Best 5-4-1 Flat tactic in EA FC 25

The 5-4-1 Flat is one of the least used and underrated formations in EA FC 25. The setup boasts one of the most solid defensive structures, featuring three CBs (center-backs). Some naysayers might label it as the notorious “park the bus” strategy, where the team stays back on their half and intercepts opponents' attacks. However, that is not the case here.

Instead, we’ll focus on a completely different perspective of the 5-4-1 Flat formation. By assigning the right roles to each player using the newly introduced FC IQ system, you can effectively pressure your opponent in their final third, even with this defensive setup.

Keeping that in mind, this article will guide you on what custom tactics you should use to fully utilize your players in the 5-4-1 formation in EA FC 25.

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Insight about 5-4-1 Flat formation in EA FC 25

The classic 5-4-1 Flat formation in EA FC 25 is quite different from other traditional setups. It consists of three center-backs (CBs) and two wingbacks, along with two central midfielders (CMs), a left midfielder (LM), and a right midfielder (RM).

The midfielders must execute both short and long passes to build pressure on the opponent’s penalty box. There is only one striker who’ll lead the forward line. To sum it up, this formation emphasizes fluidity among players to yield the best results.

In this setup, the LM and RM play pivotal roles. At least one of them must take the Inside Forward role, acting as an inverted winger to score goals for the team.

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Best custom tactics to use for 5-4-1 Flat formation in EA FC 25

The 5-4-1 formation's best custom tactics EA FC 25 (Image via EA Sports)

Now, let's take a look at the proper custom tactics you can use for the 5-4-1 Flat formation.

Firstly, the Build-Up Style should be set to Balanced, and the Defensive Approach must be set to High. By maintaining a high line, opponents’ forwards can easily fall for an offside trap. On the other hand, a Balanced build-up will keep your build-up optimal; the backline can maintain equilibrium both in attack and defense.

Here is each individual player's role and focus in EA FC 25:

• ST: Advanced Forward with Attack focus
• CAM: Shadow Striker with focus on Attack
• LM: Inside Forward with a Balanced focus
• RM: Winger with a Balanced mentality
• RCM: Box-to-Box with a Balanced focus
• LCM: Box-to-Box with a focus on Balanced
• LB: Wingback with Balanced
• RB: Fullback with Balanced focus
• CB (on the left): Defender with Defend mentality
• CB (on the right): Stopper with Balanced focus
• CB (on the center): Defender with a focus on Defend
• GK: Goalkeeper with a Balanced mentality

In this Flat formation, the striker should adopt the Advanced Focus role, finding spaces behind the opponent’s backline and occasionally dropping back to assist with build-up play. One of the wide midfielders should take on the Inside Forward role, acting as an inverted winger, while the other should serve as a winger to support play on the flanks.

Both central midfielders (CMs) should have a box-to-box role, contributing to both attack and defense. One of the wingbacks should take on the Wingback role, pushing slightly into the midfield to aid in ball possession and dropping back when necessary. The other wingback should remain in the Fullback role, staying back in defense.

The three center-backs (CBs) should maintain their positions, but you might want to consider using a ball-playing defender to initiate counter-attacks from your final third.

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