Hi, I've also a 4-5-1 v-style opponent to face in champions league final.

Globally he's not so stronger than me,but has an 8-stars st,that should be cared in defensive strategy.

I tried once a 4-3N-3 countering formation and I won, but opponent was weaker and quite dismissed.
Vs higher opponents I would not risk a so offensive formation,unless required.

The defensive countering formation for 4-5-1 vstyle is 3dc-dml-dmr-3mc-2st, with target in the center or mixed.


I often use 4-5-1 vstyle and its variants ,but I change when required.

On the opposite,he's so sure with his 4-5-1 vstyle he never changes
(he cannot follow me,since we are not friends,but I often follow him, while supporting my friends vs him).

The variant of countering formation 3-2-3-2 will be 3-2-3-Aml-st , instead of st-st, and target will be mixed,to destabilize him.
Of course,high defensive,short pass and counterattack will be my choices