Alright, what's up, YouTube! We're back with another custom tactics video, and today we're diving into the 4-2-2-2, a formation I've been using recently, and it's been working wonders. Let's get straight into it!
Formation and Defensive Setup
First things first, in the 4-2-2-2, you're going to want to use custom tactics, obviously. For the buildup play, balanced is the way to go, 100%. No question about it. On the defensive side, I'm also using balanced, with a line height of 50. Remember, the line height is a bit busted this year, so you can only really use 25, 50, 70, or 95. Even if you try to set it to something like 54, it'll just default to 50.
Player Roles and Instructions
Now, let's get into the player roles. This is where the magic happens.
- Left-sided Striker: Advanced Forward and Support.
- Right-sided Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack.
Advanced forward and support is very similar to a false nine, but they don't drop as deep. If you have a player with the "False 9+" playstyle or just prefer using a false nine with two strikers, that's absolutely fine on either striker.
- Left-sided CAM: Shadow Striker and Attack.
- Right-sided CAM: Classic 10 and Attack.
The reason for the Shadow Striker on the left CAM will become clear in a moment.
- Both CDMs: Holding and Defend.
A deep-lying playmaker is a viable option if you have a player with the "Deep Line Playmaker+" playstyle, but I prefer both CDMs on "Holding" in this formation.
- Right Back: Fullback and Defend.
- Both Center Backs: Defender and Defend.
- Left Back: Attacking Wing Back and Balanced.
This is key! The attacking wing back on the left side creates an overload, which I really like.
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper and Balanced.
Tactical Explanation
With the ball, having that left-sided CAM as a Shadow Striker really helps because of the left back bombing forward. It gives us a nice bit of support there. Classic 10 is definitely good if you want to use that on both your CAMs, but because my Bobby Charlton has the Shadow Striker plus playstyle, I really think it's good.