Few strikers in football history inspire the same awe as Marco van Basten. Known for his elegance, clinical finishing, and iconic volleys, Van Basten is immortalized as one of the greatest forwards of all time. In eFootball 2026, Konami pays tribute to the Dutch legend with a Legendary Striker card that has quickly become one of the most discussed additions to Dream Team.
But is Van Basten worth signing? In this in-depth review, we’ll break down his stats, strengths, weaknesses, and the tactics you should use to maximize his effectiveness.
Player Profile: Marco van Basten Legendary Striker
- Position: CF (Centre Forward)
- Playstyle: Goal Poacher
- Footedness: Right
- Specialty: Long-range finishing, aerial duels, and intelligent positioning
Van Basten’s Legendary card is designed to replicate his real-life ability to combine flair with ruthless efficiency.
Key Stats Breakdown
Offensive Attributes
- Finishing: ★★★★★ (95+) – Deadly inside and outside the box.
- Heading: ★★★★☆ (88) – Excellent in the air despite not being the tallest striker.
- Kicking Power: ★★★★★ (93) – Strikes the ball with authority.
- Offensive Awareness: ★★★★★ (96) – Elite positioning ensures he’s always in the right place.
Passing & Link-Up Play
- Short Passing: ★★★★☆ (85) – Surprisingly good at link-up play.
- Vision: ★★★★☆ (84) – Can drop deeper to assist runners.
Dribbling & Movement
- Ball Control: ★★★★☆ (87) – Smooth control under pressure.
- Balance: ★★★☆☆ (80) – Slightly weaker when challenged physically.
Physical Attributes
- Speed: ★★★★☆ (84) – Not the fastest, but intelligent runs make up for it.
- Stamina: ★★★★☆ (85) – Can press and remain active for most of the match.
- Strength: ★★★★☆ (86) – Holds his own against defenders.
Strengths of Van Basten Legendary
- Elite Finishing
Van Basten is one of the most clinical strikers in eFootball 2026. Give him half a chance, and he’ll punish your opponent. - Versatility in Attack
Whether it’s volleys, long-range strikes, or headers, Van Basten can score in multiple ways. - Intelligent Runs
Thanks to his Goal Poacher playstyle, he constantly finds pockets of space behind defenses. - Link-Up Ability
Unlike some classic poachers, he can connect well with attacking midfielders, making him more than just a finisher.
Weaknesses of Van Basten Legendary
- Not the Fastest
Against ultra-quick defenses, Van Basten may struggle to win footraces. - Average Balance
He can be pushed off the ball by strong defenders if isolated. - Reliant on Service
He thrives when paired with creative midfielders—without supply, he can be neutralized.
Best Formations to Use Van Basten
4-2-3-1
- Position him as the lone striker.
- Surround him with creative wingers and a CAM for service.
4-1-2-1-2 (Diamond Narrow)
- Use him in a two-striker setup.
- Ideal partner: a pacey forward like Mbappé or Torres to stretch defenses.
3-5-2
- Play him as the target man in a striking duo.
- Perfect for link-up with a second striker.
Ideal Player Partnerships
- Creative CAMs: Kaka, De Bruyne, or Zidane feed him perfect through balls.
- Fast Strikers: Torres, Mbappé, or Haaland complement his poaching instincts.
- Crossing Wingers: Beckham (Epic), Salah, or Figo maximize his heading and volley strengths.
Online Match Performance
In ranked play, Van Basten shines when you dominate possession. His positioning and finishing make him lethal inside the penalty area. Against high-press opponents, his link-up play allows him to hold up the ball and release midfield runners.
In esports competitions, pro players value his consistency—he rarely misses clear chances, which can decide close games.
Tips to Master Van Basten
- Use First-Time Shots: He excels in volleys and one-touch finishes.
- Play Through the Middle: Best when service comes directly from CAMs and CMs.
- Cross Often: Take advantage of his aerial ability.
- Pair With Pace: Avoid isolating him—always have a fast striker or winger nearby.
FAQs
Q1: Is Van Basten worth spending coins on?
Yes—if you need a reliable clinical striker, he’s one of the best Legendary forwards available.
Q2: Can he fit into a counter-attacking team?
Yes, but he performs best in possession-heavy systems.
Q3: How does he compare to other Legendary strikers like Henry or Batistuta?
Henry offers more pace and dribbling, but Van Basten is the more consistent finisher.
Q4: Should I use him as a lone striker or in a pair?
Both work—he’s effective as a solo target man but shines when paired with a pacey forward.
Conclusion
Marco van Basten’s Legendary Striker card in eFootball 2026 is a must-have for fans of classic forwards. With elite finishing, intelligent movement, and link-up ability, he’s a game-changer in the right system. While not the fastest, his all-round attacking threat makes him one of the most dependable strikers in Dream Team.
If you’re building a squad around creativity and service, Van Basten will reward you with goals that mirror his real-life legendary career.
