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In eFootball, choosing the right playstyle can make or break your Dream Team strategy. While Possession and Quick Counter dominate the meta, the Long Ball Counter is a hidden gem that can completely surprise opponents.

This tactical style focuses on launching long balls from defense to attack, bypassing the midfield and exploiting space behind defenders. If mastered, it can be devastating.

This guide explains how Long Ball Counter works, which formations are best, and which players thrive in this system.

🔑 What Is Long Ball Counter?

The Long Ball Counter is a tactical setup where your team:

• Plays long balls directly from defenders or goalkeepers.
• Targets strikers or wingers to hold up play or run in behind.
• Bypasses midfield to avoid possession battles.
• Hits opponents on the break when they’re out of shape.

👉 Think of classic teams like Leicester City 2016 (Vardy & Mahrez) or Real Madrid’s counterattacks under Ancelotti.

✅ Strengths of Long Ball Counter

• Quick Attacks: No time wasted in midfield.
• Exploits High Lines: Perfect against possession-heavy opponents.
• Direct Football: Easy to execute with physical forwards.
• Less Midfield Reliance: Works even if your midfield is weaker.

❌ Weaknesses of Long Ball Counter

• Predictable: Skilled opponents can read long passes.
• Requires Strong Strikers: Without good finishers, attacks die.
• Midfield Sacrifice: Less creative buildup.
• Risky Turnovers: If long balls fail, opponents recycle possession quickly.

🏟️ Best Formations for Long Ball Counter

Here are the top formations to maximize this tactic:

1. 4-4-2 (Classic Long Ball Counter)

• Back 4: Solid defensive line.
• Midfield 4: Two central mids + wide wingers to stretch play.
• 2 Strikers: One target man + one pacey striker.

✅ Perfect balance for direct football.
💡 Example Pair: Haaland (Target Man) + Mbappé (Runner).

2. 4-2-2-2 (Double Striker Engine)

• Back 4 + 2 DMFs: Strong defensive shield.
• 2 Attacking Mids: Provide support & second-ball recovery.
• 2 Strikers: Hold-up + pace combo.

✅ Ideal for bypassing midfield with direct passes.
💡 Think Atletico Madrid under Simeone.

3. 3-5-2 (Defensive Stability + Counters)

• 3 CBs: Defend deep, launch balls forward.
• Wingbacks: Push wide when countering.
• 2 Strikers: Same target man + runner strategy.

✅ Great against possession teams.
❌ Risky if wingbacks don’t track back.

4. 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow (Diamond Counter)

• 1 DMF: Screens defense.
• 2 CMs: Recover second balls.
• CAM: Quick link-up passes to strikers.
• 2 STs: Fast, direct finishers.

✅ Compact, direct, and perfect for bypassing midfield.
💡 Best used with strong playmaker at CAM (De Bruyne, Ødegaard).

5. 5-3-2 (Ultra Defensive Counter)

• 5 Defenders: Soak pressure.
• 3 Midfielders: Win second balls.
• 2 Strikers: Exploit counterattacks.

✅ Great for park-the-bus + counter setups.
❌ Struggles if strikers are isolated.

👥 Best Player Types for Long Ball Counter

To succeed, you need the right profiles:

• Goalkeeper: Long Ball Expert (e.g., Neuer, Courtois).
• Defenders: Strong CBs with good long passing (Van Dijk, Laporte).
• Midfielders: Ball-winning mids for second-ball recovery (Casemiro, Kimmich).
• Strikers:
  • Target Man (Haaland, Lewandowski, Benzema).
  • Pacey Runner (Mbappé, Vardy, Rashford).
• Wingers: Direct, fast wingers who can chase long balls (Salah, Vinícius Jr.).

⚙️ Custom Tactics for Long Ball Counter

• Attacking Style: Long Ball Counter (default).
• Build Up: Direct passing.
• Attacking Zone: Center or Wide depending on strikers.
• Support Range: High (spread team for long passes).
• Defensive Style: Deep line → Compact defense.

💡 Pro Tip: Use manual long balls to control where attacks start.

Master eFootball 2026 with our complete formations & tactics guide & pro tips to dominate every match.

📊 Long Ball Counter vs Other Styles

🏆 When to Use Long Ball Counter

• Against possession-heavy opponents (Barcelona-style).
• When your squad has strong strikers but weaker midfield.
• If you prefer simple, direct football.
• When playing underdog in tournaments.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Is Long Ball Counter noob-friendly?
👉 Yes, it’s easier for beginners than possession football.

Q2: Can it beat Quick Counter?
👉 Yes, if your defense is compact and strikers finish clinically.

Q3: Which manager is best?
👉 Simeone, Ancelotti, and Mourinho-style managers thrive in this playstyle.

📝 Conclusion

The Long Ball Counter may not be as glamorous as possession or as flashy as quick counters, but it’s one of the most effective playstyles in eFootball.

With the right formations (4-4-2, 4-2-2-2, 3-5-2, 5-3-2), proper target strikers, and defensive discipline, you can bypass midfield battles and score direct, efficient goals.

👉 If you love tactical simplicity, power strikers, and catching opponents off guard, Long Ball Counter is the perfect system for your Dream Team. ⚽🔥