After Reading the article on 'the modern 4-4-2' I decided to create my own version of this tactic, using key roles and theories outlined in the article. What I've created is different from the downloadable one in various ways.
First of all, I created 2 tactics. One for a Complete Forward and Target Man, The other for Complete Forward and Poacher. This gives The tactic a more user friendly outlook as It can be adapted easily to include different combinations of strikers.
Second of all, I tweaked the tactic Alot. It has come along way from its fairly standard origins. I took a leaf out of Mr. Houghs book and got each player playing in a certain way, to fit the system better.
Now, to the tactic itself.
Its based on the Flat 4-4-2 popularised in English football. 4-4-2 is a wonderful tactic to develop as it is designed for balance, so is easy to adapt towards attack or defence.
View attachment 162807
The Defence
Each Player in this defence is given a key role to play. I based my back four on The Defences of Manchester United and Chelsea, and therefore includes the following things:
-A Classic Stopper/Cover combination in the centre, which really solidifies the backline, giving great balance against any attack.
-An Attacking Left Back; as Shown by Cole and Evra attacking fullbacks are hugely important in the modern game. They add width, Play Balls into the box and aid in the counter attack by winning the ball higher up the pitch. This role becomes hugely important in this tactic, but I'll explain that in the next section.
-A supporting Right Back. Neville (not so much with Rafael) and Ivanovic aren't great in attack; but, so as to increase the pressure on the opponents Backline/Midfield are required to push forwards into midfield, There aim in this tactic is to Support attacking play yet be there to stop any impending attacks. In My United game Rafael has the highest tackles to game ratio of any of my players.
Now Lets Move into the Centre of The Park
The Midfield
Arguably the most important area on the pitch. The Midfield is where the majority of the football is played, therefore setting up your 'Middle Men' is key to any tactic. Based on roles Defined by Ferguson, Sacchi, Venables among others my midfield is a fairly classic combination with a modernised twist.
The Centre Mids. Here we have a Deep-lying Playmaker and a Box-to-Box Midfielder.
The DLP is required to break up attacks as well as start them, therefore can be considered the teams 'engine'. He acts as both the 'Destroyer' and 'Passer' in the classic combo. In match he stays deep and, much as Schweinsteiger did for the Germans at the world cup, moves into space looking for the pass.
His Partner uses the Box-to-Box role. He will take long shots, drive forward with the ball and pull defenders out of position for your forwards. He is the more offensive of your pairing and, as such, play higher up the field. A classic role in English football in recent years. Defined by the Likes of Lampard, Gerrard and Robson. Goals can be expected from this guy.
At right midfield we have a traditional Winger. He will aim to get past his man and cross/pass into your Forwards. He also drifts inside the box if the ball moves down the left of the pitch acting as an auxilliary goal threat. Good Crossing and Pace are requirements.
Down the Left is one of the key men in this system. A more intelligent, channel running winger. He acts more as an Inside forward than a crossing winger, though he will still cross if the opportunity is presented to him, though he will favour cutting inside and shooting/through ball-ing to the forwards. As such The LEFT BACK is needed to act as the Crossing Man down the Left.
In front of goal
The two men in front of goal are quite simply goalscorers.
The Left Forward is A complete forward. He drops deep, moves into channels, takes long shots and runs at defenders. He is more of an 'Advanced Playmaker' style player and as such is the set playmaker of the team. This Role has been defined by both Tevez and Rooney in recent times.
The Right Forward is EITHER a Target Man or a Poacher. As a Target Man he is given a Supporting role so as to bring other players into the game, yet he will still Lead The Line and act as a Traditional Centre Forward. Even in the Supporting Role, He will score goals as he is the Target of the Majority of Crosses sent into the box.
As a Poacher his focus is more on the scoring side of play and his partner will take up a Supporting Role to create space for this man. A faster striker is more suited to this role.
He'll score you plenty but don't expect much else from this man.
Well done if You got through all that.
Heres The Tactics
Laffles 4-4-2 TARGET MAN
Laffles 4-4-2 POACHER
Just a little bit of proof this works.
View attachment 162814View attachment 162810 View attachment 162817
View attachment 162812 View attachment 162815
View attachment 162813View attachment 162816
NO OI
Match Prep - Any just on MAX
Standard Pitch Size.
First of all, I created 2 tactics. One for a Complete Forward and Target Man, The other for Complete Forward and Poacher. This gives The tactic a more user friendly outlook as It can be adapted easily to include different combinations of strikers.
Second of all, I tweaked the tactic Alot. It has come along way from its fairly standard origins. I took a leaf out of Mr. Houghs book and got each player playing in a certain way, to fit the system better.
Now, to the tactic itself.
Its based on the Flat 4-4-2 popularised in English football. 4-4-2 is a wonderful tactic to develop as it is designed for balance, so is easy to adapt towards attack or defence.
View attachment 162807
The Defence
Each Player in this defence is given a key role to play. I based my back four on The Defences of Manchester United and Chelsea, and therefore includes the following things:
-A Classic Stopper/Cover combination in the centre, which really solidifies the backline, giving great balance against any attack.
-An Attacking Left Back; as Shown by Cole and Evra attacking fullbacks are hugely important in the modern game. They add width, Play Balls into the box and aid in the counter attack by winning the ball higher up the pitch. This role becomes hugely important in this tactic, but I'll explain that in the next section.
-A supporting Right Back. Neville (not so much with Rafael) and Ivanovic aren't great in attack; but, so as to increase the pressure on the opponents Backline/Midfield are required to push forwards into midfield, There aim in this tactic is to Support attacking play yet be there to stop any impending attacks. In My United game Rafael has the highest tackles to game ratio of any of my players.
Now Lets Move into the Centre of The Park
The Midfield
Arguably the most important area on the pitch. The Midfield is where the majority of the football is played, therefore setting up your 'Middle Men' is key to any tactic. Based on roles Defined by Ferguson, Sacchi, Venables among others my midfield is a fairly classic combination with a modernised twist.
The Centre Mids. Here we have a Deep-lying Playmaker and a Box-to-Box Midfielder.
The DLP is required to break up attacks as well as start them, therefore can be considered the teams 'engine'. He acts as both the 'Destroyer' and 'Passer' in the classic combo. In match he stays deep and, much as Schweinsteiger did for the Germans at the world cup, moves into space looking for the pass.
His Partner uses the Box-to-Box role. He will take long shots, drive forward with the ball and pull defenders out of position for your forwards. He is the more offensive of your pairing and, as such, play higher up the field. A classic role in English football in recent years. Defined by the Likes of Lampard, Gerrard and Robson. Goals can be expected from this guy.
At right midfield we have a traditional Winger. He will aim to get past his man and cross/pass into your Forwards. He also drifts inside the box if the ball moves down the left of the pitch acting as an auxilliary goal threat. Good Crossing and Pace are requirements.
Down the Left is one of the key men in this system. A more intelligent, channel running winger. He acts more as an Inside forward than a crossing winger, though he will still cross if the opportunity is presented to him, though he will favour cutting inside and shooting/through ball-ing to the forwards. As such The LEFT BACK is needed to act as the Crossing Man down the Left.
In front of goal
The two men in front of goal are quite simply goalscorers.
The Left Forward is A complete forward. He drops deep, moves into channels, takes long shots and runs at defenders. He is more of an 'Advanced Playmaker' style player and as such is the set playmaker of the team. This Role has been defined by both Tevez and Rooney in recent times.
The Right Forward is EITHER a Target Man or a Poacher. As a Target Man he is given a Supporting role so as to bring other players into the game, yet he will still Lead The Line and act as a Traditional Centre Forward. Even in the Supporting Role, He will score goals as he is the Target of the Majority of Crosses sent into the box.
As a Poacher his focus is more on the scoring side of play and his partner will take up a Supporting Role to create space for this man. A faster striker is more suited to this role.
He'll score you plenty but don't expect much else from this man.
Well done if You got through all that.
Heres The Tactics
Laffles 4-4-2 TARGET MAN
Laffles 4-4-2 POACHER
Just a little bit of proof this works.
View attachment 162814View attachment 162810 View attachment 162817
View attachment 162812 View attachment 162815
View attachment 162813View attachment 162816
NO OI
Match Prep - Any just on MAX
Standard Pitch Size.
Last edited:
