FC 25 Player Role: Target Forward, Position: Striker (ST), Focus: Attack, Balanced, Wide

The Target Forward in FC 25 is a physically dominant striker, whose role is to hold up the ball, shield it from defenders, and bring teammates into play. This striker thrives on crosses, long balls, and passes to feet, using their physicality to create opportunities for others while also being a threat in front of goal. Depending on the focus, the Target Forward can be purely offensive, balanced, or play a wider role, making them a versatile choice in the final third.

FC 25 Player Role: Target Forward

Key Attributes of the Target Forward Role

The Target Forward excels in aerial duels and physical battles, making them an ideal outlet for teams that use direct play or cross-heavy tactics. By holding up play and laying the ball off to teammates, they can be the focal point of attacking moves while also creating space for others.

Primary Responsibilities: Hold up the ball, bring others into play, and attack crosses into the box.
Other Characteristics: The Target Forward is not the most mobile player, but their physical presence and aerial ability make them an essential target for passes and crosses.

Focus: Attack

When the Target Forward is set to Attack, their primary objective is to stay high up the pitch and focus entirely on attacking. This role allows them to maximize their physicality and goal-scoring potential, with no defensive responsibilities. They are tasked with receiving the ball in dangerous areas and finishing off chances created by their teammates.

Physical (+): The Target Forward uses their strength and size to outmuscle defenders and win aerial duels.
Attacking (+): With an attack focus, they concentrate on goal-scoring, staying forward to receive crosses and passes in advanced positions.
Build-Up Support (=): While they can hold up play briefly, their primary objective is to stay forward and be the focal point of the attack.
Lacks Mobility (-): Due to their physical nature, they are not the fastest players on the pitch, and their movement is often limited to central areas.

Focus: Balanced

In a Balanced focus, the Target Forward still performs their duties in attack but also contributes slightly to the build-up phase. They drop deeper, hold up the ball, and lay it off to advancing midfielders or wingers, offering more flexibility to the team. While their primary role is still attacking, they take on minor defensive responsibilities.

Physical (+): Their physicality remains a strong asset, particularly in holding off defenders and protecting the ball.
Build-Up Support (+): The Target Forward in this focus becomes more involved in the team’s build-up play, dropping off from the defensive line to link play with teammates.
Defense Support (=): In a balanced focus, they may contribute slightly to defensive duties, particularly during transitions.
Lacks Mobility (-): Their lack of speed means they remain a more static presence up front, relying on their positioning and physical attributes rather than pace.

Focus: Wide

When the Target Forward is set to Wide, they drift to the edges of the box or even into wider areas of the pitch to find space. This allows them to support crosses and attacks from the flanks while also creating space centrally for other attackers. This focus makes the Target Forward more versatile in terms of positioning, though they remain a goal-scoring threat.

Physical (+): They use their strength to dominate wide areas, holding off defenders and supporting attacking runs from wide players.
Wide Support (+): By drifting wide, the Target Forward can act as a target for crosses or long balls into the box, supporting the wide play of the team.
Attacking (=): Though their focus is slightly more spread out, they remain a threat in front of goal, particularly when the ball comes in from wide areas.
Support Centrally (-): In the wide focus, the Target Forward may leave central attacking spaces less occupied, potentially creating gaps in the team’s central attack.

Playstyle & Tactical Impact

The Target Forward is a great fit for teams that rely on direct play or wide attacks. Whether they are holding up the ball, bringing others into play, or getting on the end of crosses, they are essential for maintaining possession and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Their ability to act as a physical presence in attack makes them difficult to defend against, especially for teams that lack physical defenders.

Hold Up Play: One of the Target Forward’s most important duties is to receive long balls, hold them up, and distribute to advancing teammates. This role is crucial for teams that play with wingers or attacking midfielders making forward runs.
Crossing Threat: Whether positioned centrally or wide, the Target Forward is always ready to get on the end of crosses and turn them into goal-scoring opportunities.
Physical Dominance: In duels with defenders, the Target Forward uses their strength and aerial ability to create chances, making them a constant threat in the final third.

Conclusion

The Target Forward role in FC 25 is designed for strikers who excel in physical play and hold-up duties. Whether set to Attack, Balanced, or Wide, the Target Forward can be the key to unlocking stubborn defenses, acting as both a goal-scoring threat and a crucial part of the team’s build-up play. Teams that use wide players or rely on crossing into the box will find the Target Forward role particularly effective, making them a versatile and valuable option in any tactical setup.

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