There are a range of formations in Top Eleven (from classical to modern). Each formation has its tactics which make them highly efficient when used correctly.
By the way, if you have at one time or another thought or searched for the best Top Eleven formations, then you do not need to do that or worry anymore. We share just that here.
As a matter of sharing, we share not only the best Top Eleven formations but also the tactics you can use for each best Top Eleven formations to make your team secure a 70-100% success rate.
Table of Contents
So, all you have to do now is sit back and read, slow and steady.
Below are all the best Top Eleven formations and their recommended tactics.
Let’s get into this.
The Attacking Powerhouse 3-1-3-3 Formation
The 3-1-3-3 formation features three defenders and one semi-defensive midfielder who contributes both defensively and midfieldly. The formation also has three advanced attackers, who exert pressure on opponents even when there is no opportunity to score goals.
The 3-1-3-3 formation is the Top Eleven best formation as the formation has a heavy attacking force made up of six attacking players (LMF, RMF, AMF, LWF, RWF, and CF).
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Attacking
- Focus Passing: Mixed or Short
- Force Counter-attacks: Off
- Pressing Style: Low
- Tackling Style: Easy
- Offside Trap: Off
- Marking Style: Zonal
The Balanced 4-3-3 Formation
The 4-3-3 formation is known for its balance. With four defenders, three midfielders, and three attackers, the formation puts your players in a position that covers every part of the field.
In this formation, the attackers are positioned upfront and always ready to threaten the opponent’s box.
One thing you must do in this formation, to excel, is to have a midfield player with a Playmaker/Dribler playstyle or a striker who possesses a One-on-one scorer playstyle in Top Eleven
The 4-3-3 formation is the second Top Eleven best formation due to its ability to attack with six attacking players (MC, MC, MC, ST ST ST) while being more balanced than overly attacking.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Attacking
- Focus Passing: Mixed
- Force Counter-attacks: Off
- Pressing Style: Low
- Tackling Style: Easy
- Offside Trap: Off
- Marking Style: Zonal
The Adaptable 4-5-1 Formation
The 4-5-1 formation offers a balance between offense and defense. To excel in a 4-5-1 formation in the Top Eleven, you’ll need well-trained AML (Attacking Midfield Left) and AMR (Attacking Midfield Right) players. These wide midfielders provide support to the lone striker, ensuring a strong offensive presence.
If you want to go with this formation, we recommend you have a DMC with the Playmaker playstyle plus an AML and AMR with the Shadow Striker/Dribler playstyle.
4-5-1 is the best Top Eleven formation for defense since it has four players at the defense line, plus three more (a DMC and two MCs) who can join when the situation demands that.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Normal
- Focus Passing: Flanks
- Force Counter-attacks: Yes
- Pressing Style: Low
- Tackling Style: Hard
- Passing Style: long
- Marking Style: Zonal
The Midfield Dominator 3-1-5-1 Formation
The 3-1-5-1 formation consists of five midfielders, all of which guarantee your game will be highly possession-controlling. When facing tough opponents, you can use this formation to create a wall of midfielders in the middle of the pitch. The downside, however, is that you have only one striker in the attacking position. The responsibility of this lone striker is to receive passes and go for goal.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Normal
- Focus Pass: Middle
- Force Counter-attacks: Yes
- Pressing Style: High Pressing style
- Tackling Style: Easy
- Passing Style: long
- Marking Style: Zonal
The Well-Balanced 4-3-2-1 Formation
The 4-3-2-1 formation offers a balance between offense and defense. This formation deploys three players at attacking. Meanwhile, the central midfielders have the potential to act as a fifth attacker in crucial moments.
In a counter-attacking situation, this formation ensures numerical superiority, providing a strong transition from defense to attack. The formation is good for both offensive and defensive play, making it a favorite choice for many managers.
For this formation, we recommend you have an MC that plays Playmaker, as well as an AMR and AML that plays Shadow Striker playstyle.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Attacking
- Focus Passing: Down both Flanks
- Force Counter-attacks: No
- Pressing Style: High
- Tackling Style: Normal
- Passing Style: Long
- Marking Style: Zonal
The Hybrid 3-4-1-2 Formation
The 3-4-1-2 formation is a modern hybrid formation designed to stretch out and dismantle opponents. To make the most of this formation, you’ll need three solid center-backs (CB) and a top-notch defensive midfielder. In matches where you face an opponent whose attackers score very often, this formation will stall that — right from the midfield.
So, apart from having quality CBs, we recommend you have an MR/ML who has the Dribler playstyle, or/with an AMC who possesses the Shadow Striker playstyle.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Attacking
- Focus Passing: Mixed
- Force Counter-attacks: No
- Pressing Style: High
- Tackling Style: Normal
- Passing Style: Mixed
- Marking Style: Zonal
The Classic 4-4-2 Formation
While the 4-4-2 formation may be one of the oldest formations, don’t underestimate its effectiveness.
The 4-4-2 is a strong defensive setup. The four defenders and four midfielders both form two different blocks of defense opposing players have to pass through. Meanwhile, as these two walls are on, two attackers are always on alert to challenge the opposition’s defenders. And when the opportunity arises, the opponent’s full-backs or midfielders drop back and help in defense, creating more space for your team to attack deep.
Note, in Top Eleven, for the 4-4-2 formation to work fine you must have a goalkeeper who is a One-on-one stopper, a center midfielder who is a Playmaker, and a left midfielder or/with a right midfielder who is a dribbler.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Normal
- Focus Passing: Mixed
- Force Counter-attacks: Yes
- Pressing Style: High
- Tackling Style: Normal
- Passing Style: Mixed
- Marking Style: Man-To-Man
The Tiki Taka 4-1-2-1-2 Formation
The 4-1-2-1-2 formation is a modern-day formation. This formation can also be referred to as the Tiki Taka formation.
The formation consists of a defensive midfielder, responsible for covering the backline with the traditional four defenders, while a playmaker with limited defensive duties but more offensive duties teams up with the two midfielders in the middle of the pitch, and they all both team up with the two attackers the forward line.
One thing you should know is that the 4-1-2-1-2 formation helps affect long ball retention and precise build-up play. So, ensure you have or purchase an attacking midfielder with a shadow striker playstyle.
Recommended Tactics:
- Team Mentality: Normal
- Focus Passing: Through the middle
- Force Counter-attacks: Yes
- Pressing Style: High
- Tackling Style: Hard
- Passing Style: Mixed
- Marking Style: Man-To-Man
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