In this article we present 8 tactics widely used in FIFA 23 due to the benefits they offer. We tell you in detail about each of these formations, including lineups, strengths, weaknesses and key players.
We also attach a graph to point out the placement of the players. Whether you’re looking for an offensive, defensive or balanced approach, you’ll find your ideal formation for FIFA 23 here!
5-3-2
Lineup :
- 3 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 3 midfielders (MC).
- 2 center forwards (DC).
Strengths :
- Robust defense, difficult to overcome against almost any other formation.
- Perfect formation to stop counterattacks.
- Defenders can move up to provide more attacking coverage, press high and initiate plays.
Weaknesses :
- Few offensive options when playing on the wings.
- Not very effective in carrying out counterattacks.
Key players :
- Central defenders: they are the centerpiece of this formation. They must be physically strong and capable of both defending successfully and initiating plays together with the midfielders.
4-4-2
Lineup :
- 2 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 2 midfielders (MC), 1 left midfielder (MI) and 1 right midfielder (MD).
- 2 center forwards (DC).
Strengths :
- It is one of the formations that best covers the field, with few gaps in the defense.
- Great ability to maintain possession.
- Effective training against aggressive teams.
- Formation useful both for attacking (especially in counterattack) and for defending.
- Ideal formation for players who prefer to use something more standard.
Weaknesses :
- It is a predictable formation.
- The performance of your offensive or defensive line will be greatly affected depending on the quality of your midfielders.
Key players :
- Forwards: They must be players capable of performing well with little support, since they will usually be alone in the attack.
- Midfielders: they need to be flexible and have good defensive attributes to help the center backs.
4-3-3 (standard variant)
Lineup :
- 2 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 3 midfielders (MC).
- 1 left winger (EI), 1 right winger (ED) and 1 center forward (DC).
Strengths :
- Offers a solid offensive line.
- Ideal for making plays on the wings using the wingers.
- Ideal alignment to maintain possession in midfield until finding an attacking opportunity.
Weaknesses :
- The striker does not have much support when playing in the enemy area.
- The defensive capacity of this formation is lower compared to others.
Key players :
- Midfielders: the three midfielders must be balanced so that they do not undermine the team’s defense or attack.
- Forward: Must be able to dribble through the defense and score goals without much help.
4-3-3 (offensive variant)
Lineup :
- 2 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 2 midfielders (MC) and 1 attacking midfielder (MCO).
- 1 left winger (EI), 1 right winger (ED) and 1 center forward (DC).
Strengths :
- With this variant of the 4-3-3 formation you will apply greater pressure when attacking.
- Perfect formation to take advantage of counterattack opportunities both in the center and on the wings.
- Great proximity of the six players on the offensive front, which ensures many passing lanes to make plays.
Weaknesses :
- The defense can be exposed, especially in the face of quick counterattacks from the opponent.
- The two midfielders will tire faster than normal.
Key players :
- Midfielders: they must be resistant and fast players, as they will support both attack and defense.
- Wingers: They will be in charge of exploiting the opponent’s defensive line on the wings.
3-5-2
Lineup :
- 3 central defenders (DFC).
- 2 defensive midfielders (DCM), 1 attacking midfielder (MCO), 1 left midfielder (MI) and 1 right midfielder (MD).
- 2 center forwards (DC).
Strengths :
- Provides excellent cover in the midfield to press or maintain possession.
- With a few changes, you can employ more offensive or defensive tactics.
- Ease of putting together plays on the wings or from the midfield.
- Defensive line difficult to overcome in the central zone.
Weaknesses :
- The opponent can overcome your defense with fast wingers.
- It requires central defenders capable of holding, stealing and clearing the ball.
- The right and left midfielders must be able to cover a large area without getting too tired.
Key player :
- Left and right midfielders: they must be flexible and capable of contributing both in defense and attack.
- Defensive midfielders: they are key to strengthening the defense and counteracting the rival’s pressure.
4-1-2-1-2 (standard variant)
Lineup :
- 2 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 1 defensive midfielder (DCM).
- 1 left midfielder (MI) and 1 right midfielder (MD).
- 1 attacking midfielder (MCO).
- 2 center forwards (DC).
Strengths :
- Balanced lineup in both attack and defense, thanks to the offensive and defensive midfielders.
- Optimal formation to play in the center, but with some flexibility.
- Suitable for a style of play focused on maintaining possession and calmly forming plays.
Weaknesses :
- Formation with few options to attack on the wings, unless the lateral midfielders have the necessary attributes.
- Vulnerable formation compared to those that have several midfielders or that opt for greater pressure in the midfield.
Key players :
- Offensive midfielder: he is the player in charge of supporting the forwards and offering coverage and pressure in the midfield. It is advisable that he be a resistant and fast player.
- Defensive midfielder: fundamental piece to close the defense and initiate attacking plays from midfield.
4-1-2-1-2 (compact variant)
Lineup :
- 2 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 1 defensive midfielder (DCM).
- 2 midfielders (MC).
- 1 attacking midfielder (MCO).
- 2 center forwards (DC).
Strengths :
- Provides security in midfield, with great ability to press and maintain possession.
- Ideal for making attacking plays in the central zone.
- You can advance or delay the midfielders to reinforce the offensive or defensive line as suits you.
Weaknesses :
- Being a fairly narrow formation, it is vulnerable on the wings, so you need good defenders.
- The opposing team can force your players to spread out, opening gaps across the field.
Key players :
- Midfielders: They are responsible for reinforcing the attack or defense of your team, supporting both the defensive and offensive midfielders.
4-3-2-1
Lineup :
- 2 central defenders (DFC), 1 left back (LI) and 1 right back (RL).
- 3 midfielders (MC).
- 2 seconds forward (SDI, SDD).
- 1 center forward (DC).
Strengths :
- Balanced formation in both defense and attack.
- Appropriate formation for those who prefer to maintain pressure and possession in the central zone.
- It is a formation with varied attacking options, both on the wings and in the center.
- Compact defense that is difficult for the opponent to break down.
Weaknesses :
- As it is a narrower formation, the opponent can reach your area quickly if they play on the wings.
- The sides must have good resistance.
Key players :
- The three attackers must be able to finish plays successfully so that the rest of the players focus more on defensive tasks.
