New Link Up Managers and playstyles are arriving, and the eFootball 2026 just gets another manager added to the game, this time, with Xabi Alonso. He gets a new Link-Up playstyle in Breakthrough Pass A, and for sure, has attracted plenty of eyes on him.
After spending enough time testing his setups across multiple formations and playstyles, it became clear that this manager needs a proper breakdown to unlock his full potential. So here’s a complete guide on how to get the best out of Xabi Alonso in eFootball 2026.
eFootball 2026 Xabi Alonso Manager Guide: Introduction
Xabi Alonso enters eFootball 2026 as one of the most balanced and aggressive attacking managers in the game. Introduced in January with the v5.2.2 update, his proficiency is Quick Counter and Out Wide, two different styles on offer, and two styles that play through a strong midfield and technical players.
On top of that, he comes with a powerful double booster combination of Ball Control +1 and Finishing +1, which puts emphasis on my initial statement: he is built for players who just focus on scoring goals. Now, moving to his Link-Up play, the Breakthrough Pass A.
This Link-Up focuses on the relationship between the Centrepiece, a Creative Playmaker operating in the attacking half, and the Key Man, a Goal Poacher leading the line. The moment the Creative Playmaker receives the ball in the final third, the striker instantly begins hunting for space behind the defence.
The game significantly boosts the accuracy of through balls and chipped passes, while also improving the striker’s first touch and finishing consistency, again, amazing boosts. From my experience, it’s easily the most aggressive attacking Link-Up released so far.
Best formations using Xabi Alonso in eFootball 2026
I have two formations that consistently bring out the best in Xabi Alonso’s system, both for Quick Counter and for Out Wide play.
1) 4-2-1-3
This 4-3-3 variant feels like the natural formation for Xabi, and actually, my personal favourite. With a front three under Out Wide instructions, the defence is stretched horizontally, giving your Creative Playmaker more space to operate in the center, as a central AMF.
With the wingers stretching the opponent’s defense, your centre forward is often left unmarked and can make a well-timed run. This allows you to exploit the gap and quickly turn it into a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Midfield pivot and the backline, you can pick whoever you are comfortable with. I would suggest an Anchorman + Box-To-Box combo, which works well for me, alongside a Build Up + Destroyer combo, which has been the norm in the game.
2) 4-3-1-2
Quick Counter’s deadliest formation when used correctly, this formation is another example which makes good use of Xabi’s Breakthrough Pass A. The Creative Striker + Goal Poacher pairing works beautifully here, and sitting at the center will be your AMF, again as a sole attacker.
The midfield three can have three different playstyles depending on your liking; you decide what’s best for you. I strongly recommend using an Anchor Man as a deep-sitting single pivot, paired with another aggressive DMF and a Box-to-Box or a Hole Player midfielder.
Since Xabi Alonso thrives on quick vertical movement, having your LB/RB in a more offensive role opens up crossing lanes and stretches the defence, creating more space centrally for the two strikers. If that’s the case, have a Deep Line instruction active to keep the defense active.
Player Recommendations and Key Stats
Centrepiece (Creative Playmaker/AMF)
For the Centrepiece role, you want a technically elite Creative Playmaker who can receive the ball under pressure and release accurate passes. High Ball Control is crucial here, and Low and Lofted Pass numbers in the 90s would be amazing, which shouldn’t be a problem, as many high-profile AMFs do have them.
Also, given the influx of many Show Time and Epic cards here, try getting a player who has Phenomenal Pass and Visionary Pass; both are of great help.
Recommended Skills: Through Passing, Weighted Pass, One Touch Pass
Key Man (Goal Poacher/CF)
The Key Man in Xabi Alonso’s setup is where matches are decided. This striker lives on the shoulder of the last defender and thrives on timing his runs perfectly. So, Offensive Awareness should be in the 90+ range so that the striker reacts instantly when the Link-Up triggers.
Finishing needs to be over 90, no exceptions. Speed and Acceleration in the high 80s to 90s ensure that once the run begins, defenders can’t catch up. Balance is also important, as many of these chances come while under pressure from centre-backs trying to recover.
Just like I mentioned earlier, having an AMF with Show Time passing skills works really well, and it gets even better if your Goal Poacher has Phenomenal Finishing. There are plenty of free cards that fit these criteria, with the Epic El-Hadji Diouf, for example.
Recommended Skills: First Time Shot, Long Range Shooting, Long Range Curler
Read other related eFootball 2026 articles:
- eFootball 2026 Fabio Capello Manager Guide
- eFootball 2026: Complete list of Link-up playstyles and managers
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Forwards
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Midfielders
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Defenders
For more Mobile Gaming news and updates, join our WhatsApp Channel, Telegram Group, or Discord server. Also, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Google News for quick updates.
