Deep Lying Forward FM24 Role Guide

Summary

In this video, the Deep Line Forward role in Football Manager is explored, highlighting its key characteristics and tactical benefits. The Deep Line Forward is a striker who drops into the midfield during buildup and transition phases, creating space for teammates. The video emphasizes tactical versatility, ideal formations, and how this role can complement other striker positions like the Advanced Forward. A player example from a Kyoto FC save illustrates how a strong, adaptable Deep Line Forward can lead to creative playmaking, goal-scoring opportunities, and unpredictable attacks that confound defenders.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Deep Lying Forward (DLF) is a striker role focused on dropping into midfield during buildup and transitions.
• 😀 Unlike the Advanced Forward, the DLF is more passive and aims to create space by pulling defenders out or exploiting space if they drop off.
• 😀 Creating space is a fundamental aspect of the DLF role, as it provides opportunities for teammates to make runs and create goal-scoring chances.
• 😀 A 4-4-2 formation with two defensive midfielders, attacking wingers, and an Advanced Forward can work effectively with the DLF.
• 😀 The DLF role can be used in both single-striker and two-striker systems, with attack or support duties depending on the tactical setup.
• 😀 The best striker to complement the DLF is an Advanced Forward, as they push the defensive line while the DLF drops back, creating mismatches for the defense.
• 😀 When the DLF is placed on attack duty, they will press forward more aggressively, while support duty sees them drop deeper into midfield.
• 😀 Player attributes such as height, strength, and the ability to use both feet are beneficial for a DLF, enabling them to hold off defenders and be unpredictable.
• 😀 In the example from Kyoto FC, Tashi Hara exemplifies the DLF role's effectiveness, contributing 16 goals or assists with his hold-up play and versatile attacking runs.
• 😀 The DLF's deep positioning in midfield can confuse defenders, who have to choose between marking the DLF or leaving space for other attackers to exploit.
• 😀 A well-balanced DLF system, like the 4-4-2 with attacking wingers, allows for unpredictability and variety in how goals are scored, keeping the defense guessing.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the Deep Lying Forward (DLF) role in Football Manager?

The Deep Lying Forward (DLF) is a striker role that drops into the midfield during buildup play or counterattacks, looking to receive passes and create space. Unlike more aggressive striker roles, the DLF is focused on linking up play and drawing defenders out of position.

How does the Deep Lying Forward contribute to creating space on the field?

By dropping into the midfield, the DLF either forces defenders to push up and mark them, opening space in behind, or the defenders drop back, allowing the DLF more room to operate. This creates space for teammates to exploit, leading to better attacking opportunities.

What makes the Deep Lying Forward role tactically versatile?

The DLF is tactically versatile because it can be used effectively in both single-striker and double-striker systems. In a two-striker setup, the DLF works alongside a partner like an Advanced Forward to create mismatches for the defense.

Why is creating space so important when building a tactic around the Deep Lying Forward?

Creating space is crucial because it opens up attacking lanes, making it easier to generate scoring chances. When there are fewer defenders in key areas, players can exploit gaps more effectively, leading to more successful attacks.

How do aggressive and passive roles around the Deep Lying Forward affect the team’s attacking output?

If too many passive roles surround the DLF, it can congest the midfield and prevent players from making runs into space. Aggressive roles, such as attacking wingers or midfielders making runs in behind, help maximize the DLF’s ability to create space and generate attacking opportunities.

What are some effective formations to use the Deep Lying Forward in?

Formations like the 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 work well for the Deep Lying Forward, as they allow space for the DLF to drop into midfield while having aggressive runners around them. However, formations like the 4-2-3-1 can be more challenging, as the DLF might conflict with an attacking midfielder in the same space.

What is the difference between the DLF on Support duty and Attack duty?

On Support duty, the DLF drops deeper into the midfield and focuses on linking play. On Attack duty, the DLF makes more aggressive runs into the penalty box, pressing forward to create scoring chances. Both duties involve dropping back to receive the ball, but the Attack duty adds more direct forward movement.

Why is the combination of a Deep Lying Forward and an Advanced Forward effective?

The combination of a DLF and an Advanced Forward works well because one striker (the DLF) drops deeper, pulling defenders out of position, while the other (the Advanced Forward) presses higher up, making runs in behind the defense. This creates confusion for defenders, making it harder for them to mark both strikers.

What qualities should a player have to excel in the Deep Lying Forward role?

A player in the DLF role should have good height, strength, and the ability to use both feet effectively. This allows them to hold off defenders, distribute the ball well, and make unpredictable movements in attack.

Can you give an example of a successful player in the Deep Lying Forward role?

In the video, Tashi Hara from Kyoto is highlighted as an example of a successful DLF. Despite Kyoto being predicted to finish 17th in the league, they are currently 5th, with Hara involved in 16 of their 34 goals. Hara’s ability to hold off defenders and his strong weaker foot have made him a key player in the team’s success.