Tactical refinement

I've been using the 4-1-2-2-1 on and off since FM05, and I'm getting decent results from this year. Admittedly though, I'm not great at the tactics side of things, and could use a bit of help to take it to the next level.

I am at Dynamo Dresden, promoted to 2.BL in the first season, survived in the second and have just finished 6th. I could use a hand looking at my tactic and seeing if there are any instructions or ways of playing that are at odds with each other, or just basic ways of improving what I'm trying to do.



(I haven't made any signings yet for next season, other than making the striker on the bench permanent)

I'm happy with the amount of assists and goals coming from out wide, and also the contribution of Alex Lopez who's probably my favourite ever signing. However, I dont think I keep possession even slightly well enough to ever win promotion, as I dont see how I can really improve the quality of player over who I have now and make any impact on the tactic as it stands. (I've found this even when switching to normal mentality)

It's a tough one, but I'd appreciate any help before I plowed on to next season.

Cheers

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The problem I had with dropping the Ball Winner is I read that it isn't suitable to a defensive roll as it's not disciplined enough - but Granero and Lambertz before him get ridiculous high ratings when played there. I'll give box2box a go and mix up the passing.

Not entirely confident I could change this completely so it is a complete possession domination tactic, but holding onto it alittle more would surely aid my cause. Any further help/analysis is appreciated

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I can't see what has already been suggested but I'll put my 2cents worth in... Your AP and IF may be getting in each other's way, both looking to exploit the same space. I'd look at moving the AP to the left CM position. As you have an IF, I'd also look at having that side wingback in an attacking role to provide width you'll lack with the IF going inside. If your new right side CM is given a more defensive role, perhaps a MC/d or at most MC/s to cover thewingback bombing forward you should be able to maintain defensive cover on that side. I see you considered a BTB instead of the BWM... in my mind a MC/s or MC/d works better with a DM. With so many players in your midfield, it seems a shame to play direct; try setting the passing to mixed and turn off Run At Defence and Work Ball Into Box. While Run At Defence is considered a "counter" TI, your players will look at passing options more favourably if they aren't being instructed to take the opposition on at every opportunity. Less is better when if comes to TIs; they can be added when needed. The other aspect to look at is your width, set to Fairly Wide you give the opposition room between your vertical lines. I'd set it to normal and if you are the stronger team, consider going wider, or even tighter if you find yourself being dominated.Best of luck.