Mastering PES 2021 Attacks: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey guys! So, you're looking to dominate the pitch in PES 2021 and rack up those goals, huh? Awesome! Attacking is where the magic happens, and if you're not scoring, you're not winning. We're going to dive deep into everything you need to know to become a PES 2021 attacking maestro. Forget about just kicking the ball vaguely towards the net; we're talking about precision, strategy, and making your opponents sweat. Whether you're a beginner just getting your feet wet or a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your offensive game, this guide is packed with tips and tricks to elevate your attacking prowess. We'll cover everything from basic formations and player roles to advanced dribbling techniques, set-piece strategies, and how to exploit defensive weaknesses. Get ready to transform your gameplay from lackluster to legendary! This isn't just about knowing how to score; it's about understanding the why and when of your attacking moves. So, grab your controller, settle in, and let's get ready to unleash some serious attacking fury on the virtual turf!
Building a Strong Attacking Foundation: Formations and Player Roles
Alright, let's kick things off with the absolute bedrock of any successful attack: your formation and player roles. Think of your formation as the blueprint for how your team operates on the field, and your players are the skilled workers executing the plan. Getting this right is crucial if you want to consistently create scoring opportunities. In PES 2021, there's no one-size-fits-all formation that works for every single match or playstyle. You need to be adaptable! For a more direct, pacy attack, formations like the 4-3-3 or 4-1-2-3 can be absolute game-changers. These setups provide width, allowing your wingers to stretch the opposition defense and create space for your strikers. The 4-3-3, with its three forwards, ensures you always have a presence in the final third, making it harder for opponents to defend against. The midfield trio can offer both defensive stability and creative passing options to feed your attackers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more possession-based, intricate style of play that slowly breaks down the opponent, formations like the 4-2-3-1 or even a 4-1-4-1 might be more your jam. The 4-2-3-1 offers a great balance, with a dedicated attacking midfielder (AMF) who can link up play beautifully with the lone striker or the wide attackers. The two deeper midfielders provide a solid base for build-up and can also contribute to the attack when the opportunity arises. The 4-1-4-1, while seemingly more defensive, can be incredibly effective in midfield control, allowing you to dominate possession and create openings through patient build-up play. The wingers in this formation can often cut inside or provide crosses, depending on their player instructions.
Now, let's talk about player roles within these formations. It's not just about picking the fastest strikers; it's about selecting players who fit the role you want them to play. Target Forwards are brilliant for holding up the ball and bringing midfielders into play, perfect for a more physical approach. Advanced Playmakers in the AMF or CM positions can unlock defenses with killer passes. Inzaghi-style poachers are lethal inside the box, always sniffing out a chance. Wingers need to have pace and good dribbling, but also the ability to cross effectively. Don't forget your full-backs; in modern football, they are often key attacking outlets, so equipping them with good stamina and crossing ability can be a major advantage. Pay attention to player familiarity too! A player who is highly familiar with their position in a certain formation will perform significantly better. Experiment with different formations and player roles, guys. What works for one person might not work for you. Watch your opponent's formation and try to counter it. If they're playing with a narrow defense, exploit the wings. If they're leaving space between their defensive and midfield lines, a formation with a good AMF can be devastating. Ultimately, the best attacking setup is one that plays to your squad's strengths and your personal playstyle. Keep tweaking, keep experimenting, and you'll find that perfect attacking formula that leads to consistent goals and victories.
Dribbling and Skill Moves: Unleash Your Inner Messi
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of individual skill: dribbling and skill moves. This is where you can truly bamboozle your opponents and create those moments of individual brilliance that lead to goals. Forget the days of just running in a straight line; PES 2021 gives you a whole arsenal of tricks to unlock defenses. Basic dribbling itself is super important. Mastering the left stick control to weave through tight spaces, change direction quickly, and shield the ball is foundational. Don't underestimate the power of subtle movements to fake out a defender before making your run. But the real fun begins with skill moves. These are your go-to options when a defender is closing you down and you need to create a yard of space. The beauty of PES 2021 is the sheer variety of skill moves available. You've got the classics like the fake shot, which is incredibly effective for freezing defenders and creating shooting angles. A well-timed fake shot can send a defender the wrong way, leaving you with an open path to goal or a clear shooting opportunity. Then there's the step-over, fantastic for knocking the ball past a stationary defender or changing direction quickly. If you're facing a more aggressive defender, the elastico or reverse elastico can be absolute magic, leaving them lunging at thin air. For those who love to jink and weave, the ball roll is your best friend, allowing you to shift the ball laterally and bypass challenges. And let's not forget the no-touch dribble (sometimes called a feint), which can create separation and catch defenders off guard.
Timing and context are everything when it comes to using skill moves effectively. Spamming skill moves is a surefire way to lose the ball. You need to understand when to use them. Are you trying to get past a last-ditch defender? Are you trying to create space for a shot? Or are you simply trying to evade pressure and retain possession? Different skill moves are suited for different situations. For example, a simple ball roll might be enough to beat a defender who is slightly out of position, whereas a more complex skill move like the sombero flick might be necessary to get past a tightly marking opponent. Practice, practice, practice! The best way to get good at skill moves is to head into the training mode and spend time mastering the inputs. Learn the button combinations, understand the directional inputs required, and get a feel for how each move plays out. Try to incorporate them naturally into your gameplay rather than forcing them. Sometimes, the simplest dribble is the most effective. Don't be afraid to experiment with different players too. Some players have higher skill move ratings and dribbling stats, making them more adept at executing these moves. A player with 5-star skill moves can pull off moves that a 1-star player simply can't. Understanding your players' capabilities is key. Ultimately, mastering dribbling and skill moves is about adding unpredictability to your attack. It's about making yourself a threat that defenders can't easily track. When you can consistently beat a man and create chances through skill, you become a much more dangerous opponent, and those goals will start flowing.
Crossing and Through Balls: Unlocking Defenses with Precision
Beyond individual flair, crossing and through balls are the tactical weapons you need in your arsenal to break down stubborn defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities for your teammates. These are the passes that can slice through defensive lines and put your forwards in on goal. Let's start with crossing. When you're on the wings and have some space, a well-placed cross can be devastating. The key here is variety and accuracy. Don't just mash the cross button! Understand the different types of crosses available. A low driven cross is excellent for fast attackers who can get in front of defenders or for finding strikers in crowded penalty areas. A high, lofted cross is great for big, aerial-threat strikers who can win headers. And then there's the ground pass or cut-back cross, which is perfect for playing into the path of a runner or drawing defenders out of position before pulling it back. Player positioning is vital for effective crossing. You want your forwards to be making runs into the box at the right time. Use the run on or contain commands to dictate their movement. Also, consider the receiving player's stats. Do they have good heading ability? Are they agile enough to get on the end of a low cross? The angle of your cross also matters. Crossing from the byline often presents different opportunities than crossing from deeper positions. Experiment with crossing from various angles and distances to see what works best for your team.
Now, onto through balls. These are the passes that bypass the midfield and defense, directly into the path of your attackers. They are the ultimate tool for speedy counter-attacks and for exploiting gaps in the opponent's backline. PES 2021 offers different types of through balls. The standard through ball (X/A button) is your bread and butter. Use it when you see a forward making a run into space. However, be mindful of the defensive line; an ill-timed through ball can be easily intercepted. For situations where you want to loft the ball over the defense, the lofted through ball (R2 + X / RT + A) is your weapon of choice. This is perfect for releasing fast strikers who have outpaced the defenders. It's crucial to assess the situation before playing a through ball. Is your striker onside? Is there enough space for them to run into? Is the defender closing down quickly? An intelligent through ball can lead to a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but a poor one can gift possession back to the opposition. Player vision and passing stats are key here. A player with high vision and passing accuracy will be more likely to thread these passes successfully. Also, consider the type of run you're asking your player to make. Some players are better at making diagonal runs, while others excel at runs directly into the channel. You can influence these runs with player instructions. Combinations are also powerful. Imagine a one-two pass followed by a through ball, or a quick cross that's pulled back to a player on the edge of the box for a shot. Mastering these passing techniques will allow you to unlock defenses with surgical precision, creating more clear-cut chances and, ultimately, more goals. It’s about understanding the angles, the timing, and the strengths of your players.
Set Pieces: Capitalizing on Dead Ball Situations
Don't underestimate the power of set pieces in PES 2021, guys! Free kicks, corners, and even throw-ins can be goldmines for scoring goals if you know how to exploit them. They represent opportunities where the game is essentially stopped, giving you a moment to plan and execute. Let's start with corners. Instead of just blindly whipping the ball into the box, try varying your approach. You can deliver a short corner to retain possession and try to create an overload. A driven cross can be effective for getting the ball past the first defender and into a dangerous area. Or, go for the classic high, looping cross to target your best header. Player positioning is crucial. Have players making runs at the near post, the far post, and in the middle to create multiple threats. Set piece specialists with high crossing and curl stats are invaluable here. For free kicks, you have a multitude of options. You can go for direct shots on goal if you're within range and have a player with good shot power and accuracy. The curled free kick is a classic, and mastering the technique to bend it around the wall can be incredibly satisfying. Don't forget the knuckleball or power free kick for a more unpredictable trajectory. Sometimes, a simple short pass to a teammate to set up a different angle or to draw a foul can be more effective than a direct shot. Practice free kick routines in training mode to find what works best for you. Freekick takers with high stats in curve, shot power, and accuracy are essential. Consider drawing fouls in dangerous areas; this is often a sign of good attacking play that forces the opponent into desperate tackles.
Penalties are a mental game as much as a technical one. While the aiming reticle is helpful, faking out the goalkeeper is key. Vary your run-up, aim to different parts of the goal, and don't be afraid to change your mind at the last second (though this carries risk!). Throw-ins might seem minor, but they can be used to launch attacks. Look for players making runs behind the defense, or use quick, short throws to retain possession and build an attack. Player instructions can also be set for set pieces, dictating who makes runs or who stays back. For example, you might want your tallest players to attack the box during corners. Exploiting set pieces requires practice and tactical awareness. Analyze your team's strengths. Do you have a dominant aerial threat? Use corners and crosses to your advantage. Do you have a free-kick specialist? Make sure you're drawing fouls in dangerous positions. Treating set pieces as genuine attacking opportunities, rather than afterthoughts, can significantly boost your goal tally and provide a crucial edge in tight matches. It’s about being clinical when the game stops and the pressure is on.
Attacking Tactics and Player Instructions: Fine-Tuning Your Approach
So far, we've covered formations, dribbling, passing, and set pieces. Now, let's dive into the finer details: attacking tactics and player instructions. This is where you can really fine-tune your team's behavior on the pitch and ensure everyone is pulling their weight offensively. Attacking tactics are the general strategies that govern how your team plays when they have possession. You can usually find these in the 'Team Strategy' or 'Tactics' menu. Possession game tactics focus on keeping the ball, building attacks patiently, and waiting for an opening. This is great if you have technically gifted midfielders and forwards. Long ball tactics, on the other hand, aim to get the ball forward quickly, often targeting fast strikers. This is ideal for counter-attacking strategies. Attacking midfielders are often key here, designed to support the forwards and create overloads. Wing play tactics emphasize using the flanks to create chances, with wingers and full-backs pushing forward. This is effective against teams that defend narrowly. Counter-attack tactics are designed to exploit space left by opponents who push forward too aggressively. These tactics often involve quick transitions from defense to attack, with midfielders and forwards making immediate runs. Player instructions are where you assign specific roles and behaviors to individual players. This is absolutely critical for optimizing your attack. For instance, you can tell your full-backs to
