The second type of 4-5-1 within SMW is basically the same as episode 17 but with even more of an intention to be on the defensive side. If the 4-5-1A has your midfield 3 seeking different methods of getting as close to the opponent’s defensive third as much as possible, then today’s formation is a complete “stop shop” with the only intention being that of “thou shalt not pass through”. This is done by taking the highest positioned M(C) and placing him in the DM(C) position to screen his defence behind him as well as orchestrating the defensive positioning of the teammates in front of him (similarly to what the No.8 does within the 4-1-3-2). Although the first priority of this formation is to not concede, there is still a need to get the ball out wide and get midfield runners into the box in order to assist the main man up top.
DEFENCE
It’s as you were when comparing today’s defence to yesterday’s one, as the main premise will be to ensure that they are pretty tough to breakdown and make it as difficult as possible for their oppostion attackers to get any sort of chances in on goal. In between the sticks, we have the much experienced Rui Patrício who is a calm and secure Shot Stopper who remindes me a lot of Petr Cech with his sense of calming demenor that is provided. In front of him, we have yet another solid back 4 from a defensive point of view, starting out with the man nicknamed “The Spider” due to his excellent tackling capabilities, Aaron Wan Bissaka. Although it has been well documented on how ineffective he is in possession, what can never be underestimated is Wan Bissaka’s ability to lock down basically any ‘Winger’ or ‘Wide Forward’ in world football at the moment, so he is very much a welcomed addition as only the second player within season 9 who is starting for a team with a rating of under ’90’… In the heart of the defence we have two very capable all roundD(C)’s in the Slovenian starlwart Milan Skriniar (who is a former Inter player, ironically), and the player who has put Burkinabe on the football map, Edmond Tapsoba who is a young ‘B.P.D’ doing wonders currently for the unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen under the tutelage of football legend Xabi Alonso. Both Skriniar and Tapsoba are capable of mixing up their game, but for the sake of this formation we have Milan as the instigator and Tapsoba as the deep conductor. At D(L) we have a player that many may have forgotten about in the French International Ferland Mendy who is one of the best two way ‘Wingbacks’ in today’s game with his ability to do both jobs at a very good level throughout the entire 90.
MIDFIELD
If it’s one thing that you’ll realize is that this team’s lacking a bit of stardust, but there is still some quality in here and we can clearly see that within the midfield region. Starting out with a man who is SERIOUSLY underrated and should jump from 90 to 92 in my opinion, Yves Bissouma is simply a glorious player to watch and he provides that all too rate trait of being a ‘B.W.M’ who is actually so good on the ball that he can also operate as a ‘D.L.P’. He will always seek to play that riskier progressive pass from deep while also aiming to recycle the ball, using his short passing capabilities. In front of him, we have the all out energectic approach of Tanguy Ndombélé and the superstar of this entire team, the Croatian Icon Luka Modrić who will be tasked with…. well, doing “Modrić” things. Outwide we have another good balance of two ‘Wingers’ who are on completely different scales in terms of what they provide on the ball. If you follow us on Twitter (@TheSMB23) you will know how much we actually are big fans of Dejan Kulusevski who we personally believe is going to be a top 10 player within his position in the next 3-5 years. He always wants the ball to feet and possesses serious levels when it comes to technical dribbling, while the young Spanish starlet Yeremy Pino, who is located on the opposite flank, is all about being a real headache with his quick and decisive dribbling as well as his eagerness to always make that dangerous ‘out to in’ run on the blindside of his opposition
FORWARDS
Although we don’t have a Robert Lewandowski today, we still have a decent man to lead the line in the Moroccan Yussuf En Nesyri who isn’t the most prolific forward, but will always do a good job for whomever he plays for. The one thing he has that Lewandowski lacks is pace, and he will lead the line with as much vigor as he possibly can while aiming to get the rest of his teammates into the match
DEFENSIVE TRANSITION
When it comes to this phase it must be mentioned that both 4-5-1’s are arguably the best in terms of sitting in a mid to low block and making it frustratingly difficult to breakdown. With the position of the DM(C) within this formation, it allows for a bit more solidity from the ‘B side’ compared to the ‘A side’. But there really isn’t that much of a difference once you get the starting XI correct.
I hope you’ve been enjoying these tactical insights thus far, since the next 4 episodes are gonna keep you glued to your seat (or glued to your screen, tehehehe…). In a bit ✌️
The Soccermanager Experience 