Best for: Keeping it tight at the back
Going forward: You can really cause havoc with the player instructions in a 4-2-2-2. Having one of your strikers set to ‘Drift wide’ means space often opens up inside for the narrower CAM to make hay. Combo that with some aggressive overlapping instructions from your wing backs and you can overload either side of the pitch whenever you choose.
Keeping it tight at the back: Conceding too many? 4-2-2-2 is your friend. The two CDMs are invaluable. Space is already at a premium in FC 24 and their presence helps clamp down on any surging runs from midfield, as well as cutting off the majority of passing lanes. They also mean you can take a few more risks with your attacks as there’s always going to be four men back at any time.
What you need: While speed isn’t as overpowered as it once was, a nippy CAM with high dribbling stats can work wonders here. They’ll often need to carry the ball large distances in midfield. The two CDMs, meanwhile, should have low attacking work rate and strong defensive and physical stats such as Interceptions, Defensive Awareness, and Standing Tackle in the 80+ range.