FIFA 21 Best Formation Guide
There are 30 different formations in FIFA 21 and a whole host of tactics and individual player instructions to choose from within that. Whether you want to shut up shop and protect a lead or make the most out of the new Creative Runs feature, get to know some top-level systems that work well across the board is the right thing to do.
Do you know which are the best FIFA 21 formations? Here are some of them we’d recommend trying out this year in FIFA 21!
4–2–2–2
This was probably the most popular formation in FIFA 20, and it has carried over into the 21 version too.
The 4222 allows for a 2 striker formation, which can be useful when starting quick passing attacks, as well as giving 2 options for through balls on the attacking end. Defensively, it provides not only a flat back four, but two CDMs sitting in front, so it’s very stable.
If you need added width, make sure the two CAMs have ‘Free Roam’ set under player instructions and their respective full backs set to Join The Attack through Attacking Runs, with Run Type on ‘Overlap.’ That should mean your CAMs have at least three passing lanes open at all times — one on the flank, one to the striker, and one back to the defensive midfield.
4–2–3–1(Narrow)
It is also the fan’s favorite formation from FIFA 20.
Though not playing with two strikers, one with wingers and a player in-behind can stretch a defense. This formation benefits from its original shape, but also can be adapted with player instructions to adjust to a game. Making sure to have pace in wide areas will be key here, allowing you to stretch the play with your wide CAMs, before recycling it into more central areas where your CAM and ST will be situated.
But you should know it’s weaknesses: it is a bad formation for wing backs, but excels at keeping the ball in the middle of the park, so it takes some of the pressure off them. Getting your full-backs to stay back means they won’t stream forward into space, leaving gaps behind them too.
4–1–2–1–2 (Wide)
If you know the importance of wide play this year, no formation does that better than the wide variant of the 4–1–2–1–2. If you have wide players who can cross and strikers who are good in the air, this formation may be the one for you.
So when you using this particular formation, there is an obvious benefit: with the correct players, there are minimal adjustments to be made.
However, if you are struggling with this formation it might be worth having a ready-made replacement for both wingers. If your starters have high attacking work-rates then their stamina will be sapped in no time.
5–2–1–2
Finally, a 5-at-the-back formation that could interest a few gamers. It can definitely be effective, especially if your team is punching slightly above their weight.
It is becoming a more common tactic in recent times, with players developing to play a wing-back role. In FIFA, it’s no different. This system still brings the width — which is a must for gameplay this year — and if wing-backs join the attack then the options are there. It can still be an attacking formation as there will still be enough players going forward to unlock a defence. Two up top with an attacking midfielder will certainly benefit through the middle with the creative runs in FIFA 21.
The formation’s success is almost entirely dependent on how you set up the wing-backs, however. Tie them to Overlap on Run Types and to Join The Attack on Attacking Runs. Keep the overall team system to Balanced while dialling up the width to around seven or eight notches to get the most out of one of the best FIFA 21 formations.
So, there you have it! Those are the best FIFA 21 formations that players have been using so far. With this guide and enough FIFA 21 Coins, you may enjoy the best game ever! And if you have your own opinion about FIFA 21 Best Formation, please tell me in the comment below.
