Formations are an important weapon in a football manager’s tactical arsenal and can be critical to the success of a soccer club. This is just as true with online football management simulators, as it is in the real-life world of soccer management.

A typical soccer manager will have one formation which they prefer to use for the vast majority of football matches, but it is critical to be able to adapt to the opposition if things aren’t happening on the pitch; it is crucial to have a ‘Plan B’.

A common formation employed by European football club managers, is 4-3-3. Four defenders, a defensive midfielder between two attack-minded midfielders, a central striker and two wider attacking players. This formation is suited to a positive, attacking style of football, with creative players, but is easily overrun by a hard working team, with good levels of fitness, using four or even five midfielders.

The ‘Plan B’ for this football manager might be a 4-5-1. Using more traditional wingers, rather than strikers playing out wide, would help prevent this soccer team being overrun in midfield, whilst still providing a counter-attacking outlet and plenty of width.

Many soccer managers and coaches see a lone striker as negative. With that in mind, a possible ‘Plan C’ for this football club could be a 5-3-2. The midfield trio would remain, but the full backs would push up to support them. They now provide the team with the width and of course, help prevent the team from being overrun in the middle of the football field.

To be successful in Ultimate Soccer Boss, it is worth taking the time to seriously consider your team’s formation, particularly when your football club plays away from home. Playing instant matches will help managers to fine-tune tactics.

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