The 4-2-2-2 is one of the strongest formations in FIFA 21. In our FIFA 21 Formations Guide we tell you what is so special about it and how you can form your team perfectly.
FIFA 21 is here and you still have no idea how to form your team? In our guide we have already introduced you to some of the strongest formations in the game. In our FIFA 21 Formations Guide for the 4-2-2-2 we'll show you what makes the formation so strong.
4-2-2-2 in FIFA 21
The 4-2-2-2 formation is based on the classic 4-4-2 - one of the most popular formations in the history of football. The difference: instead of one left and one right midfielder, here you have two offensive midfielders who occupy the outer lanes behind the two strikers.
The advantage is obvious: the 4-2-2-2 is more offensive, while two CDMs in front of the defense provide the necessary stability in defense.
We've been playing this formation since FIFA 19, and this year it's one of the three strongest formations ever. The 4-2-2-2 in FIFA 21 is particularly strong on the counter-attack.
The weakness, however, is that you don't have a playmaker behind the strikers as a starting point, so there is a small gap between defense and offense. FIFA 21 allows for adjustments and that can be compensated reasonably well.
The 4-2-2-2 Tactics
In addition to the player instructions, tactics are also of crucial importance. It is important for you to find the values that you can best deal with. We recommend the following tactics:
- Defensive style: Pressure After Possession Loss
- Width: 6-7
- Depth: 5
- Offensive style: Fast Build Up
- Width: 6-7
- Players in Box: 5
- Corners: 3
- Free kicks: 2-3
The idea behind it: While the defense moves aggressively towards the opponents in order to recapture the ball as quickly as possible, the countering setup succeeds in no time at all thanks to the fast build up. You can counter the opponent in a few seconds and overpower with numbers.
Be mindful that this tactic only works if your team has good stamina values because it demands a lot of running up and down the field. If your players up front are lacking in that department, choose a balanced offensive style instead.
4-2-2-2 Player Instructions
Similarly important for a successful game in FIFA 21 are the player instructions. If tactics tell a bunch of players what to do at once, this goes to an individual level. We have chosen the following options:
- Full backs: Stay Back While Attacking
- CDM 1: Cover Center, Normal Interception, Cut Passing Lanes, Balanced Attack
- CDM 2: Cover Center, Normal Interception, Balanced Defense, Stay Behind While Attacking
- CAM 1 & 2: Basic Defence Support, Stay On Edge Of Box For Cross, Normal Interceptions, Free Roam
- Striker 1: Mixed Attack, Normal Interception, Balanced Width, Basic Defense Support
- Striker 2: Come Back on Defense, Normal Interception, Balanced Width, Basic Defense Support
The most important position in the 4-2-2-2 are the two CAMs. They are the linchpin of your offense. Since we give them all the freedom in our tactics, they decide depending on the situation whether they occupy the outer lanes or move to the center. At the same time, the strikers occupy the free spaces through our instructions, which often creates space to attack quickly.
Because the CAMs are so important, the 4-2-2-2 makes special demands for them:
- Min. 90 pace (with Chemistry Style)
- Min. 85 dribbling, passing and/or shooting (with Chemistry Style)
- Min. 80 stamina
- High offensive work rate
The 4-2-2-2 in FIFA 21 is certainly not easy to play, but the formation offers enormous flexibility in midfield. The CAM players are playmakers and wingers at the same time and carry most of the burden, so you really need quality there. When applied correctly, it leaves your opponent wondering what the attack is going to do next with all the creative freedom and various runs. It's a high risk, high reward formation for sure.
Stay with EarlyGame for more quality FIFA content. You can also check our YouTube channel for some visuals if reading's not your main thing.
Original article by EarlyGame's Philipp Briel.
