FM12: Asymmetrical Symmetrical Formations (by Forza)

Following the interest in his last article Making 4-4-2 Current And Effective, I am over the moon to be introducing yet another fantastic tactical study by Forza (Lee Scott). In today’s piece Lee examines how to turn a seemingly ordinary symmetrical formation into an attacking asymmetrical tactic using individual player instructions to devastating effect, and it is inspiring stuff! – Dan.

This article as with so many others that I have written has come after I found inspiration in the ‘real’ football world. Where though did I get the inspiration? From Michael Cox or Jonathan Wilson? Perhaps from Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas Boas or Marcelo Biesla? Well not quite. The inspiration for this article actually comes from the tactical lessons of one Harry Redknapp…

On his arrival at Spurs from Real Madrid Rafael Van Der Vaart is said to have been stunned at the lack of tactical preparation carried out by Redknapp and his staff. He couldn’t quite believe that the extent of the tactical instructions handed out before the match was to ‘enjoy yourself’. This is an approach that has earned Redknapp a certain amount of criticism from those that have come to view tactics and systems as the be all and end all of football success. Given the form of Spurs over the last two or three years though maybe we need to take another more in depth look at why they are performing so well? The answer as I see it is that they have mastered the asymmetrical symmetrical system that allows each individual player to maximise their talent to the overall benefit of the team as a whole.

This is a way of setting up your team and system that can easily be transferred to FM as I can show using Spurs as the ideal example.

THE STARTING SYSTEM

Now to start making a little more sense. As you can see I have split the pitch vertically down the centre with the exception of the AMC and ST. Each of the other players has an opposite which lends us the symmetry although the players on the left will be mechanised to play and act differently from those on the right. The AMC is the only player that can drift into each area comfortably linking and knitting the overall system together while the lone striker pins the system by maintaining a high position and creating space in which the others can play.

Here you can get a better idea of the general movement that I am trying to mechanise into the system. On the left hand side of the pitch Gareth Bale should be free to cut inside using his pace and power to break through the defence. Since Bale is vacating the left side of the pitch Assou Ekotto needs to be free to push up the flank hugging the touchline as he goes. The left central midfielder is Modric who of course needs to be allowed to display his creative instinct whilst connecting with both Bale and Assou Ekotto. On the right side of the pitch Lennon will stretch the play by hugging the touchline and pushing right up the pitch. Kyle Walker will also push up the field but to stop the two from occupying the same space on the pitch Walker will be free to cut inside when he attacks providing another angle of attack for the team to take advantage of. The right central midfielder Parker is the most static player in the system sitting slightly deeper but still being able to connect with Walker and more tenuously Lennon.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Here we have an example of play that has been built up on the left of the pitch and Gareth Bale in possession is cutting in from the left touchline leaving the space for Assou Ekotto space to push into. Van Der Vaart in the AM position has shuttled across from the centre to provide a connection with Bale. As the ball moves through Van Der Vaart to Adebayor and finally finds its way back to Bale as the cuts through the defence. It’s also interesting to note that as the play starts Modric is available in space to provide a passing option and defensive cover.

This time play is on the right of the pitch as Parker feeds Lennon who proceeds to stretch the play by attacking down the right of the pitch. As he does both Parker and Van Der Vaart move over towards the right hand side of the pitch to offer both passing and cover connections. The deeper threat comes from Walker pushing forward but coming in off the wing to the channel again giving us options to shift the angle of the pitch.

Now a more complete picture of how the two different setups work as one. As the ball is shifted infield to Modric in the centre he has three immediate passing options with Van Der Vaart and Parker in their conventional positions but Bale having come right in off the left flank pulling defenders with him and emptying the space for the left back to move into. On the opposite side of the pitch you can see that Lennon is still stretching the play on the right flank giving us a variety of options.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

It’s common for FM players to try to build symmetrical systems having the notion of the importance of balance drummed into them by football on T.V. There is nothing at all wrong with that but I hope I have shown a few of you the advantages of thinking in terms of connecting your players in such a way that you maximise their talents. There is absolutely nothing to say that you have to mirror instructions across the pitch in order to maintain a balance to your tactic and side. In this perhaps there is something to be learnt from Harry Redknapp.

You will find more of Lee’s work shortly at SupportsInteractive.com – a ground breaking new FM site. If you’re quick you’ll be able to sign up to take part in their BETA testing, it promises to be an event that no Football Manager fanatic should miss out on.