Your Starting XI

Penguin said:

On the strikers - when you are playing a losango, you really don't need a target striker. Since there's no wings, you should be less likely to have crosses or long balls played up front. Like you said, you will be funnelling balls through the middle of the park, so you would want both strikers to be mobile and make plenty of runs to spread the defense.

On the D-Mids - whether you play with 1 or 2, I think they both need to exhibit the qualities you mentioned. The buzz word in modern tactics is "transition". Mourinho talks about it endlessly. The team that makes the most efficient transitions between attacking & defending will the game. Having D-Mids who can do that is vital.
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Along those same lines...the def mid more and more is being asked to regain possession and distribute the ball quickly just as you mentioned "Transition"

The holding Midfielders are a hot commodity now a days...look at Real Madrid, when they lost Makelele their defense fell apart...the way more and more teams are attacking you need a tough player in the middle in front of your defense. Particularly when your outside backs are involved in the offense. This def mid will give your defense the depth and will let it keep its compactness and shape...the only way to counter would be through the flanks..and if your outside backs are strong enough and can get back quick you will do OK.

I prefer to play the 4-2-3-1 and utilize quick wing players and involve the backs in the offense. Nothing better than seeing a fullback run up the flanks and crossing one into the mixer