In modern football—and especially in Konami’s popular title—controlling the game is often the key to victory. Learning the best strategies to maintain possession in eFootball not only reduces your opponent’s chances of scoring but also gives you more time to create high-quality opportunities.

Whether you’re a beginner who struggles with turnovers or an advanced player climbing online divisions, this guide will cover everything from passing techniques and positioning to tactical setups that make possession play more effective.

Why Possession Matters in eFootball

1. Game Control: Dictate tempo and reduce your opponent’s attacking chances.
2. Tactical Advantage: Force opponents to chase, opening gaps.
3. Psychological Edge: Opponents often get frustrated chasing the ball.
4. Stamina Management: Your players conserve energy when moving the ball smartly.

Core Principles of Possession

1. Short Passing First

Avoid risky long balls. Use short, safe passes to build rhythm and retain the ball.

2. Support Angles

Always keep passing triangles alive with midfielders and fullbacks offering support.

3. Patience Over Rush

Don’t force forward passes. Reset with defenders or goalkeeper if the midfield is crowded.

4. First Touch Control

A strong first touch reduces turnovers. Train your players’ ball control and dribbling stats.

Tactical Setups for Possession

4-3-3 (Possession-Oriented)

• Wingers stretch the play wide.
• Midfield triangle ensures constant passing options.

4-2-3-1 (Balanced Possession)

• Double pivots protect possession and recycle play.
• CAM links midfield and attack.

3-5-2 (Central Domination)

• Floods midfield, ensuring overloads in the center.
• Wingbacks provide width without losing central numbers.

Player Instructions for Better Possession

• Attacking Instructions: Possession Game, Maintain Formation.
• Defensive Instructions: Compact Defense to win the ball back quickly.
• Individual Instructions:
  • Midfielders → “Stay On Position” for passing balance.
  • Fullbacks → “Conservative” if you don’t want them losing the ball upfield.

Advanced Possession Techniques

One-Touch Passing

• Keeps tempo high.
• Reduces chance of tackles.

Ball Recycling

• Don’t be afraid to pass back to defenders.
• Safe possession builds frustration for the opponent.

Shielding & Dribbling

• Use shielding (L2/LT) to protect the ball.
• Combine with safe dribbles to escape pressure.

Positional Rotations

• Move midfielders wider or deeper depending on opponent’s press.
• Keeps triangles alive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forcing risky through balls.
2. Overdribbling with one player.
3. Not switching play when one side is crowded.
4. Ignoring stamina management of midfielders.

Best Players for Possession Style

• Midfielders: Xavi, Modrić, Iniesta (Legendary versions excel).
• Defenders: Piqué, Stones, Bonucci for passing range.
• Goalkeepers: Ederson, Neuer for safe distribution.

How to Practice Possession in eFootball

1. AI Matches: Practice short passing rhythm.
2. Training Drills: Use free training to rehearse triangles.
3. Replay Analysis: Review turnovers and improve decision-making.

Conclusion

Mastering the best strategies to maintain possession in eFootball requires discipline, smart passing, and tactical awareness. By focusing on short passing, supporting angles, and patience, you’ll frustrate opponents, create better scoring chances, and control matches with ease.

If you’re aiming to climb divisions or win more online tournaments, possession isn’t just a tactic—it’s a philosophy.