The striker and CAM partnership is the most important attacking relationship in EA FC Pro Clubs. When these two players are coordinated, they create chances that even strong defences cannot handle. When they are not on the same page, you get two forwards running into the same space, the CAM holding the ball too long while the striker stands still, or the striker making runs at exactly the wrong moment. This guide breaks down how to build that partnership correctly.
Why the Striker-CAM Relationship Defines Your Attack
In a standard Pro Clubs setup, the striker and CAM are the two players closest to goal with the most licence to get into dangerous positions. The CAM is the link between midfield and the striker, and the striker is the reference point for the CAM's passing options. If the striker makes good runs at the right times, the CAM has an outlet and can play decisive through balls. If the CAM reads the striker's movement and plays the ball in early, the striker gets chances. When neither player is reading the other, the ball stalls in midfield and possession breaks down. Building this partnership requires practice, communication, and a shared understanding of each other's patterns.
The One-Two Pass: The Foundation of Everything
The give-and-go, or one-two pass, is the simplest and most effective combination in Pro Clubs. The striker receives the ball to feet, lays it off to the CAM with one touch, and immediately makes a run in behind. The CAM plays the through ball first time into the space the striker is running into. This works because the combination is completed in two touches, which does not give defenders time to adjust. The striker's first touch and the direction of the lay-off are critical -- the ball should go directly to the CAM's stronger foot, in a position where the CAM is already facing forward. If the lay-off forces the CAM to take a controlling touch before passing, the defender has recovered and the run is covered.
How the Striker Creates Space for the CAM
The striker's role is not just to receive passes and shoot. A smart striker creates space for the CAM by occupying and stretching centre-backs. When the striker makes a run in behind, the CB must follow or risk leaving a clear path to goal. That movement pulls the CB backward and opens a gap in the space between the midfield and the defensive line -- exactly where the CAM operates. The striker can also drop to feet to receive the ball, pulling the CB out of position and leaving space in behind for the CAM to exploit with a run. The striker who understands that their movement creates opportunities for teammates is far more valuable than one who only thinks about their own shots.
How the CAM Creates Space for the Striker
The CAM creates space for the striker by drawing midfielders toward the ball, which leaves the striker in one-on-one situations against the CB. When the CAM receives in midfield and holds the ball for a moment, opposing midfielders step out to press. That movement pulls them away from their defensive positions and opens channels. The CAM's decision at that moment -- through ball to the striker's run, or hold and recycle -- determines whether the chance is created. The CAM should be looking for the striker's run before receiving the ball, not after. If the CAM receives, takes a touch, then looks for the striker, the run is already half-closed. Eyes forward before the ball arrives, pass on the first or second touch.
The Timing of Runs: The Most Critical Element
Most striker-CAM combinations break down because of run timing, not pass quality. The striker should make the run in behind when the CAM is facing forward with the ball and has the option to pass. If the CAM has just received the ball with their back to goal, the run in behind is premature -- the CAM cannot play it yet, the striker runs offside or gets tracked, and the opportunity is gone. Wait until the CAM has turned or is in a position to play the through ball before making the run. This requires communication and spatial awareness. If you are the striker, watch the CAM's body position. If you are the CAM, make it obvious through your body angle when you are ready to play forward.
Common Mistakes That Break the Partnership
The first common mistake is both players making runs at the same time. If the striker and CAM both run in behind simultaneously, there is nobody to receive a lay-off or recycle possession -- the attack becomes predictable and easy to defend. One player runs, the other stays. The second mistake is both players moving toward the ball when possession is under pressure in midfield. This removes the depth in the attack and collapses your shape. The third mistake is the striker not making any run when the CAM is on the ball facing forward. The CAM needs an option in behind or the defence does not need to move, which means no space is created anywhere. If the CAM has the ball and is facing forward, the striker must make a run -- every single time.
Building Chemistry Through Repetition
Striker-CAM chemistry is built through repeated matches together. You start to recognise each other's patterns -- when the CAM will play the through ball vs when they will hold, when the striker will drop vs when they will run. If you are playing with the same partner regularly in Pro Clubs, take 10 minutes before or after a session to talk through what is and is not working. Are your runs too early? Is the CAM holding the ball too long? Is the one-two working but the final ball is not accurate enough? Identifying one or two specific adjustments is more effective than general feedback.
Track Your Impact
Assists, key passes, and goals from through balls all appear in your match data. Check how your attacking partnership is performing on PROCLUBS.IO. For more on building these roles effectively, read the best striker build and the best CAM playmaker build to make sure your attributes are optimised for this style of play.