After seeing the Hakan post (stolen from a friend)

Hakan the master of space!

Most people underestimate him, because they try to use him like he is a jet or intruder. He is not. Where jet and intruders are used for speed, bulldozer/ hammer for headers, poacher for response, Hakan should be used for his awareness of space.

In 352 I use Hakan as a striker with poacher in CAM. Hakan tends to walk out of his position. The space he creates, is free for poacher.

Typical attack play where he creates space in 352 is faustinho/ producer to major/commander on lcdm, major to wizard/ architect, cross to Bulldozer. Hakan doesn’t have to touch the ball in this play. But because he will stand more in the range of goal, wizard will be wide open. No other player creates that much space for the flank.

Attack through the right flank is also possible. Use major and hammer to divide play. Hakan will be ready for the low ball, or creates space for poacher. No good passing option? Then again wizard is wide open

You can use Hakan for the header, but only if you let him run into the header. In a direct duel he will lose.

Then there is the one two. You can play to Hakan with a man in his back (slow ball). He will play it back and run directly towards goal, using the space he just created for himself.

You can always pass to him with a man in his back. He will not dribble. He will however if you pass to him when he faces goal. So only do that when he has a clear path.

Last one: if you see him running towards goal and his man is behind him, he will hold back his man. Even fast players will not get the ball from him.

Biggest mistake: don’t think you can use him for his speed or response. Tempting because of 40 speed, but not good enough. If you want to play like that, don’t use him. You also don’t use bulldozer for speed or wizard for headers right?