Last updated on April 7th, 2025
It’s easy to focus on the players — the goalscorers, the flashy dribblers, the big names with highlight reels. But if you stop there, you’re missing the full picture.
Modern soccer is as much about structure and planning as it is about raw talent. Teams win because they have better players and use them in smarter ways, as tactics decide how the game flows. If you’re into fantasy soccer or betting, this stuff matters. Understanding what a team is trying to do can tell you a lot about who’s going to rack up points — or disappear for 90 minutes.
What a soccer tactic is and its examples
In soccer, tactics are the team’s game plan — how they line up, how they defend, how they attack, and how they adapt when things go sideways. It’s like chess, except with shin guards and the occasional flying elbow.
Top clubs rely on tactical setups to tilt the field in their favor. And as a bettor, knowing these trends can be the difference between a smart punt and a donation to the sportsbook.
Here are some of the key tactical trends of modern soccer:
The high pressing
Pressing is when a team tries to win the ball back quickly, often high up the pitch, instead of falling back and waiting to defend in their own half. It puts pressure on the opponent’s defenders and forces mistakes.
In recent years, pressing has become more organized and selective. Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen is a great example. They don’t chase everything—they wait for the right moment to close in as a unit. This controlled approach helps them win the ball close to the opponent’s goal, creating fast, high-quality scoring chances. As a result, Leverkusen won the 2023–24 Bundesliga season.
Possession-based control
Possession-based football is when a team tries to control the match by keeping the ball. But it’s not just about passing for the sake of it — it’s about pulling the opponent out of position and finding gaps to attack.
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, is the most successful modern example. In the 2022–23 season, Guardiola started using an unusual setup: four defenders who could all move into midfield when needed. This helped City break down deep defenses, leading them to a treble.
Of course, one tactic doesn’t make the whole game, but it might give a big advantage when used at the right time. The fact that Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in one season is proof.
Counterattacking
While some teams want to control the ball, others are happy to defend deep and hit back quickly. This is called counterattacking. The team waits for the opponent to commit players forward, then attacks quickly into open space.
Aston Villa under Unai Emery is one of the best current examples. They’re well-organized defensively and break forward at speed. They use long passes, quick combinations, and wide players who get into good scoring positions.
Back three systems
Formations with three central defenders have become popular again, but now they’re used to help teams build attacks rather than just defend.
Teams like Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi and Bayern Munich under Thomas Tuchel often used a three-at-the-back system to move the ball out from defense more effectively. This system also gave their wingbacks (wide defenders) freedom to push forward and support attacks.
But why should you care about tactics when building your team if players don’t decide how to play? Because tactics define how the players you choose act on the field.
Why fantasy players should care about tactics
If you’re into fantasy soccer, you already do more than the average fan. You check player stats, scout upcoming fixtures, and probably lose sleep over whether your starting midfielder is going to be rotated. But if you’re not paying attention to tactics, you’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle.
Here’s how understanding how a team plays can give you an edge over your fantasy rivals.
Player roles aren’t just about position labels
Not all midfielders do the same job. Some sit deep and barely cross the halfway line. Others basically play as second forwards. Tactics decide that.
Take John Stones at Manchester City. In some matches, he was listed as a defender, but he spent most of his time stepping into midfield and helping with attacks. That meant more chances created, more involvement in build-up play, and more potential for fantasy points.
On the flip side, a forward playing in the team that plays in defence can spend most of the game isolated, touching the ball five times. It helps to know what kind of game they’re expected to play.
Tactical setups can boost or kill a player’s output
A manager’s approach directly affects how involved certain players are. For example, in teams that rely on counterattacks (like Aston Villa under Unai Emery), you’ll want to target fast, direct players like Ollie Watkins, who get on the end of quick attacks.
Meanwhile, a possession-heavy side like Manchester City will see more of the ball, so you can count on midfielders like Rodri or Bernardo Silva to pick up steady points from passes, key passes, and even the occasional assist.
Knowing how the team plays helps you spot patterns: who’s getting the ball where, who’s taking the shots, and who’s mostly just running around off-camera.
Pressing teams create more errors and fantasy chances
High pressing systems often lead to turnovers in dangerous spots. That means more chances created, more shots, and more opportunities for attackers to rack up fantasy points. It also gives defenders more shot-blocking and interception chances.
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen is a good case here—they press smartly and win the ball high up the field. Their midfielders and wingers are constantly involved in play, making them more reliable fantasy picks across all formats.
Final thoughts
Tactics matter in soccer—more than most people think. They shape how teams play, who gets the ball, where the space is, and what kind of chances are created.
So if you’re building your fantasy squad based on big names or last week’s goal scorers, you’re only seeing half the picture. The smartest fantasy managers pay attention to how a team is set up, because systems decide who shines and who just fills a jersey. And the same goes for betting — understanding the tactics behind the team gives you a real edge, more than any stat sheet alone ever will. Research your teams and their tactics, bet on the right outcome with crypto at Sportbet.one, and have the best betting experience.
