With a successful – and VERY enjoyable – first MFL season in the books, it’s time to review Season 13 and look ahead to our debut appearance in the Spark division.

The Tactics

Aside from a one-game flirtation with the 4-3-3 in a dead rubber match, I mostly stuck with the tried and tested 4-1-3-2 which had served us so well. The 5-3-2 was a constant source of hope, followed by frustration… but I still think it can be a viable option in the future.

4-1-3-2 Review

The numbers confirm what we often saw on the pitch: the 4-1-3-2 became our most explosive and dangerous system. Averaging 3.93 goals per game with an xG of 2.40, it consistently overwhelmed teams through aggressive midfield overloads, vertical movement, and sheer attacking intensity.

Opponents struggled to cope with the runners from midfield and the constant pressure around the box. However, friendly matches against strong 4-2-3-1 systems, like we faced in the playoffs, also exposed some weaknesses. While the shape created chaos going forward, it could also become chaotic defensively, particularly in transition and in wider areas.

It was our highest-ceiling system, but not always our most stable one.

5-3-2 Review

The 5-3-2 offered something different: control, structure, and predictability.

Although the attacking numbers dipped slightly compared to the 4-1-3-2, and it often left me frustrated, the underlying defensive metrics remained extremely strong, with an xGA of just 0.85. The back five provided a more settled defensive block, while the midfield three gave us better balance against teams operating with attacking midfielders and wide overloads.

Whilst I’m happy with both formations, I intend on recruiting a couple of players who can operate as wingers, to add more tactical flexibility.

The Players

Just like at the midway stage, our star performers remained consistent.

Belgian left back, Didier Cambier, was our best player across the whole of the season. Over 14 games he averaged a 7.9 match rating, whilst providing 8 assists.

Chilean striker, Nestor Zamorano, continued his strong goalscoring form, netting 19 times over 12 games and was rewarded by progressing from a 64 to a 67 overall.

Behind Zamorano, was Argentine creator Teofilo Espindola, who set up 13 goals, and grabbed 5 for himself, as he won the Playmaker of the Year award.

Honourable mentions have to go to loanee midfielder, Gunnar Bork, who averaged a 7.8 overall rating, whilst scoring 16 goals and grabbing 5 assists in a brilliant season where his pace proved deadly in the left channel

Veteran striker Alfonso Escobar provided a calm, dependable head and scored 16 goals in 14 games, whilst back up Left Back Viorel Balaban, provided 7 assists,

Sadly, all three were on loan and won’t be returning next season.

The Progression

There are prime conditions to be met within the squad to be blessed with the best progression odds and for the most part I didn’t really meet them well, other than rotating well and spreading game time around.

So, I wasn’t expecting too much. I’ve been pleasantly surprised though.

Fourteen players in the Mayhem squad have progressed by at least +1 overall, including the aforementioned +3 for Zamorano and a +2 for back up central defender Bevilacqua, who barely played.

Financial Review

So, I admit that I jumped head-first into MFL. But ,what was the overall cost, and was it worth it?

I bought a club in the promo period for $79.99, which means I got $20 back to spend on players. So effectively, the club licence cost me $59.99, which at the time of writing is £44.

After buying two seasoned-defensive midfielders for $3 each, I changed my recruitment policy to focus on young players who could develop. Naturally, this costs me more, but I feel it set me up well.

Three starters came in for a combined $28 (£20) before I spent my “free” $20 on more players to continue building out my squad.

Then, because I have no will-power and had come fresh from NHL 26 Ultimate Team, I still have a love for pulling packs, and I spent another $35 (£25) on packs, which, in fairness, were quite kind to me.

So, I estimate that in season 1, I bought a club and then created a title-contending team containing promising young players for an additional £45.

Do I regret it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

I’ve continued to say to anyone who’ll listen, this is the most fun and most engagement I’ve ever had in a football management game.

After all, it’s around the same price as a new Playstation game would cost.

Obviously, I could’ve spent half that and still put together a very strong Flint team (albeit older players) and loaned a few more players in. But I’m very happy with the business I’ve done.

The Pre-Transfers

Let’s look at who will be making up the Madero Mayhem squad this coming season.

My first pieces of transfer business came with a quarter of the season still to play, as I had a few $ sitting in my account and burning the proverbial hole.

The first to join was French midfielder Emile Marechal. The 23-year-old cost $4 and fits the profile I like. He’s quick and talented with the ball at his feet, and as he’s freshly minted this season, he should develop well.

Piotr Jarosz is a versatile midfielder who can play LM, RM and CM, all at the same level. Which is good for a 21-year-old. However, I paid $7 for him. A sum which I could have signed an older but MUCH better player for. Hopefully I can get him a good loan next season and he can develop well.

“Proper” Transfers

Firstly, let’s point out the elephant in the room. I opened a pack.

Yes, I know… but after a good week, I said if Forest beat Spurs I’d treat myself. The result was a 20-year-old French striker who looks like he can really do damage for years to come. Karim Maillard is a very well rounder striker who should compliment both Zamorano and Al Harbi very well.

Disclaimer:

I have a recruitment strategy in place, which is to try to bring in players aged 24 and under. However, these players generally come at a premium. Sometimes players in their mid-late 20’s can be bought for much cheaper who can help the team win now. Therefore, I had to be flexible with my approach in building a team who can challenge in the next level up.

After all, we’re not here to just make up the numbers (yet!)

So, here’s who we’ve bought in, starting from the back.

Mark Wells (GK) 69 OVR

Initially, I was looking at the loan market for a starting ‘keeper, but after checking the Marketplace, I saw this bargain. Wells has spent his career in the Ice division, one level above Spark, and at 6’6″ should be more than capable.

Ok, he’s 30-years-old but that’s fine. For $3 I’ll get at least a couple of seasons out of him.

Cost: $3

Mick Elliott (GK ) 64 OVR

Also joining is another English ‘keeper, who I hope to loan out next season. At 25, he’s only played 29 career games, so I’m hoping he can kick on and develop. He’ll be loaned out for some regular first team football and (hopefully) 20+ games.

Cost: $4

Dusan Vlasak (RB) 69 OVR

The Right back position was a key focus for me. As I intended on still using the 5-3-2 this coming season, it was important to get someone who can also play wingback.

Determined to stick to the recruitment strategy, I landed on Vlasak.

He’s a higher OVR than I’d planned on brining in, and cost more, but was the best value for money in terms of age, ability and versatility.

At 24-years-old, the Czech has only developed +1 since entering the MFL aged 20.

However, he’s barely played, so I’m hoping regular game time can kick start his progression. But, even if he doesn’t progress, he’ll still be good enough for another 2-3 seasons.

He’s quick, solid defensively and has good physicals. He’s the clear starter and should take our 5-3-2 up a notch as a big improvement on Turpin, who returned to his parent club after a decent season.

Cost: $17

Albrecht Janssen (CB) 69 OVR

With my depth at centre back being quite thin, I wanted someone who could come in and sit behind last season’s duo of Vollmer (69 OVR) and Plaza (64 OVR).

However, like Vlasak, Janssen was the best value for money option, when though it meant going over my 24-year-old limit.

At 25, he’s is an upgrade over Plaza and was minted last season, meaning he could keep developing for the next few seasons. The German played 19 games in Spark this season, averaging 7.5, so he should be a strong, solid piece of our defence.

Cost: $12

Essaid Kasmi (LM) 71 OVR

Once again, I set out with best intentions. But, just like Janssen, the best value lay outside my recruitment strategy parameters.

With Gunnar Bork being a key player for us last season (16 goals and 5 assists), I wanted to make sure I could at least match his level of talent when he left at the end of his loan spell.

At 26, Kasmi has played most of his career in the Ice division so should have a good impact in Spark. Whilst Bork was a goal threat, Kasmi has more of a playmaker profile, which should help unlock tougher defences.

Cost: $12

Carl Boone (LM) 61 OVR

For my final signing before the season began, I wanted to bring in a back up striker who could also play on the left wing, to give me some more tactical flexibility. Carl Boone is that man!

Yes, he’s a Left Midfielder. However, when played at Striker or on the Left Wing, he increased to 64 OVR. Solid pace, passing, shooting and dribbling, he can fit in at any of his 3 positions and be equally adept at them all.

He’s 24-years-old, another freshly minted player and has played 17 games in the Spark division.

Cost: $9

The Loans

To round out the squad I wanted to bring in a couple of loans.

Firstly, our best goalkeeper last season, Leonel Amorin (63 OVR), returns for his second season for 4% revenue share.

Next, was Martin Favre, a 64 rated winger who allows me to have some tactical flexibility and switch to a 5-2-3 (a formation I want to explore more this season, as it’s effectively a 3-4-3), or a 4-3-3 .

Moving from the front to the back, I picked up two loan central defenders. Both left footers, both quick enough to defend against most wingers which Spark will put them up against. Renan de Lira (64 OVR) has a perfect combination of speed and size, whilst Mick Bond (63 OVR) isn’t quite as quick as de Lira, but is better with the ball at his feet, with a nice passing range.

My final loan signing, was one I made shortly after the leagues were announced and panicked after I saw the strength of the teams I’d be facing in Spark 25!

I realised that 57 OVR rated Left Midfielder, Edmund Grossmann, would struggle when called upon, so I needed a better backup to Essaid Kasmi (71 OVR). I jumped into the loan market and one player stood out, who gives me the same profile as Gunnar Bork had, who excelled at the LM slot last season. Enter, Austrian, Roman Fasching (64 OVR) Quick, good dribbler and a very strong finisher, he brings everything I was looking for. Plus, he can play as a CM as well.

The Projections

It’s going to be a very close, very competitive season. The early projections on MFL Stats suggests that really, any of the top 7 teams have a realistic chance of taking the title.

In terms of best potential starting 11, we come 3rd behind Karanovac MFC and Lorenskog IF and for the best 16 players, we’re second again, this time behind Karanovac MFC and Atletico Cusco. We also have the 2nd lowest average squad age, which is pleasing.

Interestingly, I don’t think Atlantis are as strong as they were last season, but I have no doubts they’ll make some last minute improvements again.

So, with just a few hours before Season 14 kicks off, and with a full squad, it’s ready to RELEASE THE MAYHEM!!