Best Tactics For 5-2-1-2 Formation in EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team

In EA Sports FC 25, every little helps. Taking an iconic marketing phrase from the UK, you have to tweak and adapt every minor feature to make sure that you can walk away with victory on a regular basis. Every feature is a small cog within the system; put it all together and you have a complete jigsaw.

Therefore, tactics are crucial in EAFC 25, but you can’t use what worked in previous iterations. Life was made more complicated by EA changing the system for this year’s version, with instructions like ‘get in behind’ and ‘stay back while attacking’ removed, whilst the era of ‘inverted full-backs’ is only beginning.

Knowing not everyone is capable of winning from the get-go, we have outlined the best 5-2-1-2 tactics. While it’s not one of the best formations in the game, it can work effectively as it provides defensive security and can also lead to countless counter-attacks when your opposition is exposed.

Related

Best Tactics For 4-2-3-1 (2) Formation in EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team

The 4-2-3-1 (2) can be incredibly effective in EA Sports FC 25 if set up correctly. We have outlined the best tactics for it.

Tactics

Counter-attacking is the way to go

• Build-up Style: Counter
• Defensive Approach: High/Height Line: 70

With this system changed for this year’s game, there’s no need to overcomplicate anything. That’s hard to do when the features have been simplified, as you can’t change your width or type of chance creation; now it’s just two things – build-up style and defensive approach.

For build-up style, you can choose from ‘balanced’, ‘counter’ and ‘short passes’. You should use the ‘counter’ option for the 5-2-1-2. This approach encourages players to get in behind the opposition’s defence as the team transitions quickly from defence to attack. With quick forward runs, you can always expect opportunities after sitting deep. It’s the traditional option for a five-at-the-back formation.

However, after following conventions, you should then flip the switch. Using a high line sounds contradictory considering most sit deep and defend for their lives, but it makes your team more compact further up the pitch. Meanwhile, with the finest defenders in the world, you will be able to clear the danger effortlessly. The positives outweigh the negatives, even if you might occasionally be caught behind.

Player Roles

They have an impact in and out of possession

In EAFC 25, players now ‘change’ position in and out of possession depending on their roles. As such, it’s important to fine-tune tactics depending on the players you are using. We have outlined the simplest – and most effective – 5-2-1-2 tactics, but minor tweaks are suggested.

• Goalkeeper: Defending, Keeper
• Left-Back: Attacking Wing-Back, Attack
• Centre-Backs: Defender, Defend
• Right-Back: Attacking Wing-Back, Attack
• Left Central-Midfielder: Box-to-Box, Balanced
• Right Central-Midfielder: Holding, Defend
• Attacking Midfielder: Playmaker, Roaming
• Left Striker: Advanced Forward, Attack
• Right Striker: False Nine, Build-Up

Related

Best Tactics For 4-2-1-3 Formation in EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team

The 4-2-1-3 is one of the best formations in EA Sports FC 25. We have outlined every detail – big and small – you need to know about it.

Defensive Player Roles

To begin, building a football team is like putting together a plethora of building blocks. Some are more important than others, and the whole structure will collapse if they are not fitted correctly. The goalkeeper is exactly this, propping up the rest of the team with their consistency and reliability. Using a goalkeeper on ‘defend’ in EAFC 25 fits this description, as they will always stay between the sticks unless they are called upon at the last minute.

Continuing the idea of stability and security, all three centre-backs should be set to the ‘defender’ and ‘defend’ roles. While you can still play out from the back with them – if you take control – their main priority is always defending. They maintain the defensive line and never leave their main position. The quickest centre-backs in EAFC 25 should always be considered.

The 5-2-1-2 actually uses two full-backs instead of wing-backs, but they still provide an attacking threat. Using both as ‘attacking wing-backs’ on ‘attack’ will give you two extra threats in the final third. Though officially defenders, they will be more concerned with getting forward and offering width to your team’s attacks. While that can seem risky, it works when you always have three centre-backs at the back.

Midfield Player Roles

Further forward, the 5-2-1-2 tries to find the balance between dictating the tempo of the match. The two central midfielders prop up the middle of the park, with one on ‘holding’ and ‘defend’ and another on ‘box-to-box’ and ‘balanced’. The holding midfielder is seen as a pivotal role, as they guard the backline and cover against counter-attacks. However, with the ‘defend’ roles, they still move slightly higher to offer a passing option.

Alongside them, the ‘box-to-box’ midfielder on ‘balanced’ operates between the two boxes, neither as the last line of defence, nor the final part of the attack, but involved in everything in between. When asked to be ‘balanced’, they will cover the centre of the pitch in attack and defence. The best central midfielders in EAFC 25 will shine with this because they can defend comfortably but also find the back of the net effortlessly. If they struggle, it’s likely the whole team will.

Completing the midfield trio, using an attacking midfielder on ‘playmaker’ and ‘roaming’ will allow you to always have a creative outlet. They are the fulcrum when pinging passes into the final third, as they are given license to roam, create space and shine. The only downside is that they might be out of position if the opposition counters, but they will always have the support of players behind them.

Attacking Player Roles

Finally, using two strikers in the 5-2-1-2 provides you with versatility. There are countless options to choose from – all providing differing levels of tactical nuance – but we recommend using an ‘advanced forward’ on ‘attack’ and a ‘false nine’ in the final third.

The advanced forward will be the main star in the opposition’s box. They stay close to their defensive line whilst also opening themselves up for passes in the build-up. Combined with making runs behind, they can do nearly everything and it all comes under one sole purpose – scoring goals. The best strikers in EAFC 25 will shine under this role.

To partner the advanced forward, using a false nine is effective. While positioned in the forward line, they will drop deep to dictate play in the space in front of a defence. It allows them to contribute not only to work in the final third but also in the defensive phases of the match. They partner with the advanced playmaker as well, providing you with two creative fulcrums as you look to consistently win in the hardest competitions.

Related

Best Tactics For 4-5-1 (2) in EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team

The 4-5-1 (2) has now always been popular in previous games, but in EA Sports FC 25, it can be considered a ‘meta’ formation if used correctly.

Players to Use

Pick the cheap meta players

We have already ranked the most meta players in EA Sports FC 25. However, we haven’t stopped there, also looking at the most overpowered centre-backs and meta wingers. While that means we have covered nearly everything you need to build the most meta team, we have also outlined a few specific players who will excel in the 5-2-1-2. Using the highest-rated stars in EAFC 25 is cheating as well.

In your defensive third, there’s one stat which is crucial — pace. When you’re playing a high line, you need defenders who can chase back and produce a stunning – often bold – tackle. There’s only one name that springs to mind when you try and match that description. Micky van de Ven, Tottenham’s star Dutchman, is world-class in EAFC 25. Alongside him, someone like Josko Gvardiol – or even his teammate, Manuel Akanji – will work effectively. While they might not be as quick, they will still fit in seamlessly.

As previously mentioned, your midfielders need to be able to do everything in this formation. From last-minute defending and dictating the tempo to providing a goal-scoring threat and picking out teammates in the final third, they have pressure placed on their shoulders. However, stars such as Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente and Real Madrid sensation Eduardo Camavinga will be able to match the requirements. They are not only cheap but also well-rounded so they can adapt to every situation required.

Finally, with two strikers in the 5-2-1-2, you have several options to choose from. You don’t necessarily need both to be quick – so someone like Harry Kane could work – but if you’re looking for cheaper and lower-rated stars, Ademola Lookman and Inaki Williams are the go-to options. Playing for Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao respectively, they are quick and natural in the final third.