Step 4 – Assign defensive runs
After assigning the offensive runs, you can also add up to 2 defensive runs to each player. This will not only influence the running patterns when defending, but also impact the positioning and the area a player covers while you are not in possession of the ball.

I have assigned the right striker a forward pointing run when defending in order to make sure he stays up while the rest of the team defends. This makes him a target man for fast counter attacks, while the centre forward and the attacking midfielder build the first wall of defense.

The remaining four midfielders clog up the middle and are going to put pressure on the ball carrier. The centre back has to stop the remaining attacks that come through the middle, while the fullbacks have to cut off the support from the wings.

Step 5 – Name the formation
To finish the process off, you have to find a name for the formation you’ve just created…

Step 6 – Assign the formation
…and assign it to any club you like. At this point you can also assign the same created formation to multiple clubs if you wish.

Final Formation – Starting line-up
What’s left for me is to make some adjustments to the starting 11, and to justify why I want to play a 3-5-2 formation with Stuttgart:

•  Meira as a sweeper in front of the 2 man markers can lock down the middle by himself and also is able to contribute offensively
•  Tasci and Delpierre are strong man markers that can take the opponent strikers out of the game
•  Pardo and Khedira are excellent ball winners and have the ability to open the play as well
•  Bastuerk (when healthy) is a great offensive midfielder, who can dribble or play the deadly pass
•  Hitzlsperger and Hilbert can bring up the ball via the wings and provide good service for Gomez and Cacau

Always remember, every change you make will have an impact on the pitch, so make sure you practice your formation before playing against your mate.  As usual, only practice makes perfect!

Cheers,

--Marcel