There are hundreds of tactics available on YouTube, Twitter, Reddit and elsewhere, so choosing the right one can be difficult. These tactical reviews will feature the best Custom Tactics from the FIFA community, they will be comprehensively tested and explained. This will give you a sense of how competitive they are, how fun they are to play, and help you determine the best tactic for your game.
NealGuides FIFA 23 5212 Tactics
5-2-1-2 is not a very common tactic in FIFA 23. As 4-2-2-2 has been arguably the most meta tactic thus far, 3 and 5 defender tactics have struggled. However, this take on the 5-2-1-2 tactic is strong even at the top competitive FUT levels against certain formations.
Defensive Tactics
- Defensive Style: Pressure On Heavy Touch
- Width: 55
- Depth: 65
Attacking Tactics
- Build Up Play: Fast Build Up
- Chance Creation: Forward Runs
- Width: 55
- Players In Box: 7
NealGuides’ FIFA 23 5212 Instructions
Below are the player instructions, if a specific instruction is not specified, the instruction is set to its default.
- GK: Sweeper Keeper (Optional)
- CBs: All Default
- RWB: Stay Back While Attacking, Conservative Interceptions, Overlap
- LWB: Stay Back While Attacking, Conservative Interceptions, Overlap
- RCM: Stay Back While Attacking, Stay On Edge of Box for Cross, Cover Center
- LCM: Stay Back While Attacking, Cover Center
- CAM: Come Back On Defence, Get Into Box For Cross
- RST: Stay Central, Get In Behind (Optional), Stay Forward
- LST: Stay Central, Get In Behind, Stay Forward
NOTE: To make this tactic work properly, you need to use the “Attacking Full Backs” and “Hug Sidelines” D-Pad tactics.
What are the best players for this 5212 tactic?
Below is an 11 of ideal players for this setup at the time of writing, next to that you'll find a more budget option. Bear in mind these players are amongst the best options at the time of writing. It is worth noting that you can start your players in a different formation and then switch to this 5-2-1-2 using "Gameplans". "Gameplans" can be set up within the "Custom Tactics" menu, which is accessible via "Squad Actions" (L2 or LT) when looking at your squad.
- GK: Highest Rated
- CB: Virgil van Dijk / Maxence Lacroix
- CB: Eder Militao / Ronald Araujo
- CB: Antonio Rudiger / Jules Kounde
- RWB: Joao Cancelo / Rulebreakers Thomas Meunier
- LWB: Theo Hernandez / Alphonso Davies
- RCM: Yaya Toure / Renato Sanches
- LCM: Kevin De Bruyne / Marcos Llorente
- CAM: Neymar / Memphis Depay
- RST: Kylian Mbappe / SBC Marko Arnautovic
- LST: Erling Haaland / TOTW Alexander Sorloth
Are these the best ‘Meta’ 5212 tactics in FIFA 23?
Yes, a case could definitely be made for this being the best 5-2-1-2 tactic for FIFA 23. This is a strong tactic for having two central strikers while also having wide players bombing forward.
The three CBs allow you to push your wing backs forward and catch opponents unaware.
The tactic also allows the ability to instantly become more defensive by turning off the “Attacking Full Backs” D-Pad instruction in game. This control overrides the “Stay Back While Attacking” instruction on the wing backs and allows you to easily toggle between a more attacking and a more defensive version of the same tactic. This feature makes the 5-2-1-2 stronger than the 3-5-2 as you have the added ability to toggle between more aggressive and more defensive set ups.
Strong Against: 4-1-2-1-2 (2), 3-5-2, 4-2-3-1
What are the drawbacks of this 5212 tactic?
With all of your attackers in the same narrow area, the midfield can get a bit crowded. You need to be accurate with your passing or it can be easy to give the ball away as the opponent’s defenders will be packed in around your attackers. You will also have your wing backs pushed forward, meaning an opponent with 4 attackers will have 4v3 opportunities on the counter. This tactic also struggles when pressing as you are unable to mark your opponent’s full backs. I would recommend changing to another tactic if you are losing a game late on and need to press.
Weak Against: 4-2-2-2, 4-4-2, 4-2-4
H00bear’s Verdict — FIFA 23's Ultimate Tactic?
Overall, this is a good tactic for those looking to play a 3 or 5 defender tactic in a balanced way. There are other variations that utilize Press After Possession Loss or a “true” 3-at-the-back system, but this version will provide a good balance for those looking to use the tactic in higher divisions and in Weekend League. It is versatile in the way that it can switch between more attacking and more defensive by using the Attacking Full Backs D-Pad tactic.
It provides creative and exciting attacking runs against opponents without four attackers staying forward, such as a 4-2-2-2, as it provides a midfield overload and late arriving runners on the flanks. It provides balance and a stable platform for a player of any level and is a good starting point for anyone looking to play a 3 or 5 defender tactic before making tweaks to fit your own game better.
Meta Rating: 8/10
Fun Rating: 7/10
Ultimate Tactic Score: 7.5/10
Be sure to check out NealGuides’ video below for additional information, and for more gameplay advice and tactical breakdowns, keep an eye on fut.gg. If you have any questions, or thoughts on this tactic, then be sure to drop them below.