This guide will talk you through what a successful WM tactic can look like and how to implement this on FM22.
This guide will talk you through what a successful WM tactic can look like
and how to implement this on FM22.
This article is part of a series on famous tactical styles. While this tactic can work successfully as a plug-and-play tactic, it is recommended that players use this as a basic form of a certain style. Some slight adjustments may be necessary to play to your side’s strengths.
Before there was 4-4-2, there was WM and variations thereof. Pioneered by Arsenal’s Herbert Chapman in the 1920s, WM was developed due to a change in the offside rules, which made it necessary for teams to have a direct counter to the opposition centre forward. Despite being almost 100 years since its inception, a modernised WM can still be highly effective if deployed properly.
What is WM?
WM is a highly structured formation, named for the shapes formed by the attacking and defensive units on the pitch.
While a truly faithful WM would be almost impossible in modern football, I’ve created a modern twist which remains faithful to Chapman’s ingenuity.
Firstly, success with WM relies on winning two individual battles: your centre-forward vs the opposition centre back; and your centre back vs the opposition centre-forward. Your centre-forward is the spearhead of every attack and operates as a complete forward. This isn’t a job for the faint of heart; you’ll need someone with a great work rate, imposing physicality and excellent goalscoring ability. Good heading is also a must. At the other end, your centre-back needs to be able to counter whatever the opposition centre-forward throws at him.
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Rather than using a pair of number 10s in addition to wingers, we’ll be using forward-thinking CMs to create the same effect (specifically, a mezzala and a box-to-box midfielder). This creates a more balanced tactic than using 5 out and out attackers. As I’m sure you’ve guessed by the presence of wingers in the above image, we’ll be playing wide. You’ll want some good old-fashioned wingers who like getting chalk on their boots. Pace and crossing ability is essential. Good width also creates space for your complete forward to drop into occasionally, and for your CMs to exploit.
Your two DMs will operate as half-backs, with instructions to mark opposition wingers. This allows you to keep the opposing wide players quiet, and lets your two wide centre backs pick up runners. The wide CBs will also provide support in containing opposing wingers when necessary whilst also fulfilling their duties as CBs against the aerial threat. Your only dedicated CB has one job: to keep the opposing number 9 out of the game.
This is an incredibly structured tactic where everyone has their own job to do, particularly defensively. The good news is it’s very difficult to break down, particularly through the middle. You’ll also find the attacking football exciting, as your mezzala benefits from much of the creative freedom in the side. While the defensive side of this tactic is very finely balanced, there’s plenty of scope to tinker with your attacking instructions, so you can really mould the attack in your own vision or exploit specific weaknesses in the opposition.
How does it look on FM22?
Rather than using a pair of number 10s in addition to wingers, we’ll be using forward-thinking CMs to create the same effect (specifically, a mezzala and a box-to-box midfielder). This creates a more balanced tactic than using 5 out and out attackers. As I’m sure you’ve guessed by the presence of wingers in the above image, we’ll be playing wide. You’ll want some good old-fashioned wingers who like getting chalk on their boots. Pace and crossing ability is essential. Good width also creates space for your complete forward to drop into occasionally, and for your CMs to exploit.
Your two DMs will operate as half-backs, with instructions to mark opposition wingers. This allows you to keep the opposing wide players quiet, and lets your two wide centre backs pick up runners. The wide CBs will also provide support in containing opposing wingers when necessary whilst also fulfilling their duties as CBs against the aerial threat. Your only dedicated CB has one job: to keep the opposing number 9 out of the game.
This is an incredibly structured tactic where everyone has their own job to do, particularly defensively. The good news is it’s very difficult to break down, particularly through the middle. You’ll also find the attacking football exciting, as your mezzala benefits from much of the creative freedom in the side. While the defensive side of this tactic is very finely balanced, there’s plenty of scope to tinker with your attacking instructions, so you can really mould the attack in your own vision or exploit specific weaknesses in the opposition.
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This tactic is a real throwback to a bygone era of football. While it may take some getting used to, and will certainly require a very specific form of player recruitment, I’m positive you’ll be able to find success with this tactic.
Final Thoughts
This tactic is a real throwback to a bygone era of football. While it may take some getting used to, and will certainly require a very specific form of player recruitment, I’m positive you’ll be able to find success with this tactic.
