| 4-4-2: Tuning your attack |
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| Wednesday, 31 August 2005 01:12 | |
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The British style of football is always based on the time-old classic 4-4-2. Though this is a versatile system, it typically consists of a target man and a faster, small-bodied striker acting peripherically. The target man is the guy that will win the headers from the opposite defense, drawing the attention of both the DCs on him, and thus creating the space for the mignon striker to act. It goes without saying that his most important attributes are strength, heading and jumping. Finishing, off the ball and first touch are assets to look, if you need a quality man up front, but he doesn't have to be pacey as well. Imagine an Alan Shearer, or a Vieiri. On the other hand the short striker is the one that shall collect the loose ball or the header-passing from the target man, usually after a deep crossing from the defense or even the goalkeeper. He will have to be pacey of course, and score high in off the ball, as he must be at the right place at the right time. Since he will get plenty of one on ones, high composure and finishing go without saying. Just think of Owen. Of course as said, 4-4-2 is a versatile formation. It can work equally well with 2 fast strikers, but in this case you will rather prefer a solid AMC just behind, so that he can deliver the occasional through ball. In this variation at least one of the attackers can be marked as an FC. Which of the two variations you will choose, greatly depends on your midfield. If you can back your attack with quality crossing from fast, technical wingers and wingbacks, then the first version is likely to work best. Use it in combination with "play the ball down the left/right/both flanks" from the tactics control panel, and possibly deep crossing. If you feature a strong attacking midfielder, with high passing and creativity you can try usting the 2 fast striker/forward version. Set your midfielder as a playmaker, and the ball to be played through the middle. |