how to play against strange 5-2-2-1

Attachment 2867

this is the formation, it's more difficult to beat than you expect

advices?

You need to attack down both flanks (focus passing there), so ML/MR or AML/AMR are needed. It looks strong down the middle and at the back.

I think you need 3 or 4 at the back, 1 or 2 DMC, 1 or 2 MC with ML & MR, and 2 ST or 1 AMC & 1 ST. E.g. 3W-2DMC-3W-1AMC-1.

Don't use offside trap. If he is stronger, then play own half with counter attack. Normal/Defensive mentality, normal tackling, zonal marking.

at the end i won 0-1, and he has been lucky in a couple of times...

i played with a 3-1-4-2 at the beginning, but the DMC was hurt at the 20° more or less, so i had to switch to a 3-4-3 having no other valuable player who could play :)

ST ST
ML MC MC MR
DMC
DC DC DC
GK

ST ST ST
ML MC MC MR
DC DC DC
GK