In competitive eFootball, few tactics are as deadly as the Long Ball Counter playstyle. It’s designed to punish possession-heavy teams, quick-pressing opponents, and those who leave gaps behind their backline. By staying compact defensively and launching direct passes to attackers, you can turn defense into attack within seconds.
But this system isn’t as simple as spamming long passes. To dominate, you need the right formations, players, and tactical balance. This guide explores the best formations for Long Ball Counter playstyle in eFootball, explaining how each system works, what players fit best, and how to adjust mid-match for maximum effectiveness.
Why Long Ball Counter Works
The Long Ball Counter is a classic strategy rooted in simplicity and efficiency. Instead of overcomplicating play with possession, it relies on:
- Exploiting High Lines
- Opponents who push CBs high leave massive gaps.
- Fast Transitions
- A single pass can bypass five or six pressing players.
- Compact Defense
- By sitting deep, you reduce risk of conceding.
- Psychological Edge
- Frustrates opponents who dominate possession but fail to score.
In eFootball, where pacey strikers and direct passing mechanics are highly effective, Long Ball Counter becomes a game-changer—especially in Division 1 matches.
Formation 1: 4-4-2 (Classic Counter Setup)
Shape
- Back Four: Two CBs + fullbacks for compact defense.
- Midfield Four: Two wide midfielders + 2 CMFs for stability.
- Two Strikers: One target man + one pacey runner.
Strengths
- Balanced shape for both attack and defense.
- Direct link between midfield and forwards.
- Simple structure that is easy to execute.
Weaknesses
- Midfield can be overrun by 3-man central systems.
- Predictable if opponents adjust their defensive line.
📌 Pro Tip: Use a target man (Drogba, Klose) alongside a fast striker (Torres, Mbappé). The big man holds the ball; the speedster runs in behind.
Formation 2: 4-3-3 (Direct Wide Counters)
Shape
- Back four + 3 midfielders for balance.
- Three attackers (LWF, CF, RWF).
Strengths
- Wingers provide explosive pace on counters.
- Stretches the field horizontally.
- Works perfectly with diagonal long passes from midfield or defense.
Weaknesses
- If wingers don’t track back, flanks are exposed.
- Requires a strong DMF to shield the backline.
📌 Best Use: Against narrow formations like 4-1-2-1-2 diamond, which leave wings unprotected.
Formation 3: 5-3-2 (Defensive Wall + Counter)
Shape
- Three CBs form a solid block.
- Wingbacks double as defenders and attackers.
- Two strikers stay high for counters.
Strengths
- Extremely hard to break down.
- Wingbacks provide width in transitions.
- Perfect for players who prefer defensive safety.
Weaknesses
- Requires high stamina wingbacks (Davies, Cafu).
- Can become too defensive if strikers are isolated.
📌 Best Players:
- Defenders: Van Dijk, Nesta, Vidic.
- Wingbacks: Alphonso Davies, Cafu.
Formation 4: 3-4-3 (Explosive Counters)
Shape
- Three CBs anchor the defense.
- Four midfielders control width and transitions.
- Three forwards always ready to attack.
Strengths
- Devastating attacking potential.
- Forces opponents to respect wide areas.
- Three forwards ensure constant counter threat.
Weaknesses
- Vulnerable to overloads if midfielders don’t track back.
- Risky against possession-heavy teams with strong midfield.
📌 Best Against: Teams that overcommit fullbacks in attack.
Formation 5: 4-2-3-1 (Balanced Counter)
Shape
- Two CDMs shield the defense.
- CAM links defense to attack.
- Wingers + lone striker for direct transitions.
Strengths
- Extremely balanced formation.
- CAM can act as counter “trigger” with through balls.
- Flexible for switching between defensive and attacking.
Weaknesses
- Lone striker can feel isolated.
- Requires a CAM with vision and creativity (Kaka, Özil).
📌 Pro Tip: Use pacey wingers like Robben or Di María to cut inside and support the striker.
Key Players for Long Ball Counter
Target Men (Hold-Up Strikers)
- Didier Drogba Legendary
- Miroslav Klose Legendary
- Haaland Epic
Pacey Runners
- Fernando Torres Epic
- Mbappé
- Michael Owen Legendary
Creative Midfielders
- Steven Gerrard Legendary
- Kaka Legendary
- De Bruyne Epic
Wingbacks & Wingers
- Cafu Legendary
- Alphonso Davies Epic
- Arjen Robben Legendary
- Ángel Di María Legendary
Defenders
- Nemanja Vidić Legendary
- Carles Puyol Legendary
- Virgil van Dijk Epic
Tips to Execute Long Ball Counter
- Compact Defense
- Keep your backline deep to deny space.
- Don’t press too high unless certain of winning the ball.
- Trigger Runs Early
- Use manual run triggers (R2/L1) for strikers.
- Time through balls as defenders step up.
- Mix Direct Balls
- Alternate ground passes, lofted passes, and diagonals.
- Unpredictability keeps defenses guessing.
- Stay Patient
- Don’t force every attack.
- Wait until opponents overcommit, then strike.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcommitting Fullbacks → Leaves you exposed on counters.
- Forcing Every Long Ball → Be selective; mix short buildup when needed.
- Ignoring Midfield → Even counter systems need midfield support.
- Relying on Only One Striker → Pairs or trios are better than isolated lone strikers.
Advanced Strategies for Division 1
- Hybrid Long Ball Counter + Possession
- Start compact, then switch to possession when leading.
- Wingback Trap
- Encourage opponents’ wingbacks to push up, then launch counters into the space behind.
- Double Striker Rotation
- Rotate roles between target man and pacey striker mid-match to confuse defenders.
- Late-Game Super Subs
- Introduce pace (Owen, Mbappé, Rashford) at 70 minutes when defenses are tired.
Real Match Scenario: Division 1
- Opponent plays 4-2-1-3 high press.
- You sit deep with 5-3-2.
- At 25 minutes, Van Dijk intercepts a through ball.
- Quick long pass over the top finds Torres.
- Torres squares it to Klose → goal.
The opponent keeps pressing but gets punished again by a similar move in the second half.
Final Result: 2–0 victory with only 35% possession—but 100% efficiency.
Final Thoughts
The best formations for Long Ball Counter playstyle in eFootball aren’t about flashy possession—they’re about discipline, patience, and deadly finishing.
- 4-4-2 is the simplest and most reliable.
- 4-3-3 exploits width.
- 5-3-2 offers defensive security.
- 3-4-3 delivers explosive attacking potential.
- 4-2-3-1 provides balance.
If you want to frustrate opponents and punish their mistakes, mastering Long Ball Counter will give you an edge in online play—especially at the highest levels.
