For FC 24 Career Mode enthusiasts, one of the most exciting aspects of building a successful team is experimenting with different formations and tactics. While many managers may stick to tried and true formations, others may be interested in exploring some of the custom formations that are no longer commonly used in world football.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of these custom formations and discuss how they can be used to create unique and dynamic teams in career mode. Whether you’re looking to emulate the classic WM formation or experiment with something entirely new, this post will provide you with insights and strategies to help you create a winning team.
1. “WM” Formation
The WM formation is a formation that was popularized by Arsenal’s Herbert Chapman in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by a 3-2-2-3 shape, with one CB, two full backs, two CMs, two CFs, two wingers and one ST. This formation is notable for its versatility and adaptability. It allows for a flexible midfield that can easily transition between attack and defense, making it a popular choice for teams looking to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game.
In Career Mode, the WM formation could be fun to use because it would challenge you to balance your midfield and attack, while also maintaining a strong defensive presence. It would require you to be creative in your use of the central midfielders and wingers, and would offer a unique tactical challenge.
Additionally, the WM formation can also provide a nostalgic feel, allowing you to revisit a classic era of football history and tactics. The specific player instructions for the WM formation may vary depending on the team’s playing style and tactics, but some general guidelines include:
- The central midfielder(s) should be instructed to hold their position and distribute the ball to the wingers and forwards.
- The wingers should be instructed to stay wide and provide width to the attack, while also tracking back to support the fullbacks in defense.
- The forwards should be instructed to make runs in behind the opposition defense and look for through balls from the midfielders and wingers.
- The fullbacks should be instructed to overlap the wingers and provide support in attack, while also defending against opposition counter-attacks.
These general guidelines can be adjusted and refined based on the team’s specific needs and playing style.
2. Total Football Formation
Total Football, also known as “Totalvoetbal” in Dutch, was a revolutionary soccer formation developed by the Dutch national team in the 1970s under the guidance of manager Rinus Michels and his star player Johan Cruyff. The Total Football formation is typically represented as a 4-1-1-2-2 formation in terms of numbers, with four defenders, one CDM, one CM, two CAMs and two wingers. Yes, you read that right, no striker.
That is because this formation is characterized by a highly fluid and interchangeable style of play, where all players are expected to be able to play in multiple positions and take on different roles depending on the situation. This allows the team to switch seamlessly between attack and defense, with players interchanging positions and exchanging passes to create space and overload the opposition.
In Career Mode, the Total Football formation can be a fun and exciting formation to use, as it allows for a high degree of creativity and tactical flexibility. You can experiment with different player positions and roles, and build a team that is capable of playing a dynamic and unpredictable style of football.
Additionally, the Total Football formation can be effective in breaking down defensive opposition, as it can be difficult for defenders to predict the movement and positioning of the attacking players. Here are some general player instructions that can work well with the Total Football formation in Career Mode:
- The midfielders and wingers should be instructed to make runs in behind the opposition defense and set their positional freedom/chance creation to Free Roam. With Free Roam enabled, players are able to break away from their assigned position and make runs into different areas of the pitch, making it harder for the opposition to track and mark them. This can lead to more goalscoring opportunities and a more dynamic and unpredictable style of play.
- The fullbacks should be instructed to overlap the wingers and provide support in attack, but should also be aware of their defensive responsibilities and be ready to track back and defend when needed.
- The defensive midfielder should be instructed to hold their position and provide a defensive shield in front of the backline, while also looking to distribute the ball to the attacking players.
These player instructions will help to create a cohesive and dynamic team that can execute the Total Football philosophy effectively in Career Mode.
3. “MyOwn” Formation
During the FIFA 22 cycle, I created my own variation of the relatively modern and dynamic football formation that has become increasingly popular in recent years, the 3-4-3 formation. This custom formation added to the fun part of my Southampton Career Mode experience that lasted 13 seasons. As the name suggests, the formation consists of three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards. However, I made several changes to fit varied type of players into the system, which the original 3-4-3 leaves out like full backs.
The key features of my 3-4-3 formation variation include:
- A back three with two CBs and one very narrow fullback that provides both defensive stability and an opportunity for attacking full-back to push up and support the attack.
- A wing duo of a LWB and RM, they worked together to create overloads on either flank, while also providing support and cover for the back three when the team was defending.
- Two CMs that provided a platform for the team’s most creative players to thrive, with one player tasked with advancing the play and creating chances for the attackers while the other was on stay back to help the defense maintain shape.
- Three forwards consisting of one CF, ST and RW in a narrowed shape tasked with stretching the opposition defense and creating goal scoring opportunities.
This 3-4-3 variation formation can be effective for managers that are looking for wing play and tiki-tiki based styles of football fused together. Here are some general player instructions that can work well with the 3-4-3 formation:
- The full-back and wing back should be instructed to overlap and provide support in attack. The right/left midfielder depending on your preference on the other hand should be instructed to get in behind and come back on defense.
- Of the midfield duo, one central midfielder should be instructed to go forward and get in the box while the other should be on stay back because if they both stray too far forward, this can leave the team vulnerable to counter-attacks. Remember that your “Stay Back” instructed Central Midfieder should be on the full back side so they can fill their gap and maintain defensive shape to reduce getting caught on the counter.
- The central midfielders should be instructed to press the opposition and win the ball back quickly, while also looking to distribute the ball to the attackers.
- The forwards should be instructed to stay central and make runs in behind the opposition defense, while also providing support to the midfielders and wing-backs when needed.
These player instructions can help to maximize the effectiveness of the 3-4-3 formation custom variation and create a well-balanced and cohesive team.
Exploring custom formations like the WM, Total Football, and a personalized 3-4-3 in FC 24 Career Mode offers a creative way to build dynamic teams. These strategies allow for tactical flexibility, blending historical tactics with modern playstyles. Whether it’s controlling the game, confusing opponents with fluid movements, or combining wing play with precise passing, these formations add depth and excitement to the managerial experience.
