We are back with our last tactic test, this time testing the 3-2-3-2 (ME Friendly) by prolific FM tactic creator RDF, whose work we have enjoyed in the past. Read on to discover if this tactic was as good as some of the creator’s previous work.
The conditions of the test
We tested this tactic using the Everton squad from the latest official update. I used the holiday option for an entire season. We made no changes or transfers and didn’t tweak anything during the campaign, so this result is from the tactic alone and involves none of my brilliant tactical genius!
What’s the tactical setup?
The tactic’s mentality is balanced, aiming for that all-important balance that we always discuss in tactic testing. However, the 3-2-3-2 formation suggests this team is set up to attack.
The goalkeeper is sweeper keeper with attack duty. In front of the last line of defence are two ball-playing defenders and a central defender on defend. The trio are the only players in the team with the defend duty.
In front of them, helping the backline out is a defensive midfielder and a volante, both on support. The defensive midfielder and segundo volante are primarily defensive roles in this team. They are badly needed due to the attacking set-up in front of the midfield.
In the attacking midfield roles, there are two wingers on support, flanking an attacking midfielder on support too. In attack, a false number nine on support plays behind a poacher also on attack.
Even though it looks like an attacking formation on paper, the seven players on support effectively attempt to give the team a balance of sorts.
How did the tactic perform?
The team was predicted to finish 16th place in the table. The tactic helped the team overachieve slightly, finishing 12th place on 50 points. However, some things didn’t work with this tactic.
For instance, my initial thought of thinking this tactic was slightly too attacking was proven right, as the team conceded 82 goals. Only the two relegated clubs conceded more goals in the Premier League, which would be a concern with this tactic.
The poor defensive record led to a goal difference of -13, despite the team scoring 69 goals. The attacking performance was far more positive, as only the league’s top four had a better goal tally in the English top flight.
The team’s results in the cup competitions were not great, as the team exited the FA Cup in the fifth round to Manchester City. Meanwhile, a second-round defeat to Oxford United in the Carabao Cup was also disappointing.
Who were the top performers in the team?
Taking everything into account, it is not surprising that the forward players were the best performers in the team. Unsurprisingly, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the highest-rated player over the season, with an average rating of 7.58 after scoring an impressive 29 goals in 31 appearances while also producing seven assists.
When it comes to goals, backup forward Neal Maupay grabbed ten goals and four assists, while winger Demarai Gray matched the Frenchman’s goal tally while also producing nine assists from either a right-wing position or the false number nine role. Average rating-wise, they were above the best over the season with ratings of 7.10 and 7.04, respectively.
French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure was selected as the attacking midfielder, scoring eight times and producing four assists.
The assist chart was topped by our old friend Dwight McNeil, who, from his left-wing position, produced 17 assists and scored three goals. Alex Iwobi was also among the assists, too, as it seems he was the first-choice right-winger, as he had nine assists and scored four goals.
These stats suggest that with this tactic, your forward players will thrive, as all the attacking players in the squad produced decent stats for the season.
What is my conclusion?
This tactic was not as crazy as its title suggests. As with any tactic in FM, I believe that with the right players, this tactic could be successful. You will concede lots of goals with this tactic, but you will also score goals too, and it will provide you with lots of entertainment.
I can’t help thinking that it could have been far more solid with defenders more suited to this tactic. RDF stated at some stage that this tactic is not for every team. I would agree. It’s not game-breaking like some tactics we have tried in the past. However, it has potential for sure with the right team.
Would I try this tactic in my personal save? Yes, I probably would, as with better players, I am sure this tactic could bring FM players great joy, and that’s what we are looking for when playing FM, fun and excitement.
Have you used Crazy 3-2-3-2 (ME friendly) by RDF, and if so, what are your thoughts on the tactic?
