Let’s talk tactics: Def forwards and trequartistas

A few seasons ago, a bunch of new positions were introduced to Wes. In Tactics Talk, we’ll go through some of them to explain how they work and what kind of players suit them.

In this edition, let’s talk forwards. Two positions were introduced here — the defensive forwards and the trequartista.

You ever had a forward that couldn’t really shoot? Barely getting to 30% shooting accuracy, but with some mean attack or defensive challenge skills? That’s the kind of forward that is tailored to the new positions. 

The main differentiator from the classic striker is that these new-age forwards don’t have a presence in the opposition penalty box, where most shots are taken. You’re essentially playing the forward like a midfielder or winger, lessening the amount of shots and setups they take but increasing their involvement in tackles. 

A defensive forward will have a presence across the wing and in the c mid position. But he needs to be R or L sided to play there. We’ve found that defensive forwards don’t seem to get too many challenges or shots in a game, so they can be quite peripheral. A perfect def forward should have strong defensive challenge skills, otherwise he will lose you tackles in key defensive zones in c mid and wing. Attack challenges are definitely a bonus, as is setup. Don’t expect these forwards to be game changers in attack, but they can be great makeshift challenge mids, particular on the wings.

A trequartista performs the same function but for the central positions. The difference is he doesn’t have to be L or R sided, only C-sided. Tactically, it’s a less flexible option but a potentially great alternative to the defensive midfielder or an attacking mid, depending on the challenge skills / setup abilities. 

With strong challenge mids usually something of a luxury, can a team made up of defensive forwards and trequartistas work? For example, a 3-2-5 formation. It can to a degree. The problem is that these positions are much less flexible than mids it’s harder to get a good defensive balance. But if you can’t find the right mids, it’s certainly worth trying out a few forwards in these positions, providing they have decent defensive abilities and at least some shooting / setup skills.