Is a Trequartista more popular than a Shadow Striker? | Football Manager
The Trequartista and the Shadow Striker have something in common, and that is the position of AMC – Attacking Midfielder Center.
This is the starting point of creativity, intelligence and technique.
It is defined by football terms such as “false 9” and the classic number 10. What’s the difference?
I would say, tactics and number of attackers. Someone likes to play with one striker (4-2-3-1), and someone wants to risk it (4-3-3).
I must say that the Trequartista can be F9 but also No. 10, while Shadow Striker has only a place on the AMC position.
But who is the right candidate for this job? Do you have a favorite player?
My first association is Francesco Totti. If I had to single out some current name, my choice would be as follows: Wayne Rooney, Bojan Krkic, Stevan Jovetic, Luis Suarez and so on.
Of course, the player who can choose the role and position is Lionel Messi!
He is able to solve a match on his own and limit his freedom (on the pitch) is a big mistake.
And now it’s time to get to know a little better these roles, and after that it follows (player) preferred moves (PPM).
My attention is focused on the position of AMC, and more about scoring goals in the next article.
Shadow Striker
The Shadow Striker operates as the team’s main goal scoring threat.
Usually coupled with a deep-lying forward, the Shadow Striker aggressively pushes forward into goal scoring positions as the ball moves into the final third and looks to close down opposing defenders when out of possession.
This role is only available with an Attack duty.
Enganche
The Enganche is the side’s prime creator, a hook that joins midfield and attack and operates behind the strikers and a playmaker who sticks to his position and becomes a pivot to his team as they move around him.
It differs to the Trequartista, who like to roam from his position, drifting around and looking for space between the lines.
The Enganche – Attack Duty.
Attacking Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder operates higher up the pitch than the standard midfielder, so he cannot drive into space from deep in the manner of an attacking Central Midfielder.
Requiring excellent technical and mental skills, his role is to fashion chances for himself and others in the final third before the opposition defenders reduce the time and space he has to make the play.
Support – the player is willing to help out with defence and tends to sit in the hole rather than get into the box.
Attack – the player looks to craft out chances for his forwards alongside being a presence in the box to supplement the attack.
Trequartista
The Trequartista can operate in the attacking midfield or centre forward positions.
While similar to the Advanced Playmaker in that he aims to drop into holes between the opposition’s midfield and defence, the Trequartista does far less defensively and simply drifts around looking for space when the team is not in possession.
As such the rest of the team needs to carry him when defending, but use him as the main outlet when attacking.
The Trequartista – Attack Duty.
More information about the Advanced Playmaker can be found here.
Preferred Moves – Player Traits
Before we start with the preferred moves, I would like to describe the right player for the AMC position in my system.
First, he must be between 27 and 32 years old, and I expect that the mental side of players is excellent!
Two attributes are very important, and these are: passing and technique.
However, the big plus is when I see a good dribbling, finishing, and long shots.
If the minimum conditions are met, this means that the player has successfully overcome one of the following obstacles in training.
Tries killer balls often
This task provides an opportunity for the player to create something out of nothing.
It is necessary to pay attention to the passing – decision – flair – vision and there will be no problems. An ideal role is the Advanced Playmaker or the Trequartista.
Plays one-twos
Here, I’m looking for speed and a short pass. The player will move forward into the space with the intention to score a goal after receiving the ball.
It would be nice to have good long shots or finishing. In this way, I get the transformation of AMC → ST.
Runs with ball through centre (left-right)
The key attribute is dribbling! But … The question is: On which side to go? For example, I usually check what is written below the preferred foot.
If I see “left or right only” I know that chances are minimal while “either” means I’m on the right track.
Dictates tempo
Something that is characteristic of the playmaker but hardly conceivable for the Shadow Striker.
On the other hand, Trequartista seeks freedom in the pitch and given the creativity (intelligence) he possesses, he should know when it’s time to “slow down the game” or increase the pace.
Places shots
The real task for false 9 that can become a danger to the opponent’s goal. When a player has the technique and no strength, this is a good solution.
Of course, there are additional tasks if the previous ones aren’t interesting:
- Looks for pass rather than attempting to score (poor finishing/long shots);
- Arrives late in opposition area (false 9);
- Gets into opposition area (classic number 10);
- Attempts to develop weaker foot;
- Runs with ball often;
- Try long shots.
That’s it. Both roles have their function and purpose, but everything depends on the tactics and opponents.
For example, I like the Trequartista at the 4-2-3-1 while Shadow Striker has an advantage when I play with two strikers. And you? Thank you for your attention and time.
Author: Alen Stefanovic Game: Football Manager 2017
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