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In eFootball pes, mastering formations is just as important as having star players. Among the most popular setups is the 4-2-1-3 Quick Counter formation, which is designed for fast transitions, devastating wing play, and clinical finishing. If you want to climb divisions or dominate in Dream Team mode, building the right squad is essential.

But who are the best players for the 4-2-1-3 Quick Counter in eFootball 2025? In this detailed guide, we’ll break down each position, recommend the top-tier stars with in-game ratings and stats, and give you tactical tips to maximize this system.

1. Understanding the 4-2-1-3 Quick Counter System

The 4-2-1-3 is a variation of the 4-3-3, built for direct and vertical football. Its main characteristics:

• Two defensive midfielders (CDMs): Protect the defense and launch counters.
• One attacking midfielder (CAM): Connects midfield and attack.
• Three forwards (LW, ST, RW): Wide wingers stretch defenses, and the striker finishes chances.
• Full-backs: Provide width and overlaps during attacks.

Strengths

• Deadly in fast breaks
• Utilizes pacey wingers
• Balanced midfield with both defense and creativity
• Perfect for players who enjoy direct attacks

Weaknesses

• Can be exposed if CDMs push too high
• Requires fast defenders to recover against counters
• Demands stamina management for full-backs and wingers

If you enjoy explosive attacking football, this is the formation for you.

2. Best Goalkeepers (GK) for Quick Counter

In Quick Counter, your goalkeeper must be a sweeper-keeper – quick off the line, great reflexes, and good distribution.

🧤 Top Picks

1. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

• Rating: 91 OVR
• Playstyle: Defensive Goalkeeper
• Key Stats: Reflexes 93, Aerial Reach 90, Passing 84
• Why: Reliable, fast at rushing out, and elite in 1v1 situations.

2. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Offensive Goalkeeper
• Key Stats: Reflexes 92, Kicking 88, Anticipation 91
• Why: Still one of the best for distributing and initiating quick counters.

3. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

• Rating: 89 OVR
• Playstyle: Defensive Goalkeeper
• Key Stats: Reflexes 91, Handling 90, Passing 80
• Why: A balanced keeper with strong reflexes and consistency.

3. Best Center-Backs (CBs)

You need fast, strong, and aggressive CBs who can stop counters and recycle possession quickly.

🛡 Top Picks

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

• Rating: 92 OVR
• Playstyle: Destroyer
• Key Stats: Defensive Engagement 95, Strength 96, Aerial Duel 94
• Why: The most complete CB in eFootball 2025. Dominant physically and positionally.

2. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Destroyer
• Key Stats: Aggression 92, Speed 87, Tackling 91
• Why: Aggressive CB with pace – perfect for covering fast strikers.

3. Éder Militão (Real Madrid)

• Rating: 89 OVR
• Playstyle: Build-Up
• Key Stats: Speed 90, Def Awareness 88, Passing 82
• Why: Quick, versatile defender who fits the quick counter transitions.

4. Best Full-Backs (LB & RB)

In this system, full-backs need to provide width and overlaps, but also recover defensively.

⚡ Top Picks

1. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Offensive Full-Back
• Key Stats: Speed 95, Dribbling 88, Crossing 89
• Why: Perfect for counter-attacks, adds pace and creativity on the right side.

2. Theo Hernández (AC Milan)

• Rating: 89 OVR
• Playstyle: Offensive Full-Back
• Key Stats: Speed 94, Stamina 88, Dribbling 86
• Why: Explosive LB with stamina to run up and down the flank all game.

3. João Cancelo (Barcelona)

• Rating: 88 OVR
• Playstyle: Offensive Full-Back
• Key Stats: Passing 90, Dribbling 89, Crossing 87
• Why: Offers more creativity and passing compared to other full-backs.

5. Best Defensive Midfielders (CDMs x2)

Quick Counter needs one ball-winning midfielder and one deep-lying playmaker.

🏋️‍♂️ Top Picks

1. Casemiro (Manchester United)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Destroyer
• Key Stats: Defensive Engagement 93, Aggression 91, Strength 92
• Why: A defensive rock who breaks up attacks.

2. Rodri (Manchester City)

• Rating: 91 OVR
• Playstyle: Orchestrator
• Key Stats: Passing 92, Def Awareness 89, Stamina 90
• Why: The perfect deep-lying playmaker for Quick Counter.

3. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Orchestrator
• Key Stats: Passing 94, Vision 93, Def Awareness 88
• Why: A versatile CDM who can pass and defend at a world-class level.

6. Best Attacking Midfielder (CAM)

The CAM is your creative hub – they must be good at vision, dribbling, and final passes.

🎯 Top Picks

1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

• Rating: 93 OVR
• Playstyle: Creative Playmaker
• Key Stats: Passing 96, Vision 97, Long Shots 90
• Why: The best passer in eFootball 2025 – creates goals from anywhere.

2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Creative Playmaker
• Key Stats: Passing 91, Stamina 92, Shooting 87
• Why: High work rate, chance creator, and long-range shooting threat.

3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

• Rating: 89 OVR
• Playstyle: Hole Player
• Key Stats: Dribbling 94, Agility 93, Creativity 88
• Why: Young, dynamic, and unpredictable in tight spaces.

7. Best Wingers (LW & RW)

Quick Counter thrives on fast wingers who can dribble, cut inside, and finish.

⚡ Top Picks

1. Kylian Mbappé (PSG)

• Rating: 95 OVR
• Playstyle: Roaming Flank
• Key Stats: Speed 99, Dribbling 95, Finishing 94
• Why: The best winger in the game – unstoppable in counters.

2. Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid)

• Rating: 94 OVR
• Playstyle: Roaming Flank
• Key Stats: Speed 97, Dribbling 96, Ball Control 90
• Why: Lightning fast and impossible to stop in 1v1s.

3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Rating: 92 OVR
• Playstyle: Roaming Flank
• Key Stats: Finishing 92, Speed 94, Dribbling 91
• Why: A consistent RW with goal-scoring instincts.

8. Best Strikers (ST)

Your striker must be clinical, strong, and able to link play.

🎯 Top Picks

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

• Rating: 95 OVR
• Playstyle: Goal Poacher
• Key Stats: Finishing 97, Strength 94, Heading 92
• Why: The deadliest finisher in eFootball 2025 – perfect for Quick Counter.

2. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

• Rating: 92 OVR
• Playstyle: Goal Poacher
• Key Stats: Finishing 96, Positioning 95, Strength 91
• Why: A more technical striker with unmatched positioning.

3. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

• Rating: 90 OVR
• Playstyle: Goal Poacher
• Key Stats: Speed 93, Finishing 90, Jumping 94
• Why: Combines pace and heading ability – deadly in transitions.

9. Gameplay Tips for 4-2-1-3 Quick Counter in eFootball 2025

• Fast Passing: Use short, quick passes to exploit space.
• Use Wingers: Send your wingers wide, then cut inside.
• CDM Balance: Keep one CDM back at all times.
• Full-Backs Overlap: Use them for overloads but monitor stamina.
• Substitutions: Replace wingers/striker after 70 min to maintain pace.

10. FAQs

Q: Is 4-2-1-3 better than 4-3-3 in eFootball 2025?
A: Yes, especially for Quick Counter playstyle. It provides more defensive balance and direct attacking options.

Q: Which managers are best for Quick Counter in eFootball 2025?
A: Managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Jürgen Klopp, and Luis Enrique fit the playstyle.

Q: Who are good budget options for Quick Counter?
A: While this guide focuses on top-tier stars, players like Diogo Jota, Pau Torres, and Fikayo Tomori are strong cheaper alternatives.

Conclusion

The 4-2-1-3 Quick Counter in eFootball is one of the most effective formations for fast, attacking gameplay. By choosing the right players – from Haaland upfront to Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. on the wings, De Bruyne pulling strings in midfield, and Van Dijk at the back – you can build a squad that dominates every match.