Tactics testing: 4141 Static-X Focus Striker by Delicious Story

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THTP tactics 4141 static-x focus striker

After the massive success achieved by using 4231 Extreme Volts XIX in testing, we thought we would test another tactic created by the same creator Delicious Story in the shape of the 4141 Static-X Focus Striker.

Having not been familiar with Delicious Story’s work before using Extreme Volts, it is fair to say they are fast becoming one of our favourite tactic creators, as this tactic also delivered superb results.

The conditions of the test

As always with our tactics test, we started with Everton’s limited squad and made no transfers in or out. We set the tactic up at the start of the save and holidayed until the end of the season.

What is the tactical setup?

4-1-4-1 static-X tactics

The tactic is your classic 4-1-4-1 formation with the focus on supplying the main striker, who the numbers show inevitably benefits from the set-up. The fact that four players support the advanced forward makes this tactic relatively attacking, almost Pep Guardiola-esque in the setup.

However, with only three players on the attack duty, the advanced forward and two shadow strikers, the formation is more balanced than it looks at first glance. The two inverted wingers are on support, so the team is not entirely gung-ho.

The four players behind the advanced forward are the key to the success of this formation. If they don’t perform, then the tactic falls down, as not only are they creating for the main forward, but they also have to offer a goal threat, which, to be fair to the quartet, they did on this save.

Using other tactics, the full-backs get forward. However, on this save, they tend to sit back more, which means they don’t usually pick up many assists or goals.

How did the tactic perform?

4-1-4-1 static-X league table

I have to admit I was concerned about whether this tactic would suit Everton, as the squad is not exactly full of brilliant attacking midfielders. However, my concerns turn out to be unfounded.

Despite having a predicted finish of 16th, we finished fourth place in the Premier League table and qualified for the Champions League. The team also made it to the FA Cup final, only to suffer a 2-1 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.

The team picked up a club record of 73 points in the Premier League. The most impressive aspect of the season was the teams attacking threat. In real life, the Toffees scored the fewest goals in the English top flight in season 2022/23.

Using the tactic, Everton scored 84 goals in the Premier League, a tally only bettered by Manchester City, which was a highly impressive attacking performance. The fact that we also had the fourth-best defensive record in the league shows that the tactic is relatively well-balanced. I suppose attack is the best form of defence, after all.

All around, the tactic helped the current Everton squad overachieve and produce a result that most tactics can’t with the limited Toffees squad.

Who were the best performers?

4-1-4-1 static-X squad

It is unsurprising that the top performer in this tactic is the advanced forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored 31 goals in 32 appearances, picking up a strong 7.60 average season rating, despite having his usual injuries during the campaign.

Versatile forward Demarai Gray was both the second-highest scorer with 12 goals and had the second-highest average rating for the season. The former Leicester player also produced 11 assists.

Attacking midfield pair Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi both scored eight goals and produced six assists apiece. Backup striker Neal Maupay scored seven goals and produced four assists, numbers which he could have only dreamed of during his real career on Merseyside.

Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil scored six goals apiece. McNeil was also the star performer when it came to assists, as he produced 15 assists. The former Burnley man is highly effective in the inverted role, as he has an eye for goal, but is a player that produces good deliveries from set-pieces.

Andros Townsend also deserves a special mention, as the experienced winger who scored five goals and created seven goals, too, despite being injured during the campaign.

What is our conclusion?

We have tested many tactics during reviews, but this is among the most interesting and best-performing of them all. The team well overperformed, instead of struggling near the bottom of the table, they booked a place in the lucrative Champions League.

Looking at the performance of this tactic with the available players makes me believe that a group of players better suited to this tactic could produce even better results and dominate whatever league they were in.

This is a tactic that I will definitely use again in future saves, and I recommend it for any team with a lot of attacking midfielders who are looking to score goals and produce decent defensive displays.

Have you ever used the 4141 Static-X Focus Striker tactic?