Demystifying the Second Striker Role in DLS 23

As an avid DLS player and soccer tactics geek, I‘m often asked – what does SS mean and what is the role of a second striker in soccer and DLS 23? This confused me too when starting out, so let me break it down for you in detail!

The SS or ‘second striker‘ is a prestigious attacking position that brings a world of creativity and chance creation to your team. In this guide, we‘ll dive into the SS role and how to maximize it in DLS 23.

What Makes a Great Second Striker?

A top class SS like Messi and Neymar possesses some elite attributes:

Dribbling Mastery

Defenders quiver at the sight of a skilful SS running at them! The best second strikers have an arsenal of feints, stepovers and turns to beat defenders 1v1.

Vision and Passing

An SS thrives on supplying killer passes to the CF and inside forwards making runs in behind. They need hawk-like vision and outstanding short passing skills.

Finishing

Being able to provide a goal threat by getting into the box and finishing chances is a huge plus for an SS. Long shots from distance are also a specialty!

Spatial Awareness

Reading the game and finding pockets of space between the lines is an SS‘s bread and butter. Their off the ball movement and positioning creates havoc.

Agility and Acceleration

Sharp changes of pace and direction allows an SS to turn defenders inside out! They epitomize the term ‘twist and turn‘.

Let‘s see how the top SS options in DLS 23 match up in these key areas:

Player	Dribbling	Vision	Passing	Finishing	Agility
Lionel Messi	95	92	91	95	95
Neymar Jr	96	88	88	89	96
Antoine Griezmann	89	82	83	89	88
Paulo Dybala	92	81	80	87	93
Roberto Firmino	86	84	83	81	85

With his sensational technical attributes, Messi stands out as the complete SS package. But Dybala and Neymar also hold their own!

Unlocking the Creative Genius of the SS

The primary purpose of the SS is to act as the creative fulcrum of the attack. Operating in the space between midfield and defense, they knit play together with their dribbling, passing and vision.

Linking Midfield and Attack

An elite SS like Messi often drops deep towards halfway to receive the ball from midfielders. They‘ll then turn and carry it forward through the heart of the defense with a dribble or piercing pass.

Playing in the CF

A common SS move is to play a perfectly weighted through ball for the main CF to chase and finish. Their understanding allows the CF to time his runs knowing the SS will find him.

Supplying the Wide Forwards

The SS also supplies passes out wide for inverted wingers or inside forwards to run onto. An SS like Messi can split defenses open with angled passes to the wings.

Late Arriving Runs

After releasing a pass, the SS will then make a late run into the box to get on the end of crosses/cutbacks and finishing attacking moves. This is where Messi and Dybala are lethal.

In summary, a world-class SS makes the whole offense tick through their creativity and goalscoring. Now let‘s see how to maximize this role in DLS 23!

Getting the Most From Your SS in DLS 23

To allow your SS to flourish, the first step is choosing suitable DLS 23 formations. The 4-1-2-1-2 narrow and wide offer great foundations with two strikers. The SS plays off the main CF who leads the line.

In the 4-4-2 and 4-3-1-2, the SS again has a strike partner and attacking midfield support. This provides multiple passing options when they drop deep to get on the ball.

For a tactical challenge, deploy your star SS like Messi as a ‘False 9‘ in a 4-3-3 holding formation. This emulates Messi‘s role at Barcelona, where he operated as a false 9 to link play.

Player Instructions

I recommend the following instructions for your SS:

• Central or Drift Wide positioning – this gives them freedom to roam and find space
• Conservative Interceptions – preserve their energy for attacking rather than chasing back!
• More Direct Passing – play forward quickly to supply the CF early

Advanced Tactics

Some useful offensive tactics to benefit the SS:

• Counter Attack – provides space for the SS to dribble forward
• Attacking Fullbacks – gives them overlapping wide options
• False 9 – dropping deep like Messi to transition play from midfield

Custom Tactics

In the player tactics menu, tweak settings like:

• Passing: 60-70 – enhance their playmaking skills
• Dribbling: 60-70 – enable close control and 1v1 mastery
• Shooting: 60-70 – boost finishing in the box
• Positioning: 55-65 – improve movement off the ball

Training Focus

Prioritize SS training on:

• Dribbling – sharpen their ball mastery
• Finishing – hone end product on goal
• Ball Control – enhance technique and touch
• Lofted Pass – hit accurate balls over the defense
• Place Kicking – polish their long shots

Through the right formations, tactics and training, you can get the most out of an elite SS like Messi. Unlock their world-class creativity to take your DLS 23 game to the next level!

Why the SS Role is So Important in Modern Soccer

The second striker is such a vital tactical concept in the modern game. Teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich rely heavily on SS-style players like Kevin De Bruyne and Thomas Muller. Why has this position become so crucial?

Unlocking Compact Defenses

Many teams now defend very compactly in a low block. The space between midfield and defense is extremely congested. A skilful SS is the perfect player to penetrate these narrow defensive shells. Their nimble movement, close control and passing ability can unlock locked defenses.

Hybrid Midfield/Forward Role

The SS skillset combines the traits of a midfielder and striker. This hybrid role makes them so unpredictable and difficult for defenders to pick up. An SS has the end product of a forward but also the creative vision of a midfielder.

Creating Space for Forwards

By dropping off the frontline into midfield, an SS like Firmino and Muller creates space in behind for pacey forwards to exploit. Their selfless movement opens up the gaps for runners to penetrate.

In summary, the revived popularity of the SS demonstrates how soccer tactics continue to evolve. Top coaches now see the value an elite SS brings in breaking down stubborn defensive systems. DLS 23 captures this through players like Messi and Dybala who make devastating SS!

My Personal Tips for Mastering the SS Role in DLS 23

After countless hours honing my DLS skills, here are my top tips for dominating as an elite SS:

Master the Intricate Dribbling System

Learn all the one-touch feints, stepovers, dummy passes and more. This unlocks an SS‘s ability to glide past defenders unchallenged.

Limit Sprinting

Excessive sprinting ruins an SS‘s close control. Resist the urge to constantly hold sprint. Walk or jog to maintain maneuverability.

Develop Wide Peripheral Vision

Map out your passing options before receiving the ball. An SS needs 360-degree vision to spot the killer pass.

Make Curved Runs

Don‘t just run straight at defenders. Try arced runs around them to gain an acceleration advantage before receiving a pass.

Shoot Across Goal

Curling shots to the far post from central SS positions are deadly. Finesse shots work great for this.

Master Weighted Through Balls

The perfectly weighted through pass for a CF to run onto can slice open any defense. This is an SS‘s bread and butter.

I hope these pro tips help you get the most out of your SS playstyle. Pulling the strings in attack as an elite SS is one of the most satisfying experiences in DLS 23. Feel free to hit me up with any other DLS gameplay questions!