4-4-2 Diamond SS

1.Introduction

Champions' League is probably the most sought after trophy by any manager and there is no formation that was better at winning it than Zidane's Real Madrid between 2015 and 2018. Today I tried to replicate the iconic Diamond 4-4-2 from his last season.

The main purpose of this diamond was offering passing options and numbers forward, using the full backs to provide the width while overloading the middle.

2.Formation & Roles



1) Sweeper Keeper (Support)
Not much to say about this role. I put him on support so he plays longer counter-attacking balls sometimes. If your guy isn't good at kicking, just put him on Defend.

2) 2 x Ball-Playing Center Back (Defend)
Bread and butter of your defence. They need to be alright passers, although I would recommend having one who is an excellent passer, even if he's just average at defending, since long balls work well with this tactic.
Key Attributes: Tackling, Heading, Passing, Marking, Pace (don't prioritise but useful).

4) 2 x Wing Back (Attack)
Consider these guys your Wingers as well as your Full Backs. Rounded and especially fast players are key.
Key Attributes: Acceleration, Pace, Crossing, Tackling, Dribbling

5) Roaming Playmaker (Support)
A mobile, creative DM who is the pivot of the team. This guy is at the center of it all, so get a good, creative passer in here. He has to be somewhat decent defensively at least.
Key Attributes: Passing, Dribbling, Vision, Teamwork, First Touch, Pace, Tackling

7) 2 x Segundo Volante (Attack)
The engine of your team. These 2 guys will press opposition when the ball is lost and help your midfield create and spread balls forward when in possession. Stamina and work rate is important, as lazy players tend to not do their defensive duty well, or get too tired doing it.
Key Attributes: Accelearation, Stamina, Work Rate, Pace, Overall

OPTION 1. Central Mid (Attack) + False 9 (Support) + Advanced Forward (Attack)
More defensive option and recommended when you play away. Central Midfielder's main role is to attack and create for his teammates, False 9's job is to glue together midfield and attack, and the AF is there to score.

OPTION 2. Shadow Striker (Attack) + 2 x Advanced Forward (Attack)
More offensive option and recommended when you play home or you just want to score a lot. This pushes your whole team forward.

3.Results

I tested this tactic using League of Nations environment, the link will take you to the thread where I explained how to use it.

Baseline : Blitz 4-4-2 Underdog, 5.5*



This test : Diamond 4-4-2 F9



Currently testing the more attacking formation

Uploaded V2.

Changes
- Eliminated a lot of the general instructions, simplified the tactic a little.
- Changed some PI to fit with some of my newer, more succesful tactics.
- Permanently changed to SS and 2 AF
- Advanced Segundo Volantes to CM-Attack

cptdoggo said: Uploaded V2.

Changes
- Eliminated a lot of the general instructions, simplified the tactic a little.
- Changed some PI to fit with some of my newer, more succesful tactics.
- Permanently changed to SS and 2 AF
- Advanced Segundo Volantes to CM-Attack


Expand

That is my original favorite formation from when I played before FM14. I might now need to do a version based on Dragons Breath for old times sake. So many memories. I so hope we can get this working for FM22.

Mark said: That is my original favorite formation from when I played before FM14. I might now need to do a version based on Dragons Breath for old times sake. So many memories. I so hope we can get this working for FM22. Expand

I used to spam this every year on FIFA and FM as well, something about that diamond just looks so good haha. Hope this works well enough, also such an iconic formation through history.

Updated this tactic for 22.2 as it got promising results with nothing changed. Also I really like diamond formations and really want one that works.

Changelog:
WB(A) -> FB(A)
VOL(A) -> CM(A)
RPM(S) -> DLP(S)
F9(S) -> AF(A)
CM(A) -> AM(A)
Tweaked team instructions
Tweaked some personal instructions.

@cptdoggo, hi.

If you want anything from this thread was considered for the testing then please, format the thread like this - https://fm-arena.com/find-comment/9585/

Thank you.

Zippo said: @cptdoggo, hi.

If you want anything from this thread was considered for the testing then please, format the thread like this - https://fm-arena.com/find-comment/9585/

Thank you. Expand

Done

I want to know each players stats and performance .
especially about shadow striker

paxsky said: I want to know each players stats and performance .
especially about shadow striker Expand

you can download the game saves of the tests and check that out