Player Review

I like to shift between three formations: 4-3-3(4), 4-1-2-1-2 narrow, and 4-4-2 depending on how my opponent defends. Given that one of the striker slots is filled by a winger (Salah), I needed my other striker to have a different profile. I'll break down where he fits in each tactic below.

4-3-3(4):

• Weggy instructions: Stay central, Target man, stay forward.

With this formation the main idea is for the ST to receive the ball and hold it until the wingers and CAM can break through any gaps in the defensive line. I find Weghorst is the best in the game at this role. He is a little stronger on the ball than Kane so rarely loses the ball when L2 is held. He also has devastating pace and good agility/balance, which means he can also turn and run into gaps in the defence himself. This creates all number of problems. This tactic is less useful when the opposition defends deep and compact, so I switch to one of the below.

4-1-2-1-2 narrow:

• Weg instructions: Stay central, Target man.
• Second ST instructions: Stay central, get in behind.

I use this formation to overload defences in the middle. Weghorst is involved in two phases here. The first is in transition. If the opponent doesn't close down, I can play snappy passes through midfield. If the opponent closes down aggressively, I want an out-ball to the central ST. These opponents instinctively close down the ST the same way they do in midfield. Here, Weggy causes massive problems. With his 6'6" height and maximum jumping, heading accuracy, aggression and strength, Weggy wins every aerial battle. When the opponent closes down (and with a ST partner on 'get in behind') this often leaves a gap for an accurate header to set the second ST through on goal. I think with Weghorst's stats (and from my experience in game) he is the best in the game at this.

4-4-2:

• Weg instructions: Stay central, Target man, Stay forward
• Second ST instructions: Get in behind

This formation is where Weg scores most goals for me. The aim here is to build play down the wings and look to get in a cross. Most players this FIFA use quick STs and low driven crosses, and I keep this option with my second ST. However, Weghorst adds a second dimension to this. While the opposition usually tries to prevent the low driven cross to Salah, I can stick the ball up high onto the penalty spot knowing that Weggy will beat any defender to the ball. Headers aren't easy this FIFA and I don't score them all, but I'm trying to improve because I just create so many chances this way. I would say I score 1 in 10 headers - if I can double that number, then Weghorst is going to score me a bucket of goals.

The final advantage which works for every formation is his strength at set pieces. I used to only score corners if the opponent gave me a free header at the near post. Now, I knock it up to Weggy on the penalty spot and he gets a shot on target EVERY time. It doesn't often score yet - I think because I'm not great at headers - but again if I can improve this very slightly, I think he'll be a goal machine. There just isn't a defender in the game who can beat him in the air.