How to Defend Better in EA Sports FC 25

Mastering defense is one of the toughest skills to acquire in EA Sports FC 25. In demanding modes such as Ultimate Team Champions, perseverance and consistency are crucial for successful defense. Having a strong defensive line could help you win matches and distinguish the pros from the amateurs.

While it’s crucial to launch attacks, failing to defend effectively could lead to losses, regardless of the number of points you score. Skilled opponents will exploit your vulnerable defense and maneuver freely without much opposition, which can make playing against competent FIFA 25 players quite challenging and frustrating.

How To Defend Better In EA Sports FC 25

Improving your defensive skills in EA Sports FC 25 isn’t an easy feat, especially when you’re working with players who have weak defensive statistics. In these situations, it may become difficult to win back possession without resorting to some unconventional methods. However, if you apply these tips consistently, you can effectively strengthen your defense, even when you find yourself playing strikers in the central defense position. Here are a few techniques that you can practice to gradually enhance your defensive capabilities in EA Sports FC 25:

1. Positioning: Always ensure that your defenders are well-positioned and aware of their surroundings. Adjusting their positions according to the flow of play can help prevent opponents from finding gaps in your defense.

2. Anticipation: Anticipate the movements of the opposing players and react accordingly. This can help you intercept passes, block shots, and make timely tackles.

3. Communication: Encourage communication between your defenders to minimize confusion and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Clear instructions can help in coordinating defensive maneuvers effectively.

4. Offside Trap: Implement an offside trap by having your defenders move up the pitch as a unit, forcing opponents into offside positions when they receive through balls. This strategy requires good timing and positioning from your backline.

5. Defensive Drills: Practice defensive drills regularly to improve your skills. These drills can focus on tackling, marking, communication, and positioning, among other things.

6. Adaptability: Be adaptable in your approach, as the game situation may dictate different strategies. For example, if the opposing team is playing a lot of long balls, you might need to adjust your defensive line accordingly.

Reduce Your Use Of The Tackle Button

An often overlooked trick among players is that pressing the jockey button can help you regain possession of the ball more effectively than tackling, even when the attacking player is a bit far off. This is because your defender will adjust their positioning better in response, making it simpler for you to secure the ball.

On PlayStation, the jockey button is L2, and on Xbox, it’s LB.

Although it seems straightforward, mastering jockeying takes some time. Persistently pushing the button isn’t the key to success. Instead, concentrate on your timing, and with practice, you’ll outmaneuver the attacker effortlessly. Since it’s not difficult to grasp, you’ll discover that you won’t rely heavily on tackling as a result. This also decreases the likelihood of players committing fouls and conceding free kicks from potentially hazardous positions.

Slide Tackle As A Last Resort

Just as with EA Sports FC 25 players, it’s advisable to reduce the frequency of using the slide tackle feature. While it might be effective in specific scenarios, the risk is high because a foul or a card could result from its use. Moreover, if you don’t manage to win the ball through a slide tackle, your defender will likely trail far behind the attacking player, making it impossible for them to recover in time.

In rapid counter-attacks, it’s only appropriate to think about executing a sliding tackle, but only when the opposing team doesn’t have firm possession of the ball. Nonetheless, exercise caution as there’s always the potential for a penalty leading to a possible suspension.

Apply Gegenpressing

In the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp’s tactic, known as Gegenpressing, has brought great success for Liverpool. Essentially, instead of waiting for the opposing team to come at you, you actively pursue the player in possession, even when they have advanced upfield. This strategy prevents them from counter-attacking and provides your team with an unexpected chance to score. In the game, this tactic is often referred to as “second-man pressing.

Pressing the R1 button on PlayStation and the RT button when using Xbox will cause a green arrow to appear over one of your teammates, indicating they’ll apply pressure on the player with the ball alongside you. This puts the opponent under pressure, causing them to make mistakes, making it easier for you to regain possession. While overuse can lead to quicker fatigue among players, when used strategically in crucial moments, this tactic can help your team escape from challenging situations.

Guard All The Passing Lanes

In actual football games, a crucial factor that showcases a team’s skill is their proficiency at navigating through the heart of the field. Although it might seem simpler to move along the wings, scoring becomes challenging because you’re too far from the goal. Therefore, top-tier teams worldwide perfect their teamwork and passing skills to effortlessly advance through the middle without tiring.

In this context, EAFC refers to open paths or lanes. During an offensive play, top-tier players seek to exploit all available routes towards the goalposts. To thwart their advance, it’s essential to guard these passageways and obstruct their progress. Properly managing space between each defender and safeguarding potential passing angles will dismantle a counterattack. This strategy also prevents attackers from receiving a through pass beyond the defensive line.

This concept might need a moment for mental imagery and practice, but when implemented, it will prove highly beneficial in mastering your domain.

Use L2/LT To Stop Passes

With this method, you gain better control during one-on-one situations and prevent your opponent from finding a teammate for a pass. It’s not overly complex, but its impact on disrupting a counterattack is significant. To apply it, simply press and hold the left trigger when facing an attacker in a duel.

By keeping L2/LT and R2/RT pressed, you’ll narrow the space between your defender and attacker, bringing yourself closer to the ball. This action speeds up your turns and allows for quicker reactions. Additionally, you’ll be sprinting during this maneuver. The benefit is twofold: not only does it increase your speed, but it also gives you extra time to concentrate on the ball without reducing your pace.

Use Players In The Meta

Unfortunately, even if you use every strategy available, a swift assault can still prove victorious. No matter how proficient your techniques are, invincibility is unattainable without robust defenders. Fortunately, the game introduces fresh special cards each week, empowering you to select your own produce, but remember to consider certain factors before setting up your defenses.

In EA FC 25, speed is crucial as it significantly impacts the game’s tempo. Players with less than 80 pace might find it challenging to keep pace with fast-paced attacks and throws, making them less effective. Additionally, it’s essential to consider players who are composed, physically strong, and aware defensively. These qualities are vital for a defender in this game.

As a gamer, I’m currently swooning over some top-notch defenders ruling the virtual pitch. These include Micky van de Ven from Tottenham, Theo Hernandez from AC Milan, and Kounde from Barcelona. If for some reason you can’t grab these stars, consider them your benchmark and focus on collecting cards with stats akin to theirs.

For instance, Micky van de Ven’s internal stats might have a base rating of 82, but his defensive prowess is off the charts. This is primarily due to his impressive physical attributes and defense awareness. It’s these numbers that truly matter over base ratings when scouring for defenders. So, while you’re on the hunt, remember to keep these criteria in mind.

2025-01-28 15:05