine dropping deep, potentially forming a dynamic attacking
triangle in the central areas. As the False Nine vacates the traditional striker position,
the Inside Forward can run into the space created, providing a direct goal threat.
Given the Inside Forward's inclination to cut inside, the responsibility for providing
traditional width and crosses from the right flank will largely fall to the Complete
Wingback.
The Mezzala, positioned in the left central midfield slot, acts as a dynamic link
between the defensive and attacking phases of play. The term "mezzala" translates to
"half winger" in Italian, aptly describing a central player who likes to drift wide,
essentially operating as a central midfielder with the tendencies of a winger.10 This
role contributes significantly to attacking moves by exploiting the half-spaces – the
areas between the wing and central midfield – and making late runs into the
opposition's penalty area.10 Key attributes for a Mezzala include good Passing and
Dribbling skills to progress the ball, strong Decisions and First Touch to operate in
tight spaces, and excellent Technique, Work Rate, and Stamina to cover ground and
contribute throughout the match.10 Hardcoded player instructions for the Mezzala
often include getting further forward, staying wider, moving into channels, and
roaming from position.13 The Mezzala's tendency to drift wide on the left flank
provides crucial support to the Wide Target Man, potentially creating overloads in
wide areas. This can lead to more crossing opportunities or space for the Wide Target
Man to hold up the ball and involve other players. Furthermore, the Mezzala's late runs
into the box can provide an additional goalscoring threat, capitalizing on the space
created by the False Nine and the Inside Forward drawing defenders away.
Operating in the right central midfield position, the Deep Lying Playmaker is tasked
with orchestrating play from a deeper area, positioned between the defense and the
midfield. This role aims to initiate attacking moves with precise passes to players
positioned higher up the pitch.14 While primarily a creative player, the Deep Lying
Playmaker also needs to possess a degree of defensive competence.14 Essential
attributes for this role include exceptional Passing, Technique, First Touch, and Vision
to pick out teammates in advanced positions.14 Strong Decisions are needed to
choose the right pass, and depending on the tactical approach, some defensive
attributes like Tackling and Positioning can also be valuable.14 The Deep Lying
Playmaker on a Support duty will look to bring the ball out of defense and operate
with a more expansive passing range, often instructed to take more risks.14 This player
will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the possession-based tactic and providing
through balls to the attacking players making runs. The positioning of the Deep Lying
Playmaker alongside the Half Back will create a form of double pivot during
possession, offering defensive stability and multiple passing options for building
attacks from the back.
Stationed in the defensive midfield slot, the Half Back plays a unique role, sitting in
front of the defense when the team has possession and dropping between the
center-backs when the opposition has the ball, effectively forming a back three.1 This
role is particularly useful in allowing the full-backs or wingbacks to play with more
attacking freedom.1 Key attributes for a Half Back include good Passing and First
Touch for recycling possession, solid Marking and Tackling to win the ball back, and
strong Positioning and Anticipation to read the game defensively.16 Mental attributes
like Concentration and Decisions are also important.16 The Half Back is generally a
defensively-minded role focused on keeping the ball moving with short, simple passes
in possession.16 However, they can also act as a deep playmaker, initiating attacks
from a slightly withdrawn position.17 The Half Back's ability to drop into the defensive
line provides crucial cover for the attacking movements of the Complete Wingback on
the right and the Inverted Wingback on the left. This ensures that the team is not
overly exposed defensively when the wingbacks push forward. Furthermore, the Half
Back can act as a vital link between the defense and the Deep Lying Playmaker,
facilitating the build-up play and ensuring smooth transitions from defense to attack.
Operating on the left as an Inverted Wingback, this role functions defensively much
like a standard full-back or wingback. However, during possession, the Inverted
Wingback will look to move inside from the flank, particularly when there is a player
ahead of them on the wing and fewer than two defensive midfielders in the system.1
This movement can help to create space for other players and potentially overload the
central midfield areas.19 Attributes required for an effective Inverted Wingback include
solid Tackling, Marking, and Positioning for their defensive duties, as well as good
Passing and Dribbling skills to operate in central areas during possession.18 Work Rate
and Stamina are also important for covering ground. The Inverted Wingback's
movement into central areas provides an extra passing option in midfield during
possession, aiding in retaining the ball and building attacks. This can create a
temporary three-man midfield alongside the Mezzala and Deep Lying Playmaker,
making it more difficult for the opposition to win possession. Defensively, the Inverted
Wingback's positioning as a full-back still provides adequate cover on the left flank
when the Wide Target Man moves into more advanced positions.
Positioned on the right side of the central defense, the Ball Playing Defender is tasked
with not only stopping opposing attackers and clearing the ball but also with initiating
attacks from deep. Unlike standard central defenders, the Ball Playing Defender is
encouraged to launch defense-splitting through balls and maintain possession with
better passing ability.1 They may also dribble into midfield if space allows.21 Key
attributes for a Ball Playing Defender include excellent Passing and Technique to
execute accurate and incisive passes, a good First Touch and Composure to receive
and play under pressure, and solid Decisions. They also need the fundamental
defensive attributes like Tackling, Marking, and Positioning.22 The Ball Playing Defender
will be a key player in building attacks from the back, providing creative passes to the
midfield and attacking players. Their ability to play through balls can be particularly
effective in finding the runs of the False Nine and the Inside Forward. Furthermore,
the Ball Playing Defender's tendency to step out of defense with the ball can create
temporary overloads in midfield, further aiding in maintaining possession.
Partnering the Ball Playing Defender on the left side of the central defense, the
Central Defender has a more straightforward primary role: to stop opposing attackers
from playing and to clear the ball away from danger when required.1 Compared to the
Ball Playing Defender or a No-Nonsense Defender, the Central Defender offers a
middle ground in terms of their involvement in possession.21 Essential attributes for
this role include strong Tackling, Marking, Positioning, Heading, Jumping Reach,
Strength, and Concentration.1 While they can distribute to nearby teammates to retain
possession 1, their main focus is on ensuring defensive solidity. The Central Defender's
primary focus on defensive duties provides a solid foundation for the more
adventurous movements of the Ball Playing Defender and the wingbacks. By
prioritizing defensive stability, the Central Defender ensures that the team is not
overly exposed when other defenders move out of position to contribute to attacks.
Operating on the right flank, the Complete Wingback is a modern, highly versatile role
that combines the attributes of a traditional full-back and a winger. This player offers
significant attacking prowess while still being capable of fulfilling defensive duties.1
The Complete Wingback loves to attack and has a natural inclination to affect the
game in the opposition's defensive third, often roaming from their initial position.25 Key
attributes for this demanding role include excellent Crossing ability to deliver balls into
the box, a good First Touch and Dribbling skills to beat opponents, solid Marking and
Tackling for defensive phases, and strong Technique and Passing to link play.25
Physical attributes such as Work Rate, Stamina, Acceleration, Pace, and Agility are
also crucial due to the amount of ground they need to cover.25 The Complete
Wingback will be the primary source of attacking width and crosses from the right
flank, especially given the Inside Forward's tendency to cut inside. Their roaming
nature, combined with the Half Back dropping deep, can create a dynamic and
potentially unpredictable attacking threat on the right side.
As the last line of defense, the Sweeper Keeper plays a crucial role, combining the
duties of a traditional goalkeeper with those of an outfield sweeper. This role involves
not only protecting the goal but also sweeping up balls in front of and wide of the
penalty area and initiating counter-attacking moves with direct through balls.1 A
Sweeper Keeper is particularly well-suited to teams employing a high defensive line.1
Essential attributes for this role include a good First Touch and Passing ability to
distribute the ball effectively, strong Kicking for longer passes, excellent Decisions and
Anticipation to judge when to come off their line, and good Rushing Out ability to
sweep up through balls. Traditional goalkeeping attributes like Command of Area,
Reflexes, and One on Ones are, of course, also vital.28 On a Support duty, the Sweeper
Keeper will stray just outside the penalty box and look to play counter-attacking
passes, often instructed to take more risks.28 This provides an extra passing option
outside the box, aiding in building possession from the back. The Sweeper Keeper's
willingness and ability to come off their line is crucial given the attacking nature of the
wingbacks and midfielders, providing cover behind a potentially high defensive line.
Individual player instructions can further optimize the effectiveness of each role within
the tactical framework. For the False 9, instructing them to "Take More Risks," "Roam
From Position," and "Move Into Channels" will encourage their creative movement and
ability to find space.2 The Wide Target Man should be instructed to "Stay Wider" to
provide a consistent outlet on the left flank and potentially "Hold Up Ball" to allow
supporting players to arrive.18 If the player possesses the "Target Man" trait, this
instruction can also be beneficial.4 For the Inside Forward, "Cut Inside," "Dribble
More," and "Take More Risks" will maximize their goal threat.7 The Mezzala should be
encouraged to "Get Further Forward," "Stay Wider," "Move Into Channels," and "Take
More Risks" to fully utilize their dynamic movement and creative potential.12 The Deep
Lying Playmaker should be instructed to "Take More Risks" to encourage ambitious
passes and potentially "Dictate Tempo" if they possess the relevant player trait.14 The
Half Back should be instructed to "Hold Position" to maintain defensive stability and
"Pass Shorter" to ensure reliable ball retention.16 The Inverted Wingback should "Sit
Narrower" when in possession to move into central areas and "Take Fewer Risks" to
prioritize defensive solidity.18 The Ball Playing Defender can be instructed to "Take
More Risks" to encourage forward passes and potentially "Dribble More" if their
attributes allow.22 To compensate for the Inverted Wingback moving centrally, the
Central Defender can be instructed to "Stay Wider" to provide better coverage on
the left side of the defense.18 The Complete Wingback should be instructed to "Get
Further Forward," "Cross More Often," and "Stay Wider" to maximize their attacking
output on the right flank.25 Finally, the Sweeper Keeper on Support duty should be
instructed to "Pass It Shorter" to aid build-up play and "Take More Risks" to be
proactive in initiating attacks.29
Focusing training on the key attributes identified for each role is crucial for player
development and tactical success. Furthermore, utilizing individual training to develop
player traits that complement their specific roles can significantly enhance their
performance. For example, training the False Nine to develop the "Plays One-Twos"
trait or the Mezzala to learn "Gets Forward Whenever Possible" can add another
dimension to their game. Identifying players who already possess the right attributes
and traits for these specific roles will be paramount for the tactic's immediate and
long-term effectiveness. Recruitment strategies should prioritize these key
characteristics to ensure the team is well-suited to execute the desired tactical
approach.
While establishing a consistent tactical identity is important, the ability to adapt the
tactic to different opponents and match situations is a hallmark of successful
management. Analyzing the opponent's formation, key strengths, and potential
weaknesses will inform necessary adjustments. For instance, against a team that
presses high, a slightly lower tempo and more direct passing might be required to
bypass their pressure. Conversely, against a defensively oriented team, increasing the
tempo and potentially pushing more players forward could be beneficial. Adjusting the
pressing intensity and defensive line based on the opponent's attacking threat is also
a crucial aspect of in-game management.
In conclusion, the implementation of this specific formation with the outlined roles in
Football Manager 2023 holds significant potential for achieving an attacking,
high-possession, and entertaining style of play. By meticulously understanding the
nuances of each role, strategically employing team and individual player instructions,
and focusing on the development of key attributes and traits, the user can craft a
compelling tactical system. While aiming for a consistent tactical approach is valuable,
a willingness to adapt to the specific challenges posed by different opponents will be
essential for sustained success. Patience and a keen eye for match feedback will
guide the necessary adjustments to refine this tactical blueprint into a winning
formula that also provides an enjoyable spectacle.
Works cited