Linking Defense to Attack: While the CAM is primarily tasked with FC 25 Coins being the creative force, they also drop back to help the CDMs in maintaining the team's shape. This player is important for breaking up opposition plays through smart interceptions and pressing in the middle third.
Creating Counter-Attack Opportunities: The CAM has the vision and technical ability to quickly distribute the ball to the wingers or striker during a counter-attack. Their job is to unlock the opposition's defense with through balls, quick passes, or even long balls into space.
Pressing High: The CAM can also be involved in pressing higher up the pitch when necessary, cutting off passes to the opposition's playmakers or forwards, which disrupts the flow of the opponent’s offensive game.
4. Lone Striker with Hold-Up Play or Counter-Attacking Threat
Key Feature: The lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 Defensive Variant plays a more isolated role, focused on holding up the ball and serving as a counter-attacking outlet.
Hold-Up Play: This striker can be a target man who provides a physical presence up front, holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play when the ball is played long or passed forward. The striker’s job is to lay off passes to the CAM or wingers as they arrive in support.
Counter-Attacking Threat: In addition to hold-up play, the lone striker is also your main weapon on the break. As the opposition commits numbers forward, your striker should be able to make runs into open space, exploiting any gaps left by the attacking team. Their pace and positioning can create great opportunities for quick counter-attacks.
5. Full-Backs Playing a More Reserved Role
Key Feature: Unlike the attacking variants where full-backs often push up the pitch, the full-backs in the Defensive Variant are instructed to stay more reserved and focus on defensive duties.
Positioning: The full-backs stay deeper, supporting the CDMs and wingers in defensive situations. Their job is to prevent opposition wingers from getting behind them and offering crosses into the box.
Cross-Blocking and Covering: When the opposition is attacking through wide areas, your full-backs need to get in position to block crosses, making sure the attacking players don’t get easy deliveries into dangerous areas.
Overlapping in Attack: Though mainly reserved, the full-backs can occasionally overlap with the wingers to provide width when transitioning to attack. However, they will rarely push forward unless it's a clear opportunity to do so without buy FC 25 Coins compromising defensive stability.
