We are back with more tactic testing on FM26. The latest tactic we are testing is the GYR Red Guardian 343 FM26 by one of our favourite tactic creators, GYR. The tactic brought some good things and not-so-good things to our test.
How was the tactic set up?
So, as is usually the case, we did test with Everton. We holidayed a whole season, having made no transfers and used the tactic throughout the campaign.
Although in the title it says ‘343’, the formation is more of a 3-4-2-1, using a Gegenpress style and an attacking mentality.
The formation starts with a sweeper keeper in goal. In front of the last line of the defence are two stopping wide centre-backs sandwiching a centre-back out of possession. In possession, the back three are all ball-playing centre-backs.
Further advance is a line of four players that contains two advanced wing-backs in possession and normal wing-backs out of possession. The two players flank a defensive midfielder in and out of possession, alongside a box-to-box midfielder in possession, who becomes a defensive midfielder out of possession.
Two attacking midfielders, in and out of possession, support a lone centre-forward in possession, who becomes a central outlet centre-forward out of possession.
In this formation, not only do the lone forward and attacking midfielders pose an attacking threat, but the wing-backs and one of the central midfielders also tend to join attacks.
How did the tactic perform?
The team were predicted to finish in 10th place but ended up slightly overperforming, finishing eighth, just two points adrift of the European spots.
In normal circumstances, I wouldn’t usually post this tactic, as I usually only post articles about tactics that have excelled. However, I posted this one because I like the tactic’s shape and mentality.
One of the standout stats using this tactic was that the team had the fifth-best goal difference in the league, scoring 63 goals and conceding just 42, which is a good result over the campaign.
There were not many other standout stats from using this tactic. However, I did notice that the team experienced a poor run of form from late February to early May, during which they went on a nine-game winless run.
Winning the last three games of the season was a case of too little too late to snatch one of those European spots. Maybe it was a case of fatigue. With Everton having a small squad, the team may have run out of steam during that poor period.
A club with a stronger squad would have probably handled that period better than Everton.
The team experienced embarrassment in the FA Cup, as they exited at the hands of lower-league Lincoln City in the third round. However, they reached the Carabao Cup final, only to lose 4-0 to Manchester City.
Which players performed well in this tactic?
This tactic didn’t yield unbelievable results for many players. It was more steady than spectacular. However, one player who did excel in this tactic was young left-wing/left-wing-back Adam Aznou.
The Moroccan isn’t usually a player who features heavily in most of my Everton saves. This tactic brought the best out of the former Barcelona youngster, though, as he picked up a team-high 7.27 average season rating.
He started only 12 games, but also made 25 substitute appearances, scoring four times and producing an impressive 12 assists.
The team’s top goalscorer was Iliman Ndiaye, who played as the main centre forward at times and also in one of the attacking midfield roles.
Striker Thierno Barry was just one goal behind in terms of goals, as he scored 15 goals, although he only started 13 games, while making 25 appearances off the substitutes’ bench.
The next-highest goalscorer on the team was Carlos Alcaraz, who operated as one of the attacking midfielders. The Argentinian international scored eight times, while producing three assists.
In terms of assists, the next biggest providers of assists were Jack Grealish from an attacking midfield position and wing-back Vitalii Mykolenko, who both produced a respective nine assists.
Right wing-back Seamus Coleman and central midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also managed seven assists, which was a good return, especially from the latter, who only started 24 games all season.
What is our conclusion on this tactic?
I really like the idea of this shape and formation. I do believe it would achieve better results with a team that has more first-team-level quality players.
I have noticed on FM26 that players tend to pick up more injuries and gain fatigue more quickly than in previous editions, especially when you play a Gegenpressing style.
As previously mentioned, this factor may have contributed to the team’s nine-game winless run towards the end of the season.
This is a tactic I will likely try out on my personal saves, as I like the shape, style, and mentality. It could be argued that the tactic was successful, as it exceeded the predicted outcome at the start of the season.
Qualifying for Europe with this tactic for a team like Everton would not be unreasonable, especially if you watch the games and make adjustments, such as substituting tired players.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this tactic to anyone looking for a well-balanced approach and who has the players to get the most out of it.
Have you used the GYR Red Guardian 343 FM26? If so, let us know your thoughts on the tactic via our socials
