Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Atletico Madrid 2021 PES formation. We'll explore how to replicate their tactical setup in Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) to dominate your matches. Atletico Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, has always been known for its rock-solid defense, tactical flexibility, and clinical counter-attacking prowess. Replicating this in PES can be a game-changer, so let’s get started!

Understanding Atletico Madrid's Tactical Philosophy

Before we jump into the specifics of the formation, it's crucial to understand the underlying philosophy of Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. Simeone's Atletico is built on a foundation of defensive solidity, intense pressing, and opportunistic attacking. They are masters of the low block, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to break them down. When they win the ball, they transition quickly, often using direct passes to exploit spaces behind the opposition's defense. Key aspects of their game include:

• Defensive Organization: Atletico typically employs a compact defensive shape, often a 4-4-2 or a 5-3-2, to limit space for the opposition.
• Intense Pressing: They press aggressively in midfield to win back possession and disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
• Counter-Attacking Prowess: Atletico excels at transitioning from defense to attack with speed and precision.
• Tactical Flexibility: Simeone is known for adapting his tactics based on the opponent, making Atletico a difficult team to predict.

Understanding these principles is essential because simply copying the formation without understanding the roles and responsibilities of each player will not yield the desired results. You need to instill these principles in your PES squad to truly emulate Atletico Madrid's success.

Recreating the 4-4-2 Formation in PES

The 4-4-2 formation is a classic and often used by Simeone. It provides a good balance between defense and attack, making it ideal for Atletico's style of play. Here’s how you can set it up in PES:

• Formation: Select the 4-4-2 formation in your game plan.
• Defensive Instructions: Set your defensive tactic to 'Defensive' or 'Counter Target' to ensure your team maintains a compact shape when out of possession. Consider using 'Deep Defensive Line' to further solidify your defense.
• Advanced Instructions: Implement 'Tight Marking' on key opposition players to limit their influence. Use 'Wing Backs' to provide width in attack and track back defensively.

Player Roles and Instructions

• Goalkeeper: A reliable goalkeeper with good reflexes and positioning is crucial. Set 'Defensive Goalkeeper' style to ensure he stays closer to the goal and commands his area effectively.
• Center Backs (CB): Two strong, commanding center-backs who are good in the air and comfortable on the ball. Instruct them to 'Stay Back While Attacking' to maintain defensive stability.
• Full Backs (LB/RB): Full-backs who are capable of defending and supporting the attack. Set them to 'Join Attack' conservatively, ensuring they don't leave the defense exposed.
• Central Midfielders (CM): A combination of a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder works well. The defensive midfielder should 'Stay Back While Attacking' and 'Cover Center,' while the box-to-box midfielder can contribute both defensively and offensively.
• Wide Midfielders (LM/RM): Hardworking wide midfielders who can track back and provide crosses into the box. Instruct them to 'Cut Inside' or 'Hug the Touchline' based on your attacking preference.
• Strikers (CF): A combination of a target man and a pacey forward is ideal. The target man should 'Stay Central' and 'Target Man' instruction, while the pacey forward can 'Drift Wide' or 'False Nine' to create space.

Adapting the 5-3-2 Formation for Extra Solidity

When Atletico needs to be extra cautious or is facing a particularly potent attack, Simeone often switches to a 5-3-2 formation. This provides an additional layer of defensive security. Here’s how to set it up in PES:

• Formation: Select the 5-3-2 formation.
• Defensive Instructions: Use 'Defensive' or 'Counter Target' to maintain a solid defensive block. 'Deep Defensive Line' is highly recommended.
• Advanced Instructions: Implement 'Tight Marking' and consider using 'Anchoring' on one of your central midfielders to provide extra protection to the defense.

Player Roles and Instructions in 5-3-2

• Goalkeeper: Same as in the 4-4-2 formation.
• Center Backs (CB): Three strong center-backs, with the central one often acting as a sweeper. All should 'Stay Back While Attacking'.
• Wing Backs (LWB/RWB): These players need high stamina and defensive awareness. Set them to 'Defensive' to prioritize their defensive duties.
• Central Midfielders (CM): One defensive midfielder to 'Stay Back While Attacking' and two box-to-box midfielders to provide energy and support in both directions.
• Strikers (CF): Two strikers who can link up well and exploit spaces. Consider using a combination of a target man and a pacey forward.

Key Players to Emulate Atletico's Style

To truly replicate Atletico Madrid's style in PES, you need players with specific attributes. Here are some key attributes to look for:

• Defenders: High defensive awareness, tackling, and aggression are essential. Players like Diego Godín (in past PES versions) or similar profiles are ideal.
• Midfielders: Stamina, work rate, and defensive prowess are crucial. Players like Koke or Saúl Ñíguez are great examples.
• Forwards: Clinical finishing, pace, and the ability to hold up the ball are important. Players like Luis Suárez or Antoine Griezmann (in past PES versions) fit the bill.

Specific Player Instructions for Key Players

• Defensive Midfielder: Set to 'Anchor Man' to shield the defense and break up attacks.
• Box-to-Box Midfielder: Instruct to 'Track Back' to help defensively and 'Join Attack' to support the forwards.
• Target Man: Use the 'Target Man' instruction to hold up the ball and bring others into play.

Implementing Simeone's Tactics in PES

Beyond the formation and player roles, you need to implement Simeone's tactical principles in your PES game. Here are some tips:

• Defensive Solidity: Focus on maintaining a compact defensive shape and limiting space for the opposition. Use the 'Team Press' instruction sparingly to avoid over-committing players.
• Intense Pressing: Press aggressively in midfield to win back possession. Use the 'Aggressive Pressing' team instruction, but be mindful of your players' stamina.
• Counter-Attacking: Transition quickly from defense to attack. Use direct passes and look for opportunities to exploit spaces behind the opposition's defense.
• Set Pieces: Atletico is known for its effectiveness from set pieces. Practice your free kicks and corners to maximize your chances of scoring.

Training and Development

To get the most out of your Atletico Madrid-inspired PES team, focus on training and developing your players in key areas:

• Defensive Skills: Train your defenders in tackling, defensive awareness, and heading.
• Midfield Skills: Focus on stamina, passing, and defensive skills for your midfielders.
• Attacking Skills: Train your forwards in finishing, pace, and dribbling.

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 and train them accordingly.

Conclusion: Mastering the Atletico Madrid Formation in PES

So, there you have it! By understanding Atletico Madrid's tactical philosophy, setting up the correct formation, assigning appropriate player roles, and implementing Simeone's tactical principles, you can create a formidable team in PES. Remember, it takes time and practice to master this style of play, so be patient and keep experimenting until you find what works best for you. Good luck, and enjoy dominating your opponents with the Atletico Madrid 2021 PES formation! Hope this helps you guys! Let me know if you have any questions. Cheers!