Finding the best manager you can have has always been exciting for players. Each manager brings his own formation into the gameplay. Here, we are going to discuss the top 10 awesome managers in PES 21. Every player has what they prioritize when selecting a manager and we are going to be as detailed as possible when talking about these top managers. 

1. Hansi Flick

The first on this list is the German coach that lifted the treble in 2020. His management skill is rated 810 and can be purchased for 18000 GP. Flick’s tactics make use of both a right midfielder and a left midfielder along with two CMs in the middle of the pitch. In the attack, there is a CF upfront along with SS. And at the back is the regular defence.

What makes Hansi Flick great?

• His system is very useful in defending long balls
• It is quite easy to get players to play comfortably in this system.

Hansi Flick details:

• Formation: 4-2-2-2
• Attacking Style: Possession game
• Defensive Style: Frontline pressure
• Attacking Areas: Center
• Positioning: Flexible

2. J. Canto

The Portuguese is one of the best managers you can get in the game. He manages Olympique Marseille in the game. His midfield system consists of one DM and two CM along with one AM. There are 2 strikers upfront with an option to change one of them to SS.

What makes J. Canto great?

• He makes use of a lethal formation that helps against spamming of long balls
• If you are looking to play long through balls, this could be a gamechanger for you.

J. Canto details:

• Formation: 4-3-1-2
• Attacking Style: Possession game
• Defensive Style: Frontline Pressure
• Attacking Areas: Wide
• Positioning: Flexible

3. N. Manalt

The Uruguayan manages the national team of Uruguay in the game. His formation makes use of two CFs, two wide midfielders who can also be transformed to central midfielders by changing their position in the squad management. Two DMs are also essential in ensuring that you dominate the midfield.

What makes N. Manalt great?

• If you are the kind of player that likes midfield games, then his formation is just for you
• His system is one of the best for defensive games

N. Manalt details:

• Formation: 4-2-2-2
• Attacking Style: Counter Attack
• Defensive Style:  All-out defence
• Attacking Areas: Center
• Positioning: Flexible

4. L. Roman

The Spanish manager is in charge of Manchester Blue in PES 2021. His managerial skill is one of the highest in the game with 920 points. He makes use of a simple 4-3-3 formation where there is proper use of wingers and midfielders to support your main forward in the middle. Just like Manchester City’s style of play in real life, players who love to keep hold of the ball thereby maintaining possession and also playing out from the back are really going to love Roman’s system.

What makes L. Roman great?

• Players in modern football can easily fit into this formation
• This system is perfect for players who like to keep possession

L. Roman details:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Attacking Style: Possession game
• Defensive Style: Frontline pressure
• Attacking Areas: Center
• Positioning: Flexible

5. V. Dos Santos

A lot of PES fans love the 4-3-3 formation and you are going to get dozens of options in ‘my manager list’. Most usually share the same philosophy but with different support range, defensive line and compactness numbers. In this type of formation, picking the right midfield is important. Two physical box-to-box CMs along with a DM with the “anchor man” playing style.

What makes V. Dos Santos great?

• The system is very flexible
• If you are new to the game, this is without a doubt the best formation for you.

V. Dos Santos details:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Attacking Style: Counter-attack
• Defensive Style: Frontline pressure
• Attacking Areas: Wide
• Positioning: Maintain formation

6. E. Di Francesco

This Italian manager makes use of a formation that lacks wingers, so the best way to attack is down through the middle. You can always go for short or long passes, as your players will spread out well on the pitch. If you have an AM that is great at passing, you can quickly create chances on the counter with long passes to your two strikers. His defensive line isn’t really high so it will be difficult for you to be vulnerable to counters.

What makes E. Di Francesco great?

• The system is very compact and it is difficult to break down
• His formation is very useful when you want to sit back and play a defensive game

E. Di Francesco details:

• Formation: 4-3-1-2
• Attacking Style: Counter attack
• Defensive Style: All-out defence
• Attacking areas: Wide
• Positioning: Maintain formation

7. Rui Vitoria

Rui Vitoria is a great fit for fans of possession-based football. Although his formation isn’t great for fans of 1-2s, you can go for an AM with the “Hole player” playing style to have more options close to goal. The defensive line is also quite high so that may play to your disadvantage, but you can change this in the advanced instruction with the manager.

What makes Rui Vitoria great?

• He plays with a high defensive line alongside a possession football that can be to your advantage if done right.
• The support range is quite high so the players play close to each other

Rui Vitoria details:

• Formation: 4-2-1-3
• Attacking Style: Possession game
• Defensive Style: Frontline pressure
• Attacking area: Center
• Positioning: Maintain formation

8. A. Rauzzini

If you are a fan of playing 3 at the back, then A. Rauzzini is the man for you. His 3-2-2-3 formation is more of high risk / high reward – you are going to score a lot of goals, but you will rarely keep a clean sheet. While attacking, it is best to use your CF as the player who holds the ball upfront and supplies deadly balls to the two wingers. It would be ideal if the wingers are pacey and have the “Roaming flank” playing style.

What makes A. Rauzzini great?

• There is a high probability that you are going to score a lot of goals
• Playing with this system comes with a learning curve, but it can be the ideal system for many opposing systems.

A. Rauzzini details:

• Formation: 3-2-2-3
• Attacking Style: Counter attack
• Defensive Style: All-out defence
• Attacking areas: Wide
• Positioning: Maintain formation

9. Peter Zeidler

Zeidler is a German real life coach that manages FC St. Gallen, a Swiss football club. He is equipped with management skill of 690 and he is available for about 12,000 GP in the shop. He makes use of a midfield diamond alongside 4 regular defenders. Then there are 2 strikers upfront.

What makes Peter Zeidler great?

• His system is perfect if you have the right players
• Having a pacy forward plays to your advantage

Peter Zeidler details:

• Formation: 4-1-3-2
• Attacking Style: Counter Attack
• Defensive Style: Frontline Pressure
• Attacking Areas: Wide
• Positioning: Flexible

10. P. Padalino

The Italian manager is the last on our list of awesome managers in PES 21. He plays with a very compact formation and a very low defensive line so you don’t have to worry about being beaten on the counter.

What makes P. Padalino great?

• His system has a high support range
• His marking style fits perfectly with the system

P. Padalino details:

• Formation: 4-3-1-2
• Attacking Style: Counter attack
• Defensive Style: All-out defence
• Attacking areas: Wide
• Positioning: Maintain formation

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