After the success of our tactic-testing series over the last few years, we thought we would return with a new version for FM26. Although there is not the same wealth of tactics that have been produced for FM24, we found a few impressive tactics.
The first tactic we tested was Black Panther by GYR, a pretty prolific creator of tactics in previous editions of the game. Fair to say, it did a pretty good job.
The conditions of the test and the setup of the tactic
As I have always done with my tactic testing, I used Everton as my starter team. No transfers, the tactic set while I went on holiday for a season.
The tactical setup was pretty simple. It was your usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The goalkeeper was set on sweeper keeper duty. The two full-backs were on WB, with pressing full-back roles on the out of possession (OOP), while the centre-backs were ball-playing centre-backs with the simple centre-back role.
In front of the back four are two defensive midfielders with the same OOP role. Further forward, this tactic uses two inside forwards out wide, with OOP of wide midfielders. Between the two inverted forwards is an attacking midfielder, who also has the same role OOP. At the top of the team is a channel forward, who becomes a centre-forward when out of possession.
How successful was the tactic?
Everton were expected to finish mid-table, around 11th, at the start of the season. However, the team excelled using this tactic. In fact, the Toffees finish 3rd-place in the Premier League table, claiming a Champions League spot.
Looking at the team’s stats from the season, going forward was certainly a strength, with 89 Premier League goals over the 38-game season. Only eventual champions Arsenal scored more goals than Everton in the English top-flight.
However, the team’s focus on attacking the defensive side of the game may have been slightly neglected, as it had the worst defensive record of any of the league’s top 12 teams.
The team had the third-best home and away records in the division. Although nine wins, one draw and nine defeats is not exactly a fantastic away record.
The team excelled in the FA Cup but was eventually defeated in the semi-finals 2-0 by Fulham. However, the team suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Blackburn Rovers in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Which players performed the best using this tactic?
Looking at the season’s stats, many attacking players thrived with this tactic. The one with the best goals and assists record was on loan, Jack Grealish, who scored 20 goals and also produced 12 assists. The inside-forward role suited him perfectly.
The role was also well-suited to Grealish’s wing partner, Dwight McNeil, who was also productive, scoring nine goals and seven assists. The player in between, Carlos Alcarez, was also outstanding in the attacking midfield role, scoring 19 goals and producing nine assists. In an attacking sense, he was a key player alongside Grealish.
Iliman Ndiaye played as the central striker, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists. A special mention is due to Tyler Dibling, who was in and out of the team but still managed to score eight goals and nine assists.
Meanwhile, striker Thierno Barry scored five goals and produced three assists, despite starting just three Premier League games. In fact, Barry earned the highest average rating over the season.
This tactic allowed the full-backs to attack and contribute assists, with Nathan Patterson picking up eight and Vitalii Mykolenko producing 7. Ageing club captain Seamus Coleman even managed five assists, while making three assists.
In all, the tactic brought out the best in most of the players in the squad, whether they were key or fringe players.
What is my assessment of the tactic?
Considering this is a new game and I haven’t actually used many tactics, it’s hard to compare them. However, any tactic that can propel Everton into the Champions League spots must be highly effective.
The tactic seems to be one that would be a highly entertaining one to watch, considering the number of goals scored at both ends of the pitch. If you’re looking for an entertaining 4-2-3-1 tactic that also gets results, the Black Panther may well be the one for you.
Have you used the Black Panther on FM26? If you have, let us know your thoughts on here or via socials
