The early access for FM24 has now been available for a while, so I thought I would do the first tactic testing for the new edition.
The tactic that I tested and was most successful with so far has been 4231 Structura x Reloaded ll by Delicious Story/Delicious Assembler, who was one of our favourite tactic creators from FM23. As is usually the case with Delicious, the tactic didn’t disappoint.
How is the tactic set up?
This tactic is very similar to Delicious’ 4231 Extreme Volts XIX from last year’s edition, which was my go-to tactic for Plug and Play in FM23.
Although I have used this tactic for only a limited time, I would say it has the potential to be another go-to tactic this season.
As the title says, the tactic is set up in the FM favourite 4231 formation, using an attacking mentality.
The goalkeeper is set on sweeper keeper on defend duty. The back four is made up of two wing-backs on attack duty, flanking two ball-playing defenders on defend duty. In front of the backline is two segundo volantes on support duty.
In attack, out wide are two inside forwards on attack duty, with a shadow striker also on attack duty sandwiched in between the wide players. Up front is a classic advanced forward on attack duty.
Looking at the tactic screen, it shows that many players built strong partnerships. The full-backs and the wingers developed excellent relationships, as did the two volantes in the middle of the pitch. The formation and style of play suited the available players well.
How did the tactic perform?
Everton was predicted to finish in 13th place in the Premier League at the beginning of the season. However, the team finished fifth place in the table and claimed a Europa League spot.
The team finished the season with a respectable goal difference of 24, having scored 79 goals and conceded 55 goals. Neither of those stats really stands out, but they are solid numbers.
One interesting facet of the season was that the team had the third-best away record in the Premier League, with only champions Manchester United and third-place Manchester City bettering that record on their travels in the Premier League.
Another thing that stood out using this tactic was that the team finished the season in a strong manner, winning four of the last five matches in the English top-flight.
The team failed to do much in the cup competitions. They suffered a Fourth-Round defeat against Tottenham in the FA Cup while exiting the Carabao Cup at the same stage against Arsenal.
Who were the best-performing players using this tactic?
As we previously talked about, this tactic brought the best out of many of the players. Here are the top performers in various categories:
Highest average season rating
The players with the highest season average are jointly inside forward Jack Harrison and advanced forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who both picked up season average ratings of 7.05.
Surprisingly, versatile youngster Mackenzie Hunt was the only other player to break the 7.00 barrier in the squad, as he produced a 7.00 rating over nine appearances, scoring two goals.
Dele Alli and Nathan Patterson both picked up season-average ratings of 6.99, while Vitaliy Mykolenko picked up a rating of 6.98.
Who were the top goalscorers?
This tactic produced a good number of goals. The team’s highest scorer was inevitably advanced forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who plundered 28 goals in 42 appearances.
Jack Harrison was also effective in front of goal, finding the net 12 times in 36 appearances. Fellow wide man Dwight McNeil also found the net ten times over the course of the campaign.
Amadou Onana, Arnaut Danjuma and Dele Alli also contributed seven goals apiece. At the same time, Abdoulaye Doucoure also scored five times in a season where he was in and out of the team.
Who were the main creative players?
When it comes to assists, right-back Nathan Patterson topped the charts, producing an impressive 13. Arnaut Danjuma was also a creative force, helping his teammates with nine assists, while Harrison also bagged just one less assist than his teammate.
Idrissa Gueye, Vitaly Mykolenko and Dele Alli also produced six assists, while Onana and James Garner had five assists apiece.
What is my conclusion on this tactic?
I have to say it is very early when it comes to testing tactics for FM24, as the game hasn’t been officially released just yet. However, as early tactics go, this is a very solid start to FM24 for me.
I can’t say I have used many tactics on the latest edition just yet. However, over the coming months, I will no doubt use many tactics and give my thoughts on the best ones I can find.
For now, though, the 4231 Structura X reloaded ll by Delicious Story will be the one I am using in my personal game. I would highly recommend using the tactic as a Plug and Play option for now.
Have you used the 4231 Structura X Reloaded ll by Delicious Story? Let us know your thoughts on the tactic via our socials
