JertzeeAFCW

I am playing 442 (well, 4-1-2-1-2 diamond)and need to know what instructions to give a DM. He is playing just in front of the back 4 (in front of him is an AMC, and we have 2 wingers)

Basically the scenarios will be
a) opposing team playing an attacking 442
b) opposing team with a VERY good AMC that needs "looking after" by the DMC
c)At home and attacking a poorer team

Thanks

JertzeeAFCW

Maybe I need to be more specific.

DFor the 3 scenarios what should the DM do in terms of Marking (Tight? Man or Zonal?). also what about Marking Tight vs Closing Down?

kolobok

Hi JertzeeAFCW,

I play the same formation. Usually I set DM to Closing Down first notch of "Often", zonal marking, Try Through Ball "Often", CF "Normal" (though about 8-9), Run with ball and Forward Runs Mixed. His mentality should be close to CDs', but the exact slider position depends on other players settings. I wouldnt go for man marking for DM as I believe his role is mainly to intercept paces, press opposition, piick up lose balls and start attack. If he is on man marking instruction, an opposition player will be near him almost always, so he is under pressure.
Check out Cleon's Schefield United project thread, he uses the same formation and there is DM instruction. You may want to start from there.

BUT... I believe everything depends on a player you have. If your DM has good technique, passing, decisions and creativity, you can use him as a playmeker and give him more CF. If he is extremely good, you can even give him a free role (though with mentality close to defensive to make sure he covers his zone). I would suggest to analyze your DM strong sides and use settings to utilize them.

Hope it helps

JertzeeAFCW

thanks

socks

Be careful about setting closing down settings for any player too high. They will often run out of position to close down, and in the case of a DM it will leave the back 4 exposed.

The DM by default will close down a little anyway, with the slider in the middle, so personally I tend to leave it there as I have found it most effective.

mikegilbert9

I play a standard 4-4-2 so dont use a dm but one of my mc has a diagonally back arrow pointing to the dm position, therefore should his instructions be the same has if was as dm or not