Are you a football manager looking to add a new tactical dimension to your team's playstyle? Or maybe you're a curious fan who's heard the term "wide target man" thrown around but isn't quite sure what it means. Either way, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of the wide target man in Football Manager, from what it is and how to use it effectively, to the attributes you should look for in a player and the tactics that best suit this approach. So sit back, grab a cuppa, and let's dive into the world of the wide target man!
What is a Wide Target Man in Football Manager?
A wide target man is a tactical approach in Football Manager that involves using a tall, strong player on the flanks of the pitch as a target for long diagonal passes. The aim is to stretch the opposition's defense and create space for your other attacking players to exploit. This approach is typically used in more direct, counter-attacking tactics, where the aim is to quickly transition from defense to attack and catch the opposition off-guard.
To be effective as a wide target man, the player needs to have good first touch, heading ability, and vision. They should also be physically strong, as they will often be involved in physical battles with opposing defenders. When used correctly, a wide target man can be a powerful tool in a team's attacking arsenal, allowing them to add variety and unpredictability to their playstyle. In the next section, we'll delve deeper into how to use this tactic effectively and what attributes to look for in a player
Attributes to Look for in a Wide Target Man
When selecting a player to be your wide target man in Football Manager, there are several key attributes to look out for. These include:
- Height and Strength - The player should be tall and strong, as they will often be involved in physical battles with opposing defenders. Look for a player with good jumping reach, strength, and aggression.
- Heading - The wide target man will often be used as a target for long crosses and diagonal passes, so they need to be strong in the air. Look for a player with high heading accuracy, jumping reach, and bravery.
- First Touch - The player should be able to bring the ball under control quickly and effectively. Look for a player with good first touch, technique, and composure.
- Vision - The wide target man needs to be able to spot and make passes to their teammates in the attacking third of the pitch. Look for a player with good vision, passing, and anticipation.
- Work Rate - The player should be willing to put in a shift defensively as well as offensively. Look for a player with good work rate, stamina, and teamwork.
By selecting a player with these attributes, you can ensure that your wide target man is an effective and valuable asset to your team's attacking playstyle. In the next section, we'll explore the different tactics you can use to make the most of this approach.
Tactics for Using a Wide Target Man
Now that we've covered what a wide target man is and what attributes to look out for in a player, let's talk about the tactics you can use to make the most of this approach.
One popular tactic for using a wide target man is the "direct" or "route one" approach. In this tactic, the aim is to quickly transition from defense to attack by playing long, diagonal passes towards the wide target man. The player then looks to hold up the ball and bring other attacking players into play. This approach can catch the opposition off-guard and create space for your other attacking players to exploit.
Another effective tactic for using a wide target man is the "overlapping full-back" approach. In this tactic, the full-back on the same flank as the wide target man is instructed to overlap and provide additional support in attack. This can create confusion in the opposition's defense, as they struggle to mark both the wide target man and the overlapping full-back.
Finally, the "winger support" approach can also work well with a wide target man. In this tactic, a winger on the opposite flank is instructed to provide support to the wide target man by making runs into the box or playing short, one-two passes with the player. This can create additional attacking options for your team and stretch the opposition's defense even further.
By using these tactics and making the most of your wide target man's attributes, you can add a new dimension to your team's playstyle and catch your opponents off-guard.
Benefits of Using a Wide Target Man
Using a wide target man in your team can bring numerous benefits to your playstyle. One of the biggest advantages is that it can create space for other attacking players to exploit. By having a player who can hold up the ball and bring others into play, you can stretch the opposition's defense and create more opportunities to score.
Another benefit of using a wide target man is their ability to provide an aerial threat. In Football Manager, having a player who is strong in the air and can win headers in the box can be a huge advantage, particularly when taking set pieces. By having a wide target man who can win headers and knock the ball down to other attacking players, you can create additional chances to score.
Using a wide target man can also add variety to your playstyle. By having a player who can play in a more direct and physical style, you can change up your approach and catch your opponents off-guard. This can be particularly effective against teams that are used to playing against possession-based teams and struggle to cope with a more direct approach.
Overall, using a wide target man can add a new dimension to your team's playstyle and bring numerous benefits to your attacking play. By making the most of their strengths and playing to their abilities, you can create a more dynamic and effective team.
Limitations of Using a Wide Target Man
While using a wide target man can be an effective strategy, there are also some limitations to consider when implementing this approach.
One of the main limitations of using a wide target man is their susceptibility to being marked out of the game by a well-organized defense. Because a wide target man often relies on physical strength and aerial ability, they can struggle against teams that are able to defend against these qualities effectively. This means that teams using a wide target man need to be prepared to adapt their tactics if they encounter teams that are able to nullify their attacking threat.
Another limitation of using a wide target man is that they can be less effective against teams that play a high defensive line. Because a wide target man typically operates in wider areas of the pitch, they may struggle to find space and create opportunities against teams that defend with a high line. This means that teams using a wide target man need to be able to adapt their approach and play to their strengths in different situations.
Despite these limitations, a wide target man can still be an effective strategy in Football Manager when used correctly. By understanding their strengths and limitations, and adjusting your tactics accordingly, you can make the most of this approach and create a more dynamic and effective team.
Conclusion
In Football Manager, the use of a wide target man can be an effective strategy for creating scoring opportunities and breaking down stubborn defenses. By selecting players with the right attributes and adapting your tactics to suit their strengths, you can create a dynamic and effective attacking approach that can bring success to your team.
However, it's also important to keep in mind the limitations of using a wide target man, and to be prepared to adapt your tactics when needed. By considering these factors and keeping an open mind to different approaches, you can take full advantage of this strategy and create a winning team in Football Manager.
