113 goals

4,696 0 948

	Tester	Team	ME	Win %	PPG	AGF	AGA	GD	PL	W	D	L
Total				66%	2.16	2.48	0.92	1.56	154	101	29	24
	Gazelle17	Futebol Clube do Porto Holiday	26.1.3	85%	2.65	3.1	0.7	2.44	34	29	3	2
	Gazelle17	Liverpool Holiday	26.1.3	79%	2.53	3.0	0.8	2.21	38	30	6	2
	Gazelle17	SV Elversberg Holiday	26.1.3	61%	2	2.2	0.9	1.33	36	22	6	8
	Leyology	Bristol City Holiday	26.3.0.1	43%	1.61	1.8	1.2	0.54	46	20	14	12

In FM 26, I developed a tactical system inspired by the playing philosophy of SV Elversberg. The idea was to recreate their brave, structured and vertically aggressive style of football — high pressing, quick transitions, intelligent positional rotations and collective compactness both in and out of possession.

The system is built around proactive football. In possession, the team focuses on controlled build-up from the back, creating central overloads while maintaining width through attacking full-backs. The structure shifts slightly depending on the phase of play, but the core principle remains the same: dominate space, press aggressively, and attack with purpose.

The striker operates as an Advanced Forward, constantly stretching the defensive line and attacking space behind it. He is the primary goal threat and benefits from quick vertical passes and early crosses.

Behind him, the attacking midfielder acts as the creative hub. Positioned between the lines, he links midfield and attack, provides key passes and makes late runs into the box.

The wide players play an essential role in the system. They either cut inside to create central overloads or stay wide to isolate defenders. Combined with the attacking full-backs, they ensure constant width and depth.

In midfield, the balance is created by a deeper playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder. The playmaker controls the tempo and distributes the ball from deeper areas, while the box-to-box midfielder adds energy, pressing intensity and vertical runs.

The full-backs are crucial for the tactical identity. They push high in possession, overlap aggressively and provide crossing options, but must also recover quickly during defensive transitions.

The centre-backs remain composed in build-up and support the high defensive line. With a sweeper keeper behind them, the team can defend aggressively and compress the field.

This Elversberg-inspired approach was tested with SV Elversberg, FC Porto and Liverpool FC. The most impressive results came with Liverpool, winning the league title, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup in one season.

The system proves that a clear structure, coordinated pressing and vertical bravery can work at every level — from Elversberg to the very top of European football.

Download Elversberg.fmf (940 B)