Best 4-4-2 Custom Tactics

We understand that in EA Sports FC 24, everyone is constantly seeking the most effective tactics. To provide some insight, we asked FUTWIZ Pro Stokes for his recommendations. Here is what he had to say.

The tactic he suggests starting the game with is the 4-4-2. This choice stems from its well-rounded nature, as it provides a solid foundation to build upon.

Here are the tactics, along with a brief explanation of why he recommends them. Additionally, there will be an overview of the types of players you should consider for each position.

Defence

• Defensive Style: Balanced
• Width: 45
• Depth: 55

Offence

• Build Up Play: Balanced
• Chance Creation: Direct Passing
• Width: 50
• Players in the Box: 7
• Corners: 3
• Free Kicks: 2

A little bit about these tactics, most of the settings are close to default with some minor changes to width and depth. The reason why Stokes chooses to use Direct Passing is that he says Stokes “I feel like this gives you a lot of options of who to pass to”

Regarding Corners and Free kicks also he adds that “these are up to you, you can change these if you want”, this essentially means you can put as many people in the box for corners and free kicks as you would like. If you often find yourself being countered off of set pieces it might be worth dropping these down a bit.

Player Instructions
These are the player instructions which Stoke’s recommends:

• GK - Default
• CB - Default
• LB - Stay Back While Attacking, Overlap
• RB - Stay Back While Attacking, Overlap
• LCM - Cover Center
• RCM - Cover Center
• LM - Come Back on Defence, Get in Behind
• RM - Come Back on Defence, Get in Behind
• LST - Stay Central
• RST - Stay Central

A short explanation as to the reasons behind these instructions is as follows:

There are no changes for the GK and CBs as the default instructions are all you need, regarding the fullback Stokes says that “stay back is important here as you don’t want to get hit with the counters and cut backs”

Having both center midfielders on Default except Cover Centre can be considered quite attacking, therefore Stokes says “If you find yourself being too exposed than also adding Stay Back While Attacking is fine”

The instructions for both the LM and RM means that they will provide defensive support but also when you transition into attack they will break and try and get in behind the defenders.

And finally having both strikers on Stay Central means they will not drift wide and get into the spaces which the LM and RM will be operating in, they will stay through the middle of the pitch and should always give you an option in and around the box.

Players to use
This is the team Stokes has been using with this formation and instructions, as you would expect it is very good, however you don’t need players this expensive for this to work, this will work with cheaper squads too.

In order to help you build your team, these are the types of players you should be looking to fill these positions with:

• GK - Any goalkeeper is fine, most goalkeepers will be used for links. Stokes is using Bounou for links to Neymar.
• CB - Due to the depth being 55, you will want defenders who have that extra bit of pace as the team will likely be squeezing up towards the halfway line and are vulnerable to through balls.
• LB/RB - You want to be using quick fullbacks here, ideally those with good defending and passing. They are set to overlap, however you won’t be doing a great amount of attacking with them so they do not require a great deal of attacking threat, just enough to provide those key passes and possibly crosses at times.
• CM - Here you want to be using two well rounded CMs as they will be defending and attacking, and if possible those with a High/High work rate. You could also have it so one player is more defensive and one is more attacking, however it is important to have balance in there so do not go with two small attacking CMs, you will struggle to dominate the middle.
• LM/RM - These two players are key to your attack, they need to have great attacking attributes, mainly pace and the good dribbling/passing and even shooting. They will be expected to do some defending, however I wouldn’t focus on playing with players with too much defending, usually it’s a case that simply being quick is enough to do the job required.
• ST - The two strikers are the ones who are going to get you goals, so who you choose here is very much dependant on how you wish to play, for example should you want to get the ball wide and cross, than I would choose at least one striker who is good in the air, however if you want to get the ball into feet and carry out skill moves then you want to be choosing those with 5* skills. This one really is personal preference.

There you have an overview of the best 4-4-2 starter tactics by FUTWIZ Pro Player Stokes, take these onto the pitch and hopefully they can help you get a few extra wins.