3-5-2 CM Tactic Help

[mward86]

Is there a way to get 3-5-2 to work well in CM? I can't seem to do too well with it no matter the team I try.

I wanted to try and get something working similar to the way Conte plays 3-5-2. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[orion523]

Re: 3-5-2 CM Tactic Help

I've definitely used this successfully against the CPU, but it takes loads of discipline, three talented stay at home CB's, wing backs who can advance play as well as defend, and maybe most importantly, a box to box midfielder who can provide cover defensively and has the ability to distribute. Now that's not to say that your RM, LM, and three forwards can be slouches, they cannot, but with a 3-5-2, your counterattack can be deadly and that all starts at the back, with solid, versatile defenders.

[Qb]

Re: 3-5-2 CM Tactic Help

I've tried to build a squad for this formation in various careers, as I naturally gravitate to the five man midfield in FIFA, yet feel one striker limits attacking options. I never really stuck with one long enough to realize my vision, but maybe this will be the year...

Continuing with what Orion said, at least your outside CBs should be mobile, as they'll be forced to cover more ground to defend the flanks. Athletic CBs are hard to come by, so I've tried sticking a bigger/slower CB in the middle, but it can difficult if he gets dragged out of wide covering for the outside CB since there's only one defender goal-side of him. In a four man backline he'd have two, the other CB and the LB/RB. Maybe better defensive logic will help in 17?

The wide-men need pace and stamina because they will run all game. You'd probably want capable backups, too, both for in-game subs and rotation for weeks with multiple games. I prefer playing with a RM/LM as opposed to RWB/LWB, but that can be adjusted based on opponent/situation. If using mids, you can set them to comeback on defense under instructions.

For your RDM/LDM, at least one should be athletic enough to cover the extra space afforded by the 3-man backline. FIFA can be counter-heavy down the wings and getting your CBs dragged wide can result in bad, bad things. I try to get a CDM out there to at least hold things up and allow for the wide MF to get back. I like to have a CDM with good long passing and vision -- good shot power & long shots a major plus! -- as well to hit diagonal long balls to the opposite flank or play the adjacent wide MF in behind. The CAM can also play this role, if you prefer two ball-winners shielding your backline.

So that leaves the attackers. The CAM will have plenty of passing options, so he should be your talented play maker. If I'm feeling frisky, I'll set him to stay forward to provide an outlet to launch counter attacks. For strikers, I like the traditional two-man partnership of a bigger, stronger target man and a quicker poacher to get in behind, setting instructions accordingly.

As for tactics, I think this formation is best suited to a more patient defensive style, not pressing high up the pitch or chasing to win the ball back in your defensive third. That happens to suit me and my "Italian style" as my old FIFA foe Riz used to say. You can definitely counter from it with two men up top and pace out wide if you have it, but the structure also gives you options in the final third. In general, I use a higher build up speed and pass length along with a lower defensive pressure. Kinda like the counter attack default tactic, but not as extreme.