Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the best 4-3-3 tactic for FM26, promising it will work in the actual game. The tactic claims to score over four goals per game and allowed a smaller team to win an invincible treble. Three variants of the tactic will be discussed, tested with Arsenal, AZ, and Bodram. The Arsenal test used the attacking variant for all Premier League games, resulting in an impressive 34 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss, easily winning the league. They also won the FA Cup against Liverpool and the Carabao Cup against Tottenham, using a balanced approach initially, then switching to the defensive variant after an early lead to secure a 4-0 victory.
This section details the balanced version of the tactic. The goalkeeper is a ball-playing goalkeeper with default instructions. Wing-backs on both sides are set to take more risks, tackle harder, and press more often. Center-backs are defaulted in possession and out of possession, set to mark tight and tackle harder. A DM is used in midfield with default possession instructions and 'mark tighter' out of possession. A channel midfield player is set to make more runs, move into channels, and default out of possession. An attacking midfield player on the right takes more risks, is more direct, and tackles harder. Inside forwards on both wings are set to sit narrow, cut inside, dribble more, make more runs, take more risks, and standard, with default out-of-possession instructions. The striker is a center forward, defaulted with 'trigger press more often' out of possession.
For the balanced tactic, in possession, instructions are standard tempo, much higher, less often counter-attack, sit narrow, keep ball in play, balanced play through mixed center-backs, balanced both flanks, standard, and discourage long shots. Crossing style is set to low crosses. Out of possession, instructions include high press, higher defensive line, more often counter-press, standard, balanced, and short goalkeeper distribution.
The attacking version used by Arsenal involves changing the mentality to 'attacking'. The goalkeeper and center-backs remain the same. Wing-backs become playmaking wing-backs with more aggressive instructions: run wide, dribble more, make more runs, take more risks, and tackle harder. The DM role changes to a Deep-Lying Playmaker with the same instructions as the balanced DM. Inside forwards are now instructed to 'shoot more often'. The tactic holds its shape and uses a DM, CM, and AM with similar instructions as their balanced counterparts, and wingers defend out wide. This is an 'urgent win-back method' focused on high press and challenges.
For the attacking tactic, in possession, instructions are standard tempo, much higher, less often counter-attack, narrower, keep ball in play, with the additions of 'be more expressive' and 'encourage'. Everything else remains the same as the balanced tactic, including discouraging long shots. Out of possession, it's maxed out with 'get stuck in', much higher defensive line, high press, more often counter-press, and yes for goalkeeper distribution.
The defensive version drops to a 'balanced' mentality. Team instructions in possession are much shorter, standard, more often on time wasting, sit narrow, keep the ball in play, more discipline, discourage dribbling, and discourage shots to create a 'ticky-tacker' control and time-wasting style. Out of possession, it uses a standard mid-block, press activated to more often, counter-press, and pressing the goalkeeper. Player roles change: wing-backs are on 'take fewer risks' and 'tackle harder'. The DM is 100% defaulted and 'mark tight'. A CM on the left side is instructed to 'make more runs' and 'tackle harder'. Inside forwards revert to their default balanced version instructions.
The defensive tactic was tested with Bodram, enabling them to win the Turkish Cup against Fenabach, despite being underdogs. The league performance was very strong, especially considering the team's standing. With AZ, the team won one of the Dutch cups and went invincible in the league, topping Feyenoord, PSV, and Ajax. The video summarizes that the tactic offers excellent options across its three variants: 3.4 goals per game for AZ (balanced), and 2.6 goals per game for Bodram (defensive).