The 4-2-3-1 is one of the most played formations in the modern-day era, and this is mainly down to teams wanting to emulate this high side. This Spanish side had some of the best ball manipulators in the world, and for this style of play to work effectively, they needed to ensure ball retention was impeccable. The would control, on average, over 60% possession per game, often more! This would tire opponents, drag them out of position and open up gaps for the likes of Silva, Iniesta, and Xavi to express themselves. Tiki-taka moved away from the traditional thinking of formations in football.

Very similar to our write-up to the Barcelona team above as they had such an influence on the Spanish national team. Many people admire the “Tiki-taka” style of play more than any other in the world. Here is how you need to set up your custom tactics sliders if you are looking to play like this high Barcelona side you want to set your team up in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Build Up Play: Speed – 61; Passing – 25; Positioning – Free Form.
As U4GM FIFA 20 Team mentioned in the Barcelona write-up, many people who play FIFA might say that a faster build-up play is more effective. However, you'll find that when trying to play like this international side, it works better to pick your passes patiently and methodically, as they did. Take into account in new ball physics of passing when using this style, but if you get it working with our slider settings above, then you'll be a real threat on FIFA. Use 25 for your speed and passing length. U4GM FIFA 20 Coins Team tested the same as which the Barcelona team above use but found when watching the two side-by-side, Spain played slightly shorter and more patiently. Freeform positioning affects your movement and will allow them to interchange. The change will confuse defenders and leave space for players to exploit.

Chance Creation: Passing – 39; Crossing – 20; Shooting – 42; Positioning – Free form.
Passing should be set lower than the middle range of the slider settings. This will mean that you have plenty of short options to get the sharp passing operating smoothly but also allow the movement and angles needed to play this style. The crossing should be shallow, as with Barcelona this team did cross, but VERY rarely as they looked to turn out and create a better chance that way. For shooting, U4GM FIFA 20 Coins Team recommend that you set this at the 42 marks; this will mean they will look to create the edge of the box opportunities. However, this Spanish side would regularly end the game with over 60 (often 65%) possession, and this wouldn't happen if they just crossed and shot the ball at every opportunity. They probed and were extremely patient. Once again positioning should be set to free form.

Defending: Pressure – 68; Aggression – 70; Team width – 75; Offside Trap.
Spain didn't quite press the ball as high and as aggressively as the Barcelona side which U4GM have drawn so many comparisons to. To play honestly like this Spanish side, you will have to be a tad more patient to get the ball back. You have to be very careful as you may be left exposed at the back if you cannot do this effectively because they played a very high line to condense the pitch to make passing the ball extremely hard for their opposition. They had a bit more space at the back with the inclusion of Ramos and Capdevilla so could afford to use this ploy. U4GM gamer would play the offside trap rather than the cover due to the high intelligence of the center-backs. If you love the rest of this set-up but would prefer the cover portion, then you can change it but to honestly play like this side, you need to play the offside trap and squeeze the pitch.