JAfonso was incredibly dominant in Group A of the FC Pro Open in Week 1. The Al Nassr man has established himself as the 3rd ranked player in the FC Pro World Rankings, and he played like it.
Outside of a 5-3 loss to Cowen, JAfonso was untouchable.
With 12 points and a whopping +12 goal difference, he comfortably topped the group, booking his spot in the knockout. Naturally, we all want to know how he did it.
JAfonso’s tactics set him up to succeed, and he picked the perfect squad for them. First of all, let's break down how he set up.
JAfonso’s Pro 4411 Custom Tactics
Build-Up Style: Balanced
Defensive Approach: High Line (71)
JAfonso’s Pro 4411 Player Roles
GK: Sweeper Keeper - Balanced
RB: Fullback - Balanced
LCB: Defender - Defend
RCB: Defender - Defend
LB: Fullback - Balanced
RM: Inside Forward - Balanced
RCM: Holding - Defend
LCM: Holding - Defend
LM: Inside Forward - Balanced
CAM: Playmaker - Balanced
ST: Advanced Forward - Attack
Tactics Code: %Ani8j2VYri
Why is the 4411 so popular in FC 25?
After threatening to be the year of the 5-back, the 442 is now easily the META in FC 25. Despite losing popularity in the real world, the formation’s defensive solidity and balance across the pitch mean it will always have a place on the virtual pitch.
It is a comfortable and familiar formation that is deeply ingrained into football culture. It is straightforward, does not demand highly specific player roles or skills to work, and can be adapted to a user’s style of play quite easily.
The 4411 is a variant of the 442, dropping one of the strikers between the midfield and forward line, and it works just as well, if not better, depending on the user.
Just as in the 442, the two banks of four create a compact setup that is hard to break down, especially with how good the defensive AI is at maintaining structure. In possession, the formation offers width and flexibility.
While the pressing structure is slightly weaker than that of the 442, since you do not have two forwards pushing up against the opposing center backs, it is only a minor difference.
In possession, having a playmaker in the CAM position instead of a second striker also has its benefits, which we will discuss in-depth shortly.
The 4411, when executed as JAfonso demonstrated, is a masterclass in tactical refinement.
It builds on the simplicity and symmetry of the 442 but adds a layer of nuance and control that sets it apart for those seeking precision over pure directness.
By slightly altering the role of one of the strikers, this setup unlocks opportunities that a traditional 442 simply cannot replicate.
What makes 4411 META in attack?
Offensively, the 4411 shines because of its ability to create overloads in transitional phases without losing shape.
The CAM acts as a bridge between the midfield and the attack, sitting just behind the striker in the pocket of space that often goes unguarded.
This small adjustment transforms the system into a tactical Swiss Army knife:
- Dynamic Playmaking:
The CAM can orchestrate the attack, whether by threading pinpoint through balls or delivering chipped passes into the box.
JAfonso’s use of Bobby Charlton to exploit these opportunities was a spectacle, with the half-space runs of the Inside Forwards perfectly timed to receive his deliveries. - Central Lane Control:
Unlike the 442, where both strikers push the defensive line back, the 4411 allows one player (the CAM) to drop deep and overload the midfield.
This disrupts defensive setups, creating room for the striker to move freely or pull defenders out of position. - Variety of Threats:
By pairing a traditional striker like Mbappé with a creative CAM, this formation strikes a balance between goal-scoring ability and creativity, making it unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
What makes the 4411 so good defensively?
Defensively, the 4411 benefits from its layered structure, which grants it a level of adaptability not found in the 442:
- Defensive Depth:
The CAM’s positioning just ahead of the midfield provides an additional layer of protection against counters.
This player can intercept passes, press early, or even drop back to form a compact midfield five when needed. - Disciplined Holding Midfielders:
The dual holding midfielders act as the backbone of the setup, ensuring that the team isn’t caught out when the fullbacks or inside forwards push higher.
This was evident in JAfonso’s matches, where de Jong and Valverde seamlessly balanced their defensive duties with deep playmaking. - Flexibility in Wide Areas:
The fullbacks on balanced focus offer support without recklessly bombing forward, which gives the team the ability to control transitions.
As seen with Dalot and Theo Hernández, their selective forward runs allow for both width and defensive security.
JAfonso’s Key Players and Roles
Goalkeeper
Courtois is probably one of the first names on most pro players' team sheets. Firstly, his 6’7” frame and impressive reach make him an exceptional shot-stopper.
His Rush Out+ playstyle transforms him into a proactive sweeper-keeper, enabling him to intercept through balls and keep attackers at bay.
On top of all this, he is so cheap that he barely puts a dent in anyone's budget. This is easily one of the best value cards in the game.
Fullbacks
At left back, JAfonso has the non-negotiable Theo Hernández on the left, with the dependable Diogo Dalot on the right. Both are deployed as balanced fullbacks.
While both fullbacks focus on providing width, supporting the attack when necessary, and maintaining positional discipline to protect against counterattacks, they do not pose the same threat in this setup.
Theo Hernández is a tireless force on the left flank, combining pace and power to cause defenders a headache all game long.
His forward runs, often manually triggered by JAfonso, allow him to overlap and create overloads in the attack. A prime example of this was in JAfonso’s match against Stingrayjr in the FC Pro Open, where Hernández’s bursting run into the box led to the game's first goal in the opening few minutes.
This set the tone for the rest of the match, with JAfonso's early advantage allowing him to control the game's narrative.
On the right, Diogo Dalot complements the attack with his balanced approach. He is quick, a capable dribbler, and adept at delivering dangerous crosses when the opportunity arises.
While Hernández is more aggressive in his overlaps, Dalot tends to stay wider, spreading the play and creating space for the inside forwards.
Both fullbacks, while disciplined in defense, provide tactical versatility that JAfonso leverages effectively throughout matches.
Centre Backs
At the heart of the defense, JAfonso has the reliable pairing of William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk. It is a pairing that balances speed, strength, and tactical awareness.
Saliba’s quickness and Anticipate+ playstyle make him a dependable partner, while his ability to read the game is crucial for sweeping up danger.
Van Dijk, widely regarded as the best center-back in the game, has proven to be another non-negotiable in pro teams.
His aerial dominance, complemented by his size and strength, makes him a threat on both ends of the pitch.
It is not uncommon to see players resort to taking long shots, hoping to force a corner, where Van Dijk can use his Aerial+ playstyle to make life uncomfortable for the opponent.
Central Midfielders
In central midfield, Frenkie De Jong and Federico Valverde are both used with the Holding role. This keeps them disciplined, ensuring defensive stability, but does not stop them from playing their game.
Their slightly deeper positioning helps counter opposing attacks and sets the foundation for an effective press once the ball is lost high up the field.
De Jong’s brilliant dribbling and passing ability allow him to dictate the tempo and orchestrate plays from deep, while Valverde is a monster in transition, capable of quickly turning defense into attack with his incredible range and power.
Valverde’s Powershot+ playstyle makes him a significant threat from long range.
Whether he scores or forces a save leading to a corner, his ability to unleash powerful strikes keeps opposing defenses on high alert.
De Jong’s composure and tactical intelligence complement Valverde perfectly, creating a midfield partnership that balances creativity with defensive resilience.
Wingers
Hansen and Leão are deployed as inside forwards, operating closer to goal and maximizing the team’s attacking threat.
Positioned in the half-spaces between the opposing center-backs and fullbacks, they drift centrally to create shooting opportunities and space for overlapping runs by the fullbacks.
These wingers are brilliant in tight spaces, using their speed, trickery, and dribbling skills to keep defenders on their toes.
JAfonso often manually triggers their runs into the box, giving him the option to play a delicately chipped through balls to the runners. This is one of his favourite routes to goal, using it numerous times to devastating effect throughout his campaign in Group A.
Their movement not only relieves the striker of scoring responsibilities but also creates multiple avenues for attack, making them invaluable to JAfonso’s offensive setup.
Central Attacking Midfielder
Bobby Charlton, the team’s CAM, serves as the central pivot in JAfonso’s 4411. Playing as a Playmaker - Balanced, Charlton operates in the space between the midfield and the attack.
Unlike the more aggressive Shadow Striker role, this role allows him to stay outside the box, maintaining a central position to facilitate intricate plays.
Charlton’s role is pivotal in linking midfield and attack. He frequently delivers delicate chipped passes that unlock defenses, setting up the inside forwards or the striker for easy finishes.
Crucially, the Powershot+ playstyle adds another layer to his threat.
His ability to quickly execute powershots from the edge of the box leaves opponents with a difficult choice: close him down and risk leaving gaps or stay back and risk a near unstoppable long-range strike.
Striker
Leading the line is Kylian Mbappé, the Advanced Forward and undisputed star of the team.
With blistering pace, clinical finishing, and extraordinary dribbling, Mbappé is a constant menace to defenders. His ability to stretch defenses and capitalize on through balls makes him the focal point of JAfonso’s attack.
Mbappé’s versatility allows him to contribute to buildup play, providing a passing option while remaining the primary goal scorer.
He links up brilliantly with the CAM and inside forwards to create a fluid and unpredictable attack that consistently overwhelms opposing defenses.
While some went for a striker with more of an aerial presence or an overpowered shooting playstyle+, JAfonso trusted Mbappé to be the ultimate game-changer, capable of deciding matches with moments of brilliance.
Here's the team that got JAfonso top spot in Group A of the FC Pro Open if you would like to see it with updated prices. We hope these tactics are as good for you as they are for him!
Should you use JAfonso's 4411?
This 4411 is for players who want a touch more control and finesse.
Where the 442 is excellent with its straightforward aggression, the 4411 offers a bit more in build-up, giving you the flexibility to unlock stubborn defenses while remaining structurally sound.
It suits a calculated approach that balances creativity with discipline.
By providing so many avenues to take that killer shot from range or play a delicate through pass behind the defense, it suits the current META of FC 25 to a tee.
So, for players who love to control the edge of the box, keeping opponents guessing before finding that sweet final pass, the 4411 is the way to go.
JAfonso proved that in the hands of the right player, these tactics can go a long way.
That concludes this tactic breakdown. Keep an eye on the FUT.GG news section for more. What is your favourite formation and tactic in FC 25? Let us know below!