stlmizzoutigerWhat do you think? A zone defense with 2 central stoppers, 2 fullbacks, and then a sweeper. Then there are 3 midfielders and then 2 strikers for a very balanced and effective attack. The two stoppers can be used to add offensive pressure at times. It is a lot like a 3-5-2, with the back midfielders given defensive-minded roles.

12.01.2011

mccyIf the so-called "central stoppers" play ahead of the defensive line when the team defends (to press the opponent) as well as when the team attacks (used to add offensive pressure), they are essentially midfielders, with defensive mind, not defenders.
That makes you play 3 at the back.
So your full backs are not actually full backs. They are wide centre backs.

16.01.2011

nickkonST you mean DMC right? that's my favorite formation. If the opponents play with wingers I order my DMC to cover that area.

17.01.2011

stlmizzoutigernickkon, that's what they're basically doing. The 2 stoppers are essentially defensive midfielders that have stopper responsibilities but help in the attack on occassion. Problem with some players is that they only want to play offense and calling them stoppers (even if they really are midfielders technically) keeps them in the defensive mindset. I think it's going to be a great formation since my team is going to probably have several strong defenders and a good goalkeeper, but not as many midfielders/strikers by trade.

18.01.2011