The Council's verbose Shakespearean dogma needs to also evaluate carefully both attacking and defensive playstyles of players going forward. Efootball has truly experienced a soft or "secret" reset as of 8/13/2026.

These are the new skills coming this season , also these [UPDATE]

Based on my experience in deep division 1 last season, low screamer or bullet header on fast, tanky CFs is guaranteed a goal.

The following are the skill combos that I believe will define meta.

• Rapid Trigger Finish + Low Screamer + Attacking Surge for Ground CFs/SS with Front Line Poacher/Attack Outlet defensive playstyles
• Beast Drive + Magnetic Feet + Bullet Header/Phenomenal Finish/Low Screamer for Tall, Thick Aerial CFs/Goal Poachers/FITBs with Front Line Poacher/Attack Outlet defensive playstyles
• Beast Drive + Magnetic Feet + Blitz Curler on Bale with Attack Outlet/Front Line pressure defensive playstyle
• Decisive Pass+Visionary Pass+ Magnetic Feet/Phenomenal Pass on Orchestrator/Creative Playmakers with Defensive playstyles: CMFs & AMFs: All-action defender/Pass-Disruptor. CMFS & DMFs: All-action defender/Pass-Disruptor/Covering Role/Destroyer.
• Power Tackle + Long Reach Tackle + Shadow Hunt/Aerial Fort on CBs/DMFs/DFBs. Also needs defensive playstyles: highline master, Covering defender (VVD), especially on Build Ups and DFBs. Shadow Marker/Destroyer playstyle on destroyers w/ Build Up Offensive style. All-action defender/Pass Disruptor/The Destroyer defensive playstyle on De Rossi/Yaya Toure/Vieira/Seedorf.
• Sharp Cut+Magnetic Feet+Momentum Dribbling/Blitz Curler on Neymar, Messi, Hazard, Pele, George Best, and other wingers. Hole Players with Attack Outlet/Deep-Pressing Forward playstyle (Dembele/ Vini Jr.).
• Sharp Cut+Momentum Dribbling+Blitz Curler/Tap Trick on Zola, Del Piero, Sneijder, Puskas, Dinho, Yamal, Son Heung-Min with Front Line Poacher/Attack Outlet defensive playstyles
• Shadow Hunt + Edged Crossing + Attacking Surge on Offensive Fullbacks with The Destroyer/Covering Role/High line Master defensive playstyles
• Shadow Hunt + Edged Crossing/Phenomenal Pass + Momentum Dribbling on Fullback Finishers. Defensive playstyle: The Destroyer/Covering Role/High line Master.
• GK Rush Out + GK Aerial Claim + GK Directing Defense on High Line GK/Sweeper Keeper/Build-Up playstyle, Offensive GK style, or Defensive GK style like 2014 Germany Neuer, VDS, Courtois, Schmeical, and Cech

COMPREHENSIVE PATCH NOTES REVIEW

On mobile they updated movement where players will dash more effectively when player switching. Aerial Fort is now buffed because players can compete for high balls w/ a sideways motion even when stationary or moving backwards

Dribbling is now buffed. Magnetic Feet's effects will feel more prominent now when a dribbling player comes in contact with an opponent. Players will move a little faster during slow dribbling (momentum dribbling buff) as well as when they turn (tight possession will be more valuable now). Stronger foot is more easily used during dribbles. They nerfed the top speed of dash dribbles (momentum dribbling buff). Skill move feints are buffed, improved ball control. Mid-air ball control is also improved. Made changes so that entering the Dash and Finesse Dribble commands at the same time while trying to control the ball will allow the player to perform a trap and a dash that works in combination with their dribbling. They revised how quickly defenders adjust their positioning depending on the situation. In this way, attackers' sudden running movements and tactical maneuvers may be reflected more clearly, while defenders may not be able to stick to the attacker they're marking depending on the situation. Due to instances in which, during man marking, the lines made by the defenders and midfielders are too close together, leaving almost no space in between, revised how positioning is set when marking and made changes so that it is easier to leave space between those lines depending on the situation. In this way, it may be easier to break through or make a tactical maneuver in front of goal. 5 ATB park the bus with 1 CF is nerfed. Due to instances in which a defender not controlled by the user reacts too quickly to an opponent's dribble when positioned in front of them using the Match-up command, revised the timing at which players react. In this way, made changes so that AI-controlled players are not excessively strong at defending, and so that differences emerge in how defenders respond based on their "Defensive Awareness" Player Stat.

Creative playmakers are buffed: when making movements to create passing lanes, an AMF moves back to a deep midfield position despite a DMF or CMF being there already, leading to some strange positioning, revised how such passing areas are set, and made changes so that an AMF is unlikely to come back that far. Classic No. 10 will now play defense.

Shoulder passes are more frequent now (so you can play like CR7). I haven't noticed this much so far, must be rare like no-look pass and rabona usage rates [Update].

Dipping shots are buffed now, low screamer value seems to have gone a bit down because they made changes so that a player shooting the ball with a kick may drive it into ground depending on the situation. One time shot is a must skill on all forwards/ wingers now.

Offensive awareness is buffed because they made changes to attacker movement speed/timing so that its more appropriate depending on the situation to avoid offsides better. Physical contact/ Attacking Surge is even more valuable because as soon as a player shakes off the marking defender, they will immediately make a run. Prolific Winger/ Roaming Flanks are buffed, wide-play runs are improved. Due to instances in which players try to create passing lanes, but they move behind the opposing defence, or no passing lanes stay open, revised how those teammates are positioned and how directional changes are determined, and made changes so they move between defenders or to positions that likely ensure a good passing lane.

Heading motions are improved. Made changes to movement speed so that players can follow and receive crosses more easily near the goal. Due to instances in which a full back runs forward on an overlap but, depending on the situation, then loops around the ball carrier despite being in an attacking position further ahead of that player, revised that type of decision-making and made changes so that more appropriate movement paths are set. They buffed cross spamming (OH BOY KOLLER ENJOYERS).

Weak foot kicking accuracy is improved in short distances.

Defense/kicking updates: weird tackles instead of trying to clear the ball with the opponent in front of them is less likely to happen now! Due to instances in which players make a kicking motion even though the ball is far away, made changes to how kicking motions are selected. Due to instances in which, during a tackle, the player kicks the ball too far and it is not possible to win possession, made changes so that they kick the ball according to the situation. Throw-in speeds are buffed for short distances (long throw value went up). Fixed the issue where players attempt to kick or head the ball straight ahead, but it veers to the left or right.

• Low speed defense improved
• LRT buff/debuff?!: Due to instances in which a player is wrong-footed by the opponent but still blocks the ball with an outstretched leg, or in which a player blocks the ball, but it is too easy for the opponent to retrieve it, made changes to how some blocking motions are selected. Due to instances in which players block a low pass or low through ball and the ball stops at that spot even though it should move further, made changes to the trajectory of blocked balls. Match-Up blocking is more responsive. Due to instances in which certain tackling motions are made too often and it is too easy to win the ball in some situations, made changes to how tackling motions are selected.
• Nerfed AI defensive positioning, depending on their Defensive Engagement stat and whether or not they possess the Interception skill. Reduced timing of moves to cut out a forward's passing lane too often. Reduced AI Pressing during passes. Defensive Awareness stat also holds more value now as before.
• Offensive pressing to win back the ball is buffed, 5 ATB holding the ball is nerfed FINALLY
• Offside line by defenders improved during crosses. Due to instances in which, based on how players determine whether or not to mark attackers, defenders are slow to stick to a forward when another opponent has the ball in an area good for early crosses, revised how marking is decided and made changes so that defenders respond more appropriately to opponents running in behind.
• Buffed man marking, long shots are now nerfed a bit because they revised positioning during marking and made changes so that defenders position themselves closer to opponents. Due to instances in which defenders who are marking opponents move strangely or take up unusual positions because of the state of the back line or their positioning in relation to the player they are marking, revised how movement speed and positioning are determined. In this way, made changes so that it is easier to keep a defensive line that works together and so that teams produce a steadier level of defending when marking.
• Made changes so that it is easier to send successful through balls and crosses from deep positions based on the timing and accuracy, while limiting the impact when trying to defend from a high position.
• The spacing between midfielders and defenders is "improved" so that defenders may be able to switch marking assignments and change positioning in a steadier manner.
• Due to instances in which a defender stops marking their intended opponent near the back line, allowing them to run free, revised how players decide to stop marking and made changes so that they keep marking as appropriate. In this way, made changes so that an opponent is less likely to run free from the back line.
• Due to instances in which the handover of marking assignments between defenders in the penalty area could become unnatural, revised how marking targets are determined. As a result, unnatural switches in marking assignments will occur less often, and midfield players will also be more likely to join in with marking.
• Stamina improvement/defensive nerf for forwards during defensive plays (won't run long distances to catch opponents)
• Player switching is now less error prone and more responsive. Due to instances in which, while defending, the controlled player is pulled towards a long pass that an opponent will likely get to first, made changes so that the player can be moved freely instead of being drawn towards the ball depending on the situation.
• Made changes to adjust the timing of players' reactions when defending a pass, and to ensure that they do not react slowly in a strange way while in the opponent's half.
• Made changes to the timing of players' reactions when defending a pass, slightly reducing reaction speed while deep in their own half.
• Made changes so that a forward is more likely to track back near their own goal when the opponent has launched a deep attack.
• Due to instances in which a player is inside the goal while the keeper has the ball and no movement path is available that will allow them to return to the field, made changes so that such a player is unlikely to remain inside the goal.

Set pieces are buffed, players who have fallen down in transition will get back up faster now to continue advantage plays. Olimpico goal scoring opportunities seemed to have been buffed: Revised how the kick gauge and height input affect accuracy when kicking the ball from a set piece, and made changes to improve accuracy. Also, lengthened the time when the trajectory can be adjusted before the kick begins, and made changes so it is easier to aim. The opponent's GK response during set pieces are improved.

Penalty kicks: Made changes so that alternate motions are produced during penalty kicks depending on the player.

GK improvements: new blocking, deflecting, catching, pre-jump, and movement actions. New ball throwing motions, better 1v1 movements during dribbling animations. GK will continue to move after blocking a shot depending on situation. GK rush command buffed and more responsive.

HUGE:  Due to instances in which a keeper responds to a teammate's headed back pass by repelling it even though it looks like they can catch it, made changes to how catches are determined.  Due to instances in which the keeper rushes out towards the ball but then runs past it, revised how movement speed is determined, and made changes so that it is easier to make a play on the ball at an appropriate location when rushing out. Made changes to reduce instances in which a goalkeeper catches the ball near the goal line and then enters the goal while still holding the ball. They basically deleted some aspects "scripting". Although I still notice these errors post-update [Update].

Fouls: Due to instances in which a sliding tackle strikes an opponent and they stumble or fall, but no foul is called, made changes to how fouls are judged.

Smart assist buff: volleys are automatic

TLDR: They basically nerfed some aspects, but contradict it with some buffs mainly for defense. DA/DE and new defensive skills and playstyles will matter a lot to fit into this new engine most likely. Offense wise, cross spamming seems to be the wave on paper, alongside helicopter balls. Dribbling and wing play is buffed according to them as well. Set pieces are buffed again.

Original Source: https://www.konami.com/efootball/en/page/v6/versioninfo_v6-00

Batistuta is in a league of his own.

Sergio Aguero seems to perform similar to Van Basten.

Included only Destroyers/Build Ups/Anchormen/Defensive Fullbacks as defenders

Hazard will be prolific winger, Diego Costa will be Poacher/Fox-In-The-Box and Gary Cahill will be build up (he was apparently good with both feet)

1-2 Cut in A was originally LMF/RMF Creative Playmakers to Poacher/FITB

Conte Overload playstyle

• These are duel winning probabilities of meta CFs: Gullit, Zlatan, Rummenigge during ground clashes accounting for acceleration, arm length, and physicality attributes of the most optimal builds of p2w defenders and attackers. All of them are the CURRENT BEST VERSIONS as of EF26.
• I have not included dribbling/ tackling as variables, this is solely for off the ball, receiver pushing forward movement collisions
• No wonder the p2w were afraid of f2p selecting Cannavaro back in the day!
• Also it kinda makes sense now why some ppl say Pepe feels "better" than Nesta at times
• I will do a f2p clash list later on, still tweaking variables

It all comes full circle now of why these specific CFs: Zlatan and Gullit will be behind 200-250 box paywalls from now on.

Keep in mind when I tested these players, most of them had the full nationality booster.

• S rank are players who felt responsive and played like their real life performances.
• A+ rank are more off the bench type players, but can start in your lineup if in form.
• A rank are serviceable if you have no other options
• B rank are decent, but strictly benchwarmers

The cards that impressed me the most: very high weak foot mbappe, davids, olise, vini jr, alvarez, rodri, bellingham, saka, rice, gueye, baena, cubarsi, zakaria, bissaka. Summerville is a pace merchant. Diogo Costa with full booster is such a good GK. Ferran and Nico's dribbling felt very nice.

Featuring POTD Alvarez, Romero, Enzo, and old POTW Lautaro Martinez that can go up to 103

The new anchorman Vieira will offer a solid, static pivot, however his defensive stats are not as game-breaking as hyped. HE HAS 2 LESS LEVELS THAN THE DESTROYER VERSION.

Sure this is a 3/3 pack, but if you already own a previous version of Vieira, there is no point in getting this new version. Penalty reward Rijkaard, although slower, can still do his job.

Destroyer Vieira is able to turn better, and make weird angle passes with his phenomenal passing especially if the opponent presses you constantly or blocks lanes. He also has higher physicality so he won't be pushed off the ball easily by the likes of Batistuta, Van Basten, Diouf, Suarez, Adriano, Haaland, or other tall, bulky CFs. There are many times his destroyer playstyle rushes into the box to make an important pass or shot, since opponents are not likely to mark him or even stop him. Keep in mind if you are leading, his fortress ability also boosts his defensive awareness to 95, along with his other defensive abilities above 100.

The new anchorman Vieira's visionary pass will only boost the ball control of the receiver by +8, so his passes will still be sloppy if you need to turn him around. People will hype about his long-reach tackle, however, his player model has always had long legs in proportion to his body ratio, so his tackling radius will have more frequent reaches. I've had no trouble using the Destroyer version without this skill, sometimes he even raised his leg to block blitz curlers. If he had by default with just 94-95 defensive awareness [along with shadow hunt], it would be absolute wraps. Konami is smart, they are playing the long game, and selling us short.

These are just some of my thoughts on the dubbed 3/3 pack value. Beyond the hype. Bringing clarity amongst the noise.

Imagine paying for p2w cards to lose to this...

Despicable by Konami!!!

Kinda crazy that if you unbeknownstly use this tactic if your opponent parks the bus...you could get ratings, I sometimes use this myself as a last hail mary in rare situations (WHEN IT WAS LEGITIMATE).

Disclaimer: This post is to bring awareness, not promoting. Use this formation at your own risk.

What even is this??! He did that blitz with the showtime neymar, just imagine when the big time version comes...

Konami had a Brazil national team promo vid with Neymar in it yesterday, alongside jerseys of Dinho, Kaka, and Zico. I expect a BIG update tomorrow.

Credits to WILLS PES on X

Not mine. RIP to our fallen brothers.

His Potw dembele scored from a crazy angle that not even epics I’ve seen could do even with phenomenal finishing.

Potw Saliba rushed like a CF from an impossible low throughball by showtime olise

Some decent luck for a f2p, and divisions rewards grind could've gotten you this top tier squad. Imagine these smart assist users with this team...

park ji sung replacements: showtime tonalli, or any version of him, b2b pedri, st macallister, pogba

makele replacements: st kante or recent potw version, xabi alonso, tschou, zakaria

drogba/ batigol replacements: Van Basten, dlf copa messi, bebeto, forlan, new POTS lautaro martinez

cb replacements: potw saliba or old highlight saliba, caceres, van buyten

AMFs: hole player bt grizzy, hole player raul, potw hp bellingham, daily penalty hazard, ac milan or bt ronaldinho, scholes, hp lothar mattheus, st olmo

fullback replacements: belletti, zanetti, highlight wan bissaka

CF, Winger, SS, AMF, CMF, DMF, CB, LB/RB, GK ordering per tier row, subordered by offensive playmaking (orchestrator rijkaard/ xabi out of position sorry). Also forgot to add Lee Kang In, he would be behind showtime rashford in S+ tier. Epic Baia GK should be above Peruzzi.

Added some more players from previous anniversary/campaign/selection events. If you see a version of a player with a different playstyle compared to yours, their tier should be roughly similar on this list.

Most of these players were suggested to add from the community. If you are new or a returning player, some of the original p2w cards were re-released by Konami during celebratory events with chance deals to claim for "free".

More people are using lineups composing of these players after I posted this, and pvp gameplay seems to be very strong right now, which some folks don't like, especially people who want an easier time ranking in divisions, abuse smart assist, or complain about it [while using it].

SS Tier: Means these players are usually seen on most teams in divisions, and are competitive with even p2w player matchups.

S+< Tier: Serviceable in current meta, and with skills (default skills or advanced feint, manual defending) will be able to reach SS tier potential. The CFs will make good runs if you lob a through ball. The CBs are either very fast, but small or a bit slow, but very large, however they aren't compromised by their defensive stats. The goalkeepers perform even on C form, and are large enough to make solid saves. Neuer has special goalkeeping animation where he literally plays like a sweeper keeper. In the current game engine, it favors offensive goalkeepers more.

S< Tier: Players who may seem not like much on paper, but their model/id outperforms when they are in form or off the bench. Still need to utilize their equipped skills, manual defending to reach their maximum potential. Some of these "short goalkeepers" have high arm length or high reflexes, and perform well when they are in form.

A+< Tier: If you have no other options, some of them are hidden gems with large player models and high tight possession, or play above their stats, but primarily used in pvp events and not divisions. I do not support this, but some of them like Tony Adams/ Puyol are OP with smart assist on.

A Tier: These players only work in build up play or cross spam monsters, and possession game. Very slow, have mediocre balance/dribbling/finishing/physicality, weird playstyle going with stats, but serviceable. They may surprisingly show up during matches.

B Tier: Refrain from using, but they could help you as subs. Use them at your own risk.