Ever since eFootball 2026 introduced us to the Link-up system, expectations around how managers and squads function have really gone up. Because of that, understanding different playstyles has become just as important as knowing how the Link-Up mechanic works. This guide is here to help you make sense of all these aspects in a simple and easy way.
Complete list of Link-up Playstyles in eFootball 2026
Diagonal Long Pass A
This setup is all about using the midfield to unlock your attack, with a creative pass to another creative attacker. When the Centrepiece, in this case a Creative Playmaker, gets the ball in the middle third, the Key Man immediately starts making aggressive forward runs.
The focus here is on precise through passes and chipped balls from the Centrepiece to the Key Man, giving you cleaner and more dangerous attacking moves. I would say it is perfect if you like stretching the play and catching the defence off guard, especially with a Hole Player running into space from the wings.
Diagonal Long Pass B
This is the most underrated Link-up Playstyle in the game. Instead of focusing on central strikers, this version weaponises your full-backs. When the Creative Playmaker controls the ball in the attacking half, your Attacking Full-backs instantly start overlapping with forward runs.
The accuracy of through balls and chipped passes toward the overlapping full-backs is boosted, and their ability to trap and control the ball at speed improves as well. This opens up the flanks and creates constant crossing and cut-back opportunities.
Aggressive Centring A
This would be an amazing setup if you are the kind of player who loves whipping balls into the box; this is your style. The moment your Centrepiece, a Cross Specialist, controls the ball in the final third, your Key Man instantly positions himself for a scoring chance.
The game boosts the accuracy of those crosses and the finishing from the Key Man, making it a deadly option for aerial threats and quick tap-ins. If you were not getting results with the FITB finisher, most notably an end-game player like Van Basten, this is an awesome setup to have.
Over-the-Top Pass A
The style lets the Key Man push forward aggressively whenever the Centrepiece controls the ball in the defensive half. With the Centrepiece directing through balls and chipped passes, accuracy gets a noticeable boost, while passing and trapping also see improvements.
In essence, it’s a setup built for rapid counterattacks that thrive on long balls. It really feels like the start of a new meta, especially with the latest pack dropping. Passing for Orchestrator and Offensive Awareness for the CF become important attributes to note while selecting your players.
Over-the-Top Pass B
This variation of Over-the-Top Pass is more structured and patient compared to version A. Instead of instant counters from deep, the trigger happens when your Orchestrator receives the ball in the defensive half. At that moment, your Prolific Wingers start making aggressive diagonal and vertical runs into space.
The game boosts the accuracy of through balls and chipped through passes from the Centrepiece, while also improving the Key Man’s ball control on reception. The result is a very smooth build-up into quick, wide breakthroughs. This setup is brilliant if you play with high-pace wingers and enjoy stretching the pitch before cutting inside.
Breakthrough Pass A
This is your classic final-third killer. When the Creative Playmaker receives the ball in the attacking half, the Goal Poacher immediately starts hunting for space behind the defence. The game significantly boosts the accuracy of through balls and chipped passes played into the striker’s run, while also improving the striker’s first touch and finishing consistency.
What makes this setup deadly is how naturally it creates one-on-one situations. The defence barely has time to recover before the striker is already in behind, and going by the current meta, defenders catching up seems impossible. It is extremely effective if you use fast strikers with high offensive awareness.
Complete list of Link-up Managers in eFootball 2026
Here is the list of managers who are currently available or have arrived at the game.
Note: This list is updated as of the v5.2.2 update in January 2026.
| Manager Name | Proficiency (89) | Link-up Type | Centrepiece | Key Man |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Mourinho | Quick Counter | Diagonal Long Pass A | Creative Playmaker / AMF | Hole Player / LMF, RMF |
| Gennaro Gattuso | Out Wide | Diagonal Long Pass A | Creative Playmaker / AMF | Hole Player / LMF, RMF |
| Ruben Amorim | Out Wide | Aggressive Centring A | Cross Specialist / LMF, RMF | Fox in the Box / CF |
| Fabio Capello | Long Ball Counter, Long Ball | Over-the-Top Pass A | Orchestrator / DMF | Goal Poacher / CF |
| M. Allegri | Long Ball Counter, Long Ball | Aggressive Centring A | Cross Specialist / LMF, RMF | Fox in the Box / CF |
| Pep Guardiola | Possession Game, Out Wide | Diagonal Long Pass B | Creative Playmaker / AMF | Attacking Full-back / LB, RB |
| Ronald Koeman | Possession Game | Aggressive Centring A | Cross Specialist / LMF, RMF | Fox in the Box / CF |
| Mikel Arteta | Possession Game | Over-the-Top Pass B | Orchestrator / CMF | Prolific Winger / LWF, RWF |
| Xabi Alonso | Quick Counter, Out Wide | Breakthrough Pass A | Creative Playmaker / AMF | Goal Poacher / CF |
Read other related articles:
- eFootball 2026: A guide to understanding and performing Player Fusion
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Forwards
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Midfielders
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Defenders
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