Pochettino In PES 2021: Tactics, Formation & More

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into how you can leverage Mauricio Pochettino's managerial genius in PES 2021. We're talking tactics, formations, and player roles to dominate the competition. Whether you're a seasoned PES veteran or just starting, this guide will help you understand how to implement Pochettino's strategies effectively. Get ready to transform your team into a high-pressing, possession-based powerhouse!

Understanding Pochettino's Philosophy

To truly harness Pochettino's managerial style in PES 2021, it's crucial to grasp the core tenets of his footballing philosophy. Pochettino is renowned for his high-pressing, energetic style of play, which emphasizes winning the ball back quickly in the opponent's half. This approach requires players with exceptional stamina, work rate, and tactical awareness. Think of players who are not afraid to get stuck in, chase down every ball, and maintain their focus throughout the entire match. It's not just about physical attributes, though; players need to be smart and understand when and where to press to avoid getting caught out of position.

Central to his philosophy is a fluid, attacking formation that allows for quick transitions and creative movement. This often involves a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 setup, focusing on overloading the midfield to control possession and create goal-scoring opportunities. The full-backs play a crucial role in providing width and supporting the attack, while the central midfielders must be adept at both defending and initiating attacks. Players like N'Golo Kanté, who can tirelessly cover ground and break up opposition plays, are invaluable in this system. In attack, wingers need to be able to dribble past defenders, cut inside, and deliver accurate crosses, while the striker must be clinical in front of goal and capable of linking up with the midfielders.

Team spirit and cohesion are also paramount in Pochettino's approach. He believes in creating a strong bond between players, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This translates to better teamwork on the pitch, with players willing to work for each other and make sacrifices for the greater good of the team. To build this cohesion in PES 2021, focus on developing player familiarity with the chosen formation and tactics, and ensure that the squad includes players with high team spirit ratings. Training sessions should emphasize teamwork and communication, helping players to understand each other's movements and anticipate their passes. By instilling a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, you can create a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, capable of achieving remarkable feats on the virtual pitch.

Best Formations for Pochettino's Style in PES 2021

Choosing the right formation is key to replicating Pochettino's success in PES 2021. Let's explore a couple of effective options:

4-2-3-1 Formation

The 4-2-3-1 is a versatile formation that provides a solid defensive base while offering plenty of attacking options. This formation allows you to control the midfield, press high up the pitch, and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. To make the most of this formation, it's essential to select players with specific attributes and assign them the appropriate roles.

  • Defensive Midfielders (DMF): Two strong defensive midfielders are crucial for shielding the backline and winning back possession. Look for players with high defensive stats, stamina, and passing accuracy. Instruct them to stay back while attacking to provide cover and prevent counter-attacks. Players like Fabinho or Casemiro would excel in these roles, providing a solid foundation for the team.
  • Attacking Midfielders (AMF): A creative attacking midfielder is essential for linking up play between the midfield and the attack. Choose a player with excellent dribbling, passing, and vision. Instruct them to roam freely and look for opportunities to create chances for the striker and wingers. Players like Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes would thrive in this position, unlocking defenses with their creativity and flair.
  • Wingers (LWF/RWF): Pace and trickery are essential for wingers in this formation. Look for players who can beat defenders, deliver accurate crosses, and cut inside to shoot. Instruct them to stay wide to stretch the defense and provide crosses for the striker. Players like Sadio Mané or Mohamed Salah would be ideal in these roles, using their speed and skill to terrorize opposing defenders.
  • Striker (CF): A clinical striker is essential for converting chances into goals. Choose a player with high finishing, heading, and positioning stats. Instruct them to stay central and make runs in behind the defense. Players like Robert Lewandowski or Harry Kane would excel in this position, providing a reliable goal-scoring threat.

4-3-3 Formation

The 4-3-3 is another excellent formation for implementing Pochettino's high-pressing style. This formation emphasizes attacking football and allows you to dominate possession in the opponent's half. To make the most of this formation, it's essential to select players with specific attributes and assign them the appropriate roles.

  • Central Midfielders (CMF): Three central midfielders are crucial for controlling the tempo of the game and winning back possession. Look for players with high passing accuracy, stamina, and defensive stats. Instruct one midfielder to stay back while attacking to provide cover for the defense, while the other two midfielders should support the attack and make runs into the box. Players like Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, or Frenkie de Jong would be excellent in these roles, dictating the play with their vision and passing ability.
  • Wingers (LWF/RWF): Pace and dribbling are essential for wingers in this formation. Look for players who can beat defenders, deliver accurate crosses, and cut inside to shoot. Instruct them to stay wide to stretch the defense and provide crosses for the striker. Players like Neymar or Kylian Mbappé would be ideal in these roles, using their electrifying pace and skill to create havoc in the opposition's defense.
  • Striker (CF): A clinical striker is essential for converting chances into goals. Choose a player with high finishing, heading, and positioning stats. Instruct them to stay central and make runs in behind the defense. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Erling Haaland would excel in this position, providing a constant threat in front of goal.

Key Player Roles and Instructions

To truly replicate Pochettino's tactics, you need to assign specific roles and instructions to your players. Here are a few crucial ones:

  • Full-Backs: Instruct your full-backs to join the attack and provide width. This will stretch the opponent's defense and create more space for your attacking players. However, make sure they have high stamina and defensive awareness to track back quickly when needed. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies are perfect examples of modern full-backs who excel in both attack and defense.
  • Defensive Midfielder: Set your defensive midfielder to be an Anchor Man. This will ensure they stay back and protect the defense, breaking up attacks and winning back possession. They should also have good passing skills to distribute the ball to the more creative players. N'Golo Kanté is the quintessential Anchor Man, known for his tireless work rate and ability to disrupt opposition attacks.
  • Attacking Midfielder: Instruct your attacking midfielder to be a Hole Player or a Creative Playmaker. Hole Players will make runs into the box to create goal-scoring opportunities, while Creative Playmakers will roam around the pitch, looking for space to create chances for others. Players like Thomas Müller or Lionel Messi are masters of these roles, capable of unlocking defenses with their intelligent movement and passing.
  • Wingers: Set your wingers to be Prolific Wingers. This will encourage them to cut inside and shoot, rather than just crossing the ball. They should also have good dribbling skills and pace to beat defenders. Players like Arjen Robben or Mohamed Salah are renowned for their ability to cut inside and score goals from the wing.

Implementing High Pressing

High pressing is a cornerstone of Pochettino's tactics. To effectively implement it in PES 2021:

  • Team Pressing: Set your team pressing instruction to Aggressive. This will make your players close down the opposition quickly and try to win back the ball in their half. However, be mindful of your players' stamina levels, as aggressive pressing can be tiring.
  • Individual Pressing: Manually control your players to press the opposition when they have the ball. Use the Contain button to close down the space and force them into making a mistake. Be careful not to over-commit, as this can leave gaps in your defense.
  • Pressing Traps: Set up pressing traps by allowing the opposition to pass the ball into certain areas, then quickly closing them down with multiple players. This can be particularly effective in the opponent's half, where they are more likely to make mistakes.

Training and Player Development

Proper training and player development are crucial for implementing Pochettino's tactics effectively. Focus on improving your players' stamina, defensive skills, and attacking attributes. Pay particular attention to their weak foot accuracy and usage, as this can make a big difference in tight games.

  • Training Regimen: Create a balanced training regimen that focuses on both physical and technical skills. Include drills that improve stamina, pressing, tackling, passing, and shooting. Also, work on team cohesion and tactical awareness to ensure that your players understand their roles and responsibilities.
  • Player Roles: Train your players in specific roles to maximize their potential. For example, train your full-backs in crossing and dribbling to improve their attacking output, and train your defensive midfielders in tackling and interception to make them more effective at winning back possession.
  • Youth Academy: Invest in your youth academy to develop young players who fit your tactical system. Look for players with high potential in key attributes such as stamina, work rate, and tactical awareness. Nurture them through training and give them opportunities to play in first-team matches to accelerate their development.

Final Thoughts

By understanding Pochettino's philosophy and implementing the right formations, player roles, and instructions, you can dominate PES 2021 with his high-pressing, possession-based style of play. Remember to focus on player development, team cohesion, and tactical awareness to truly unlock your team's potential. Now go out there and show the world what you've learned! Good luck, and have fun on the virtual pitch!