When Anders Vejrgang burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old prodigy with an unfathomable 535-game win streak in FIFA 21’s Weekend League, it wasn’t just his results that captured the world’s attention—it was his aura. His streams were eerily quiet, save for the hum of a fan and the occasional roar of emotion. He dismantled opponents with mechanical precision, celebrating each goal with the now-iconic “fingers in ears” celebration.
Cocky? Absolutely. But when you’re that good, who can argue?
Before he was even old enough to compete in official EA competitions, Anders was already being whispered about as one of the greatest players to ever pick up a controller. Fast forward to the present, and the Red Bull-sponsored phenom has proven his doubters wrong. He built, grew, and ultimately conquered, winning the FC Pro Open in EA Sports FC 24, solidifying his place at the pinnacle of competitive FIFA.
Now, Anders is back, gunning to defend his title at the FC Pro Open in FC 25. This time, he’s turned to his trusted 4-4-2 Formation after briefly flirting with five-at-the-back. In Group B, he demonstrated exactly why this classic setup remains one of the most devastating tools in his arsenal. Anders didn’t just win—he dominated, showing yet again that the fundamentals of football, when mastered, can be as lethal in the virtual world as they are in reality.
Let’s dive into how he used the 442 to once again leave his competition in the dust.
Vejrgang’s Pro 442 Custom Tactics
Build-Up Style: Balanced
Defensive Approach: High Line (75)
Vejrgang’s Pro 442 Player Roles
- GK: Sweeper Keeper - Balanced
- RB: Fullback - Defend
- CB: Defender - Defend
- CB: Defender- Defend
- LB: Fullback- Defend
- RM: Inside Forward - Balanced
- CM: Playmaker - Attack
- CM: Playmaker - Attack
- LM: Inside Forward - Balanced
- ST: Advanced Forward - Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward - Attack
Tactics Code: m4@KV@PswC6
Why is the 442 so popular in FC 25?
It’s no surprise that the 442 has roared back to the forefront in FC 25, spearheaded by Pro Players like Vejrgang. Despite it having largely disappeared from elite football, the 442’s enduring appeal in video games lies in its balance and simplicity.
This formation remains a cornerstone of football culture. It is an instantly recognizable icon of the beautiful game. For many, it is still the ‘default’ football formation. Whether on the pitch or the virtual field, there will always be a place for the 442.
For those who want to play football "the right way," the 442 offers a foundation as timeless as the sport itself. It’s structured enough to protect you defensively yet open enough to allow for creativity and flair. Most importantly, it doesn’t demand anything too intricate or niche.
The formation is wide and expansive but also tight and compact. It offers just enough of everything. It’s plug-and-play football: straightforward to understand, but with enough flexibility to tailor it to your style.
What makes the 442 META in attack?
If there’s one thing Vejrgang’s performance at the FC Pro Open taught us, it’s that the 442 can still overwhelm even the most stubborn defenses. This formation thrives offensively because it stretches the opposition horizontally while maintaining enough vertical threat to keep them guessing.
- Dynamic Duo:
Having two strikers at the forefront means constant pressure on the opposing center-backs. It’s like forcing them into a game of 2v2, with the added complexity of midfield runners and inverted wingers creating chaos. Anders exploited this beautifully, using any one of these attackers as a decoy to drag defenders out of position while the rest, often a striker, darted into open space. - Unpredictable Wing Play:
With natural width provided by the midfielders, the 442 allows for rapid transitions down the flanks. Whether it’s quick one-twos or pinpoint crosses, the wide players in this system aren’t just passengers; they’re key to creating chances. - Aggressive Midfield:
Perhaps the most unorthodox thing about these tactics are the dual Playmakers, especially since both have their focus on attack. Anders’ midfielders frequently join attacks, creating overloads in the final third. This movement forces opponents to pick their poison: commit to stopping the strikers and risk leaving the midfield open, or sit deeper and allow the midfield to do as it pleases.
The 442’s attacking edge lies in its ability to create both simplicity and unpredictability. When executed well, as Anders showed, it’s a nightmare to defend against.
What makes the 442 so good defensively?
While its attacking prowess is undeniable, the 442’s real beauty lies in its defensive structure. The two banks of four are as iconic as they are effective, offering a compact, disciplined setup that is hard to break down.
- Horizontal Coverage:
The flat midfield four ensures no gaps in wide areas, forcing the opposition to attack centrally. Even then, they’re met by a disciplined line of midfielders who drop back to assist the backline when needed. - Pressing Traps:
Anders’ version utilized a high-pressing system, with the two strikers leading the charge. This approach pins opponents in their half, cutting off passing lanes and making it difficult for them to build out from the back. - Counter-Attack Resilience:
The 442’s symmetry also means it transitions smoothly from attack to defense. If possession is lost, the midfield quickly regroups into a compact line, ensuring the team isn’t caught out on the counter.
This all comes together to create a formation that feels solid yet adaptable. It is a joy to watch this system in the hands of a master like Anders.
Vejrgang’s Key Players and Roles
Goalkeeper
Courtois remains a mainstay in Pro Setups for one simple reason: he’s the perfect safety net. He fills the goal with his huge 6’7” frame and, with the Rush Out+ playstyle, he’s both an imposing shot-stopper and a proactive Sweeper Keeper. His ability to cut out loose balls before attackers can compose themselves is second to none, and his sheer frame allows him to make jaw-dropping reflex saves. For most competitive players, an excellent goalkeeper is a non-negotiable.
Fullbacks
Kadıoğlu on the right and Theo Hernández on the left serve as Anders’ defensive anchors in wide areas. While they are deployed as Fullbacks - Defend, their role is far from static. The primary focus is positional discipline, staying back to provide cover for the aggressive midfield and the narrow wingers. This cautious setup ensures that the team isn’t caught out on counter attacks when possession is lost high up the pitch.
However, when the opportunity arises, Anders isn’t afraid to manually trigger his fullbacks, particularly Theo Hernández. With his pace and Relentless playstyle, Theo can transition into an auxiliary attacker, bombing down the left to create overloads or whip in dangerous crosses.
These kinds of runs are a staple in the Pro Scene, with Theo looking as unstoppable on the left flank as Gareth Bale did for Spurs in 2010.
On the other flank, Kadıoğlu is a brilliant dribbler who is highly capable in possession and is an incredible asset against a high press.
This tactical versatility allows Anders to adapt mid-match without compromising the team’s defensive structure.
Centre Backs
When it comes to defending, Anders goes for a perfect blend of grit and guile with Virgil van Dijk and Rio Ferdinand.
Van Dijk is the ultimate rock at the back. With his large frame, he is a brick wall. He’s a menace in one-on-one duels and a giant in aerial battles.
Quick, strong, and, with the Aerial+ playstyle, he is able to jump higher than anyone, van Dijk is also nearly unstoppable from set pieces. Anders frequently leverages this by targeting him on corners. A headed goal from Virgil van Dijk is a familiar sight in FC 25, and his dominance often dictates the outcome of top-level matches.
Partnering him is Rio Ferdinand, who is quick, intelligent, and tough as nails. Ferdinand’s ability to read the game complements van Dijk’s physical dominance.
Anders prefers to take a front-footed approach to defense, rushing players out to challenge attackers and then using other defenders to cover if the ball isn’t won. Ferdinand’s speed and aura make him an ideal partner, capable of sweeping up behind if van Dijk steps out to engage an attacker.
Together, they form an immovable duo.
Central Midfielders
Anders’ choice of Bruno Fernandes and Ryan Gravenberch as Playmakers - Attack brings a unique aggressiveness to the midfield. Their advanced positioning transforms Anders’ midfield into a dual threat.
In possession, Bruno and Gravenberch push the tempo, using their Long Ball Pass+ playstyle to deliver inch-perfect passes over the opposition defense. These passes often find Mbappé and Drogba or feed the wingers cutting inside.
Out of possession, their high starting positions allow them to press opponents immediately upon losing the ball, disrupting counterattacks before they can gain momentum.
The static backline supports this aggressive midfield. While the midfielders press high and the fullbacks hold their positions, the center-back pairing of van Dijk and Ferdinand ensures a defensive shield is always in place. This balance between aggression and solidity is key to Anders’ 442 effectiveness.
Wingers
Garrincha and Reiten are Anders’ creative sparks and goal-scoring outlets in wide areas, deployed as Inside Forwards - Balanced. Their focus is on drifting into the half-spaces, creating opportunities with their quick feet and deft dribbling.
Both excel in tight spaces, capable of beating defenders one-on-one or finding intricate passing lanes to link up with the strikers.
This inward movement draws the opposition’s fullbacks out of position, creating gaps for midfielders or strikers to exploit.
The fullbacks, staying disciplined behind them, provide balance, ensuring the team isn’t left vulnerable on the wings.
When Anders manually triggers Theo Hernandez, the dynamic shifts entirely. With Reiten pulling defenders inward, Theo’s overlapping runs become a nightmare for opposing defenses. His pace and power allow him to drive to the byline or cut inside, adding yet another layer to Anders’ already multifaceted attack.
Tracking Theo's runs only creates space for Reiten to set herself up for a stunning long range shot using her Finesse Shot+ playstyle.
It is all so brilliant to watch.
Strikers
Up top, Anders’ pairing of Drogba and Mbappé is the stuff of nightmares for defenders.
Drogba, despite playing as an Advanced Forward, is the quintessential Target Forward. His strength allows him to hold off defenders and bring others into play. He’s lethal in the air and a threat from long distances, courtesy of his Powershot+ playstyle.
Mbappé is the perfect foil, bringing pace and flair. He thrives on through balls, dribbling past defenders, and finishing clinically. His chemistry with Bruno Fernandes and Gravenberch makes him an unstoppable force.
Together, this dynamic duo ensures Anders’ 442 remains lethal in attack.
Here is the team Vejrgang used in Group B 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 Anders!
Should you use Anders 442?
Anders’ 442 is for players who embrace risk and reward. It’s an aggressive setup that thrives on relentless forward momentum, ensuring that every game is packed with goals on both ends of the pitch.
This isn’t just a formation, it’s a statement. Even when trailing, Anders is never out of a match because this system is built to create chances in any situation.
Does it give up opportunities? Absolutely. But that’s the trade-off for the constant pressure and attacking intent that makes it so dangerous.
Anders’ 442 embodies his fearless approach to the game. He isn’t content to sit back and play it safe. Instead, he pushes boundaries, willing to risk defensive exposure to carve out scoring opportunities.
For players who want to take control of matches, impose their style, and are willing to take some risks, Anders’ 442 is the blueprint.
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!