Introduction: I'm just a mid-burst player, bounce between Div 4 and Div 3. I usually stop at Gold 2 for WL, but I can get to Gold 1 if you're interested in finishing all 30 games.
Since I started last year, I have been trying different configurations now and then. However, in a way, she always struggled with 4 formations in the back. I could not defend the back line 4 to save my life, and most of the 4atb configurations do not match the attack method.
3-5-2 was given through TOTS last year and I never looked back. This year I got 4-2-3-1, but found that my attack lacked any kind of threat. I tried 4-1-2-1-2 tight, but my defense was very weak and this formation was topping the pitch a lot because of my desire. I've also tried some 4-3-3 differences, but I struggled to get my wig more involved and the attacker felt isolated.
So … I went back to 3-5-2 and things got good again. Before getting into instructions and tactics, let me briefly explain why 3-5-2 is such a great composition.
First of all, it is unique in the sense that it is a formation that gives you two CDMs (like 4-2-3-1), two players on a large scale (like 4-3-3), two strikers as well as CAM (like 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow). This means that while you will be defensively powerful, your attack may be very diverse and unpredictable because you can attack from the wings or the center.
Second, with the correct instructions, you will always defend 6 players (3 players each, one from CDM, LM and RM), and attack with 6 players (2 STS, CAM, 1 CDM, LM and RM). It is well balanced.
Thirdly, having 3 CBs means you can always pull one CB up a little to the top of the field to break up the attacks even before you start, and you still have two CDMs and two CBs to provide enough cover.
The "problem" in this formation is that you need very specific players to succeed, otherwise you will collapse. Specifically, wide midfielders are the most important. We'll get into the cause soon.
Now, let's start with custom tactics.
defense
Defensive style: Balanced
I kept this balanced because I like the players to be where they should be when defending. I don't like differences in pressure because its aggressive nature means that my players can run out of center once I miss a problem.
Width: 4
I find 4 sweet points because I need 3 CBs for me to be a little far from each other when dealing with counterattack. Very wide, and there will be holes between my tanks. Very tight, and my wings are exposed if the wide midfielders cannot return on time.
Depth: 4/5
I try not to sit deep because I hate giving space to galleries to navigate out of the box. With fast and agile CBs, I love pulling one CB up the field to disable any attack.
a crime
Attack style: balanced.
I play the players manually so it works better "balanced" for me. You don't like Long Balls because it put me under attack if I get a pass somewhere.
Width: 5
I left it untouched at five. You don't want to be too crowded and you don't want your players to be far away.
Players in box: 6
I came across up to 6 to give me more attack options in the last third.
Free Corners and Kicks: completely up to you.
Now, the player's instructions.
GK and CBs: everything is default.
Your team players need good speed and perhaps good agility, because when they need to cover the wings when the wide midfielders cannot return in time, they will play just like their backs completely.
Exemplary players: Milito, Varane, Futamas Murillo, Diego Carlos, RTF Joe Gomez, RTF Joan Joan, Baby Cannavaro, Baby Carlos Alberto, Lucas Hernandez, RTTF Konate, Scream Ottamendi, Romani Scrim.
LM and RM: Come to the defense, stay wide.
The most important points for this configuration. LM and RM work as full appearances and flanks for your team, so you need players with high durability (at least 85) and speed, as well as very well rounded stats in defense and traffic. Ideal work rates are H / H but I find H / M acceptable. My suggestion is to start with 5atb formation and switch in the game because their full backs work really well.
Perfect players: IF Telles, League SBC Dalbert, Zambrotta, Mendy, IF Pereira, Mbabu, Alex Sandro, Roberto Carlos, League SBC Aguirregaray.
CDM 1: Center the lid, cut off the traffic lanes, and stay back during the attack.
Mainly destructive. He breaks plays and never wanders until the last third. Work rates should be M / H.
Exemplary players: Kanti, Alan, SBC Tonali League, SBC Patalia League, Witsel, De Jong, Vieira, Makelele.
CDM 2: Center the lid, cutting the passing lanes.
This will be your square to the midfielder box. So you need well-rounded stats across the board and someone with excellent stamina. It will contribute to the attack as much as your defense. The working rate should be H / H or H / M.
Perfect players: Flashback Polino, Sissoko, Wijnaldom, Goritska, Eiffel Delaney, Vidal, Ninggolan, Ballack, Matthus, Juliet.
Cam: Stay ahead.
The player that connects your defense to your attack. It is the focus of your team, so don't hold back in this situation. Work rate should be H / M or H / H. Good tolerability is a must.
Perfect Players: All You Love. Personally, I prefer hasty and enthusiastic players like Scream Insigne. Players like De Bruyne also work well if you know how to make the most of them.
STS: Get in the back.
Your attackers must constantly aspire to break the defensive line and reach the goal, so try to get players at a simple pace. Ideal work rates are H / M.
Perfect players: whatever suits you.
Edit: With this configuration, try to keep your possession and play formation strengths. Keep the ball in the middle of the field, wait for your opponent to start committing players in the middle and then spread it widely, direct it to your CAM, then release the ball as soon as you start STS. I find this gameplay fits well with the composition. Do not expect to be 0-100 mph.
(This is how my team plays in the game) (https://i.imgur.com/9JOAwk1.jpg) for your reference. I know I should be better off with this team, I've actually been one win over Elite WL, so I'm looking forward to Elite storming this WL. For reference, I've tried playing with 4atb squads this year, and haven't gotten more than 15 WL wins.
Explanation: I'm not saying 4atb formations are nonsense, I'm just saying it may not suit everyone's playing style. I know players who can go 30-0 in a tight 4-1-2-1-2 and 4-2-3-1. But if you're like me, well, maybe you could try 3-5-2 to see where it'll take you.
I know it can be scary to play with 3atb formation, but I really think it's more defensive stiffness than 4atb formations as long as you have the right staff, because you actually defend by 5atb most of the time. Give her a push, give her some time and maybe love her as much as I like. Frankly, it's a very fun, multi-dimensional, multi-dimensional formation that never gets tired.
Hope this guide helps some of you who have half thought of 3-5-2 experience on this WL. Feel free to ask any questions!
GG…but that’s not being an “average” player to be fair
Lovely lengthy guide, if I could add a little bit from my experience (500+ games) in 352 this year. The central CB in your 352 helps if they have solid distribution. A lot of people have been underwhelmed by baby pep at cdm, but he fits this role very well.
Edit: futmas atal is the best h/h fit I’ve found for my wide mids in 352. Acuna also worth a try but haven’t deviated from telles yet. H/M just doesn’t work on your wide players, they’ll be too far out of position when defending.
I’ll have to try some of these tactics. I recently built a 352, but it has felt all over the place tactically.
Players:
Donnarumma
FUTMAS Murillo, Scream Romagnoli, RTTF Juan Jesus
LM: FUTMAS Acuna
RM: 1IF Nainggolan
CDMs: SBC Battaglia, Allan
CAM: Politano
ST: Lautaro Martinez, RTTF Bolasie
I love the idea of Nainggolan and Acuna as wingbacks, because they literally can do everything and it helps a lot with the general possession scheme. Also nice that they can shoot when they inevitably wander into the box.
Have used 3-5-2 a decent amount this year to good success. I personally went free roam for the wingers, but just depends on what you want out of it.
Also, I would ask my strikers to track back on defense. It puts a lot, and i mean a lot of responsibility on your CAM but you now have 4 guys (wingers and strikers) running forward to give you passing options and hopefully guys streaking by the defense.
​
Finished Gold 1 with games to spare using 3-5-2. Sit in Div 6 consistently on Rivals.
Playing with the 352 is the most I’ve enjoyed FIFA the last two years. You pretty much nailed it. If you have the right players and instructions, the attacking can be very free flowing and unpredictable.
You can take the ball outside. You can tiki-taka like a narrow formation, you can even launch the sweaty counter at times.
I use Marcelo at LM and TOTYN Hazard at CAM and they are monsters in this formation.
Hello, fellow gentlemen of fine taste. This is my squad so far this year [https://www.futbin.com/20/squad/12127855](https://www.futbin.com/20/squad/12127855). I play Benzema as a false 9, and hope to upgrade to nif Hazard at CAM soon. Any suggestions for upgrades to the wingers and in general?
Thanks man
This is a really nice guide, thank you.I haven’t thought about 5atb and change in game in order to use full backs, that pretty much solves my headache with the left wing. Since you are open to questions… What can/should I improve in this line up in order to improve and better suit your suggestions? [https://www.futbin.com/20/squad/10689236](https://www.futbin.com/20/squad/10689236)
Just came here to say that i love your team. They arent all on ten chem right?
How do you like tonali? I have battaglia and love him (using shadow).
You could also play Nainggolans RW card if you have him.
Been using 3-5-2 for like 6 weeks now, the most fun formation Ive used. I used it a bit last year as well.
Futmas Vidal is my middle CB, absolute beast for me in that role.
Really good guide first off. I also run a 3-5-2 but I play it differently than you do and I wonder if there’s someplace I could change. [https://www.futbin.com/20/squad/12143303](https://www.futbin.com/20/squad/12143303) is my squad. One important thing is that I like to use players I like in real life (Danilo, Drogba, Willian) and players I pack (Hazard, Ronaldo, Varane) and sort of build my team around them, so 6 of my players are untradeable and only 3 aren’t first owner. I play balanced 9 depth 4 width defence and manually drop my defenders back. It may seem a bit mental but it’s the best way I’ve been able to defend since I realized I should stop charging my defenders at the attacker. My defenders are all pacy and decent on the ball so I intercept most passes and can play them to the wingers or CDMs. I play long ball, 6 width, 6 PIB, 1 Corners 3 Free Kicks on offense. I drop Hazard back and keep him wide but keep Willian on balanced, cut inside. Willian to me is more of a threat at making runs behind my strikers and getting an extra scorer in front of goal. Hazard is more of a ‘plan B’ to play the ball wide and start the attack from a different angle. I play the CDMs literally the exact same as you. I really enjoy Marcelo as a B2B and his 5 star skills are nice. I used to play both CDMS on balanced and use them to possess the ball around the box to get shots with my forwards/Dybala but that left me exposed for counters so I have Allan on stay back. Dybala is a player who I’m not sure about. He’s the only left footer in my attack and no one has 5 star weak foot so he’s basically necessary to keep the defenders honest and his finesse +inside the foot trait make him excellent from top of the box/just inside but I feel like he lacks in some areas and gets bullied sometimes. I’ve tried baby Barnes and might try Hagi but they just don’t feel right. I like Ronaldo and Drogba up front because they actually have a decent heading threat and are both exceptional at finishing. The bench is just my untradeables that I use for certain situations. KDB or Fabregas for Dybala if I am barely losing or barely winning respectively. Fabregas is a bit more well rounded and can help defend some if I need. Acuna for Hazard if he’s tired or I need to preserve a lead. Battaglia for Marcelo/Willian (and change RM tactics to the same as LM) if Marcelo is tired or I’m desperate for defense. Pique really only for red cards or injuries. Not really many situations where I’d need to sub a CB. Poli for LM/RM if needed or CAM/ST if I need a left footed sub. Ben Yedder because he’s incredible lol.
Also, if you think that you should get better WL finishes, just know that even with this team I still fight hard for Gold 3 and live on a wing and a prayer for Gold 2/Gold1. There’s no reason that you need to finish better just because you have a good team. Coming that close to elite and being in dvision 3 is far above average lol
Very nice guide. Been playing 3-5-2 since FIFA 15. Very balanced, unpredictable and fun.
What do you think of insigne in the long term i was thinking of getting him
352 is my go to formation if I am down or a tight game and I wana catch my opponent by surprise.
Btw nice on having battaglia, he is insane in game. Another good player for 352 is sbc Acosta as cam. I bring him as a sub when I switch to that formation and his dribbling is broken
I couldn’t agree more with your reasoning behind it being great. I struggled the same as you and switched to the 352 about a month ago, haven’t looked back. Love most of those instructions too, the cover center on the CDMs is so important!!
I start with 4 atb and use Futmas Gbamin as my middle CB in game. 7 depth. Both ST on drift wide as well as get in behind and the CAM on free roam. Other than that pretty much the same as you tactically! I move OTW Pepe to ST in game and he’s a freak.
Another 3-5-2 user! I’ve been loving it, went for the meta the last couple months but it always felt like something was missing but ever since I switched to 3-5-2 it’s been the most balance formation for me both going forward and defending. My team [here ](https://imgur.com/a/POTo6uU)
I have one noob questions how do you trigger runs manually?
nice
352 is still broken on the PC. Left mid keeps shifting over to the right side or centrally after scoring a goal. Sucks 🙁