Matchday Mobile is here SOON. As players start collecting and winning new cards to build their ideal squad, we’re going to focus on what makes the perfect pair up front. Matchday has thousands of officially licensed footballers to use in game. Each one has both an OVR (Overall Rating) and four sub stats we have unofficially christened the ‘Core Four’.

Creating the ideal dynamic duo isn’t necessarily as simple as picking the highest OVR FWDs, namely Kylian Mbappé (92 OVR) and Erling Haaland (91 OVR). While of course this phenomenal pairing can overwhelm many a defensive line, are they truly complementary players? (And what does that even mean?)

Criteria for the Perfect Pair Up Front

• Complementary Skills: Ideally, one player excels in speed and dribbling, while the other excels in finishing and positioning. This combination can exploit a variety of defensive setups.
• Positional Versatility: Players who can interchange positions or adapt to different roles on the field increase tactical flexibility.
• Defensive Contribution: Especially in modern football, forwards who track back and help in defence can be crucial in balancing the team.
• Pressure Handling: Forwards with the ability to press defenders and force errors can transform defence into attack, adding an additional layer of threat.

Although there is no player that excels in every category, we’ve carefully picked out a few pairings to give you an idea of what might work best within Matchday Mobile.

Vinícius Júnior & Lionel Messi

• OVR: 90 (both)
• Primary Positions: LW & ST
• Stats: Vinícius (ATK 91, POS 93, DEF 74, PRS 67), Messi (ATK 92, POS 95, DEF 83, PRS 69)
• Why: Vinícius offers speed and dribbling on the left wing, creating chances and stretching defences. Messi, as a striker or a false nine, can utilise his exceptional positioning and attack ratings to find spaces and score, making the most of the openings created by Viní Jr.

Erling Haaland & Caroline Graham Hansen

• OVR: 91 & 90
• Primary Positions: ST & RW
• Stats: Haaland (ATK 96, POS 74, DEF 78, PRS 65), Hansen (ATK 89, POS 94, DEF 74, PRS 72)
• Why: Not just the Norwegian connection, but Haaland's physical presence and clinical finishing combined with Hansen's creativity and service from the right make for a high-impact duo. Hansen's crosses into the box would be ideal for Haaland, who is exceptional at finding space and finishing chances.

Mariona Caldentey & Victor Osimhen

• OVR: 90 & 90
• Primary Positions: LW & ST
• Stats: Caldentey (ATK 90, POS 93, DEF 75, PRS 81), Osimhen (ATK 94, POS 80, DEF 74, PRS 68)
• Why: Caldentey brings a balance of skill and tactical intelligence from the left, providing high-quality deliveries into the box. Osimhen's strong attacking attributes mean he's well-placed to convert these opportunities. Their combined abilities enhance their threat from both open play and set-pieces, making them a versatile attacking force.

Julián Álvarez & Kadidiatou Diani

• OVR: 86 & 88
• Primary Positions: ST/CAM & RW/ST
• Stats: Álvarez (ATK 89, POS 82, DEF 77, PRS 71), Diani (ATK 89, POS 90, DEF 71, PRS 77)
• Why: Álvarez and Diani offer a dynamic blend of creativity and finishing. Álvarez, who can play as a striker or attacking midfielder, excels in linking play and setting up goals, while Diani provides speed, agility, and precise finishing. Together, they can adapt to different tactical setups, exploiting gaps in the defence either through direct attacks or crafted plays.

These are some of our picks for dynamic duos in Matchday Mobile. Do you agree with our pairings? Perhaps you've spotted a potentially unstoppable combination that we missed? We want to hear your thoughts and see your favourite duos! Tell us which pro pairing you’d make and why, on the Matchday Discord server.

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