The definitive ranking of every elite Second Striker in eFootball 2026 — from Gullit's physical dominance to Platini's surgical intelligence. Hole Player vs Dummy Runner vs Creative Playmaker breakdown, formation guides, and exactly how each SS plays in competitive matches. Master the most meta position in eFootball.
In eFootball 2026, the Second Striker is not just another attacking position — it is the single most impactful slot on the pitch. The difference between an average team and a Division 1 contender often comes down to what happens in the space between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines. That is the SS territory, and the player you put there determines whether your attack is predictable or unstoppable.
The SS position exists in a unique tactical sweet spot. Unlike a CF who is anchored to the last defensive line, the SS has freedom to drop deep, drift wide, and choose when to attack the box. Unlike an AMF who operates primarily as a creator, the SS is expected to finish chances and contribute goals. This dual role — part creator, part scorer — makes the SS the most demanding position to fill but also the most rewarding when you get it right.
What makes eFootball 2026 different from previous versions is how the game engine handles SS movement. The updated AI positioning system means that Hole Player SS cards now make more intelligent runs, finding gaps that did not exist in eFootball 2025. Creative Playmaker SS cards drop into deeper positions more consistently, acting as genuine link players rather than static attacking midfielders. And Dummy Runner cards now actually influence defensive positioning, dragging markers out of shape in ways that create measurable space for teammates.
This guide ranks the 10 best SS players in eFootball 2026 based on competitive performance in Division 1 ranked matches, tournament play, and the combination of stats, playstyle, and formation compatibility that determines real-world effectiveness. We cover every relevant playstyle, explain which formations maximize each SS, and provide the tactical context you need to build your team around this position.
Understanding how each playstyle behaves at the SS position is critical to picking the right player for your system.
The most meta SS playstyle. Hole Players make intelligent runs into gaps between the defensive and midfield lines, arriving late in the box to receive and finish. Their movement is difficult for AI defenders to track because they start from deep and accelerate into space.
Best For
Players who want their SS to both create and finish. Best in formations with a dedicated CF partner.
Top Picks
The SS playstyle for possession-based teams. Creative Playmakers sit between the lines and demand the ball to feet. They drop deeper than Hole Players and are more involved in build-up, acting as the creative hub of the attack.
Best For
Players who dominate through ball retention and patient build-up. Best in formations needing a link between midfield and attack.
Top Picks
The selfless SS playstyle. Dummy Runners make decoy runs to drag defenders out of position, creating space for teammates. They are less involved in possession but their off-the-ball movement disrupts defensive structures.
Best For
Teams with a dominant CF or creative AMF who needs space to operate. The SS creates gaps others exploit.
Top Picks
The most aggressive SS playstyle. Goal Poachers play high and look to get behind the defensive line, essentially functioning as a second CF. They prioritize goal-scoring runs over creative involvement.
Best For
Counter-attacking teams that need a secondary scoring threat. Best when paired with a creative AMF or deep-lying playmaker.
Top Picks
Playstyle Tip
Playstyle matters more than raw stats at the SS position. A 102-rated Hole Player will outperform a 105-rated player with no playstyle activation at SS because the movement patterns are what create goal-scoring opportunities. Always prioritize playstyle compatibility over overall rating when choosing your SS.
Every player ranked, analyzed, and rated based on competitive Division 1 performance.
Gullit is not just the best SS in eFootball 2026 — he is arguably the best outfield player in the entire game when deployed at Second Striker. His 191cm frame gives him a physical presence that no other SS can match, allowing him to bully defenders off the ball and win headers from crosses that would sail over smaller players. But what makes Gullit truly broken is the combination of that physicality with elite technical stats. His 95 passing means he can play the killer ball himself, his 94 dribbling lets him carry the ball through traffic, and his 93 finishing ensures he converts when he arrives in the box. The Hole Player playstyle is the cherry on top — Gullit constantly drifts into pockets of space between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines, arriving late in the box at exactly the moment defenders lose track of him. In a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond formation, Gullit at SS behind a pure Goal Poacher CF is the most devastating offensive pairing in the game. He drops deep to collect the ball, plays a quick one-two, and then surges forward into the space he just vacated. Defenders cannot follow him without leaving gaps for the CF. It is chess, not checkers — and Gullit is the queen on the board.
The undisputed king of SS. If you have Gullit, play him here. No other position utilizes his complete skill set this effectively.
Wayne Rooney is the complete football package condensed into one SS card. What separates Rooney from every other Second Striker in eFootball 2026 is his unique combination of finishing prowess and passing intelligence — a duality that no other player in the game replicates at this level. The double Phenomenal Pass skill is not just a stat-sheet curiosity; it fundamentally changes how your team plays. Every time Rooney receives the ball in a pocket of space, he has the vision and execution to play a through ball that splits the entire defensive line. Your CF partner becomes twice as dangerous because Rooney sees passes that other SS players simply cannot attempt. But Rooney is not just a playmaker wearing a number 10 shirt. His 95 finishing is legitimate world-class, and his shot power means he scores from distance with consistency that would make dedicated CFs jealous. He strikes volleys cleanly, powers headers into corners, and his left foot is nearly as dangerous as his right. The Hole Player playstyle drives his movement, pulling him into the channels between centre-backs where he can receive, turn, and shoot in a single fluid motion. His 92 physical contact means he does not get pushed off the ball easily despite being shorter than Gullit. Where Gullit overwhelms with physical dominance, Rooney overwhelms with relentless intelligent movement and an unstoppable shot from anywhere inside 30 yards.
The SS who does everything — creates, scores, presses, and never stops moving. A genuine tier 1 card that elevates every formation he plays in.
Michel Platini plays the SS position differently from Gullit and Rooney, and understanding that difference is key to getting the most from him. Where Gullit charges through gaps with physical dominance and Rooney surges forward with aggressive energy, Platini waits. He is the patient predator of the SS position — the player who reads the defensive structure, identifies the gap that is about to open, and arrives in it at precisely the right moment. His 97 Offensive Awareness is the highest of any SS in the game, and you feel it in every match. Platini makes runs that look scripted because he understands space better than any other card. He drifts away from markers, positions himself in the half-space between centre-back and full-back, and receives the ball already facing goal with time to pick his finish. The Low Screamer skill is devastating in his hands — ground shots from the edge of the box that fly into the bottom corner with unerring accuracy. Combined with Phenomenal Finishing, Platini converts chances that other players would drag wide or fire over. His 96 passing means he is equally effective as a creator. In matches where the opposition parks the bus, Platini drops into the AMF space and orchestrates attacks with the composure of a conductor. He does not have the physicality of Gullit (82 physical contact means he can be bullied by strong CBs) or the raw shooting power of Rooney, but his intelligence compensates. Platini does not need to beat defenders with strength — he beats them by being in the right place before they realize what is happening.
The smartest SS in the game. Lower physicality is his only weakness, but his positional intelligence and clinical finishing more than compensate.
Francesco Totti is the SS for players who want their Second Striker to be the creative heartbeat of the team rather than a secondary goal threat. His Creative Playmaker playstyle fundamentally changes how the SS position operates — instead of making runs beyond the CF like a Hole Player, Totti positions himself between the lines and demands the ball to feet. He is the link player, the wall-pass partner, the man who receives under pressure and plays the killer ball to unlock the defense. His 97 passing is the highest of any SS in eFootball 2026 and rivals dedicated AMF cards. Lofted passes over the top, disguised through balls on the ground, chipped balls into the path of overlapping runners — Totti executes them all with the precision of a surgeon. His 95 dribbling means he can hold the ball under pressure, shield it from charging defenders, and wait for the right passing lane to open. He does not need to beat players with pace (78 speed is his clear weakness) because he beats them with intelligence and technique. The 93 finishing ensures Totti is not just a creator. When the chance falls to him, he converts with cold efficiency — curling shots into far corners, placed finishes into the side netting, and the occasional thunderbolt when given space on the edge of the box. The tradeoff is mobility. Totti will not press aggressively, will not chase down loose balls, and will not outpace anyone in a foot race. You need to build your team around him, providing runners on either side who can exploit the space his passing creates. In a 4-2-2-2 where both SS players need to contribute creatively, Totti is ideal. In a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond where the SS needs to make runs, he is less effective than a Hole Player.
The ultimate playmaking SS. Slow but devastatingly effective in possession-based systems where creativity matters more than pace.
Raul is the SS for players who understand that the most dangerous thing an attacker can do is move without the ball. His Dummy Runner playstyle makes him unique in this top 10 — while every other SS either drops deep to create (Creative Playmaker) or makes runs to finish (Hole Player/Goal Poacher), Raul does something subtler and arguably more valuable: he makes runs specifically to drag defenders out of position and create space for his teammates. Watch Raul during a match and you will see him constantly moving — pulling wide to drag a centre-back with him, checking deep to create a gap between the defensive and midfield lines, making decoy runs toward the near post so the far post is free for a teammate. The defenders have to follow him because his 95 Offensive Awareness and 93 finishing mean that if they do not, he will punish them. This is the Dummy Runner paradox — Raul creates space whether he gets the ball or not. When the ball does reach him, the finishing is clinical. Raul does not have the shooting power of Rooney or the technical finesse of Platini, but his positioning means he receives the ball in positions where clean finishing is all that is required — tap-ins, close-range headers, one-on-ones with the keeper. His 84 passing is the weakest of the top 5, so he is not the SS to orchestrate build-up play. But in a partnership with a creative CF or a dominant AMF who handles distribution duties, Raul is devastatingly effective. The 4-3-1-2 formation with a creative AMF behind Raul and a Goal Poacher CF is a combination that tears Division 1 defenses apart because every run Raul makes creates a question the defense cannot answer cleanly.
The space-creator. Raul does not need the ball to dominate — his movement alone dismantles defensive structures. Pair him with creative teammates.
Thierry Henry at SS is a different animal than Thierry Henry at LWF or CF. Deploying him as a Second Striker gives him the space to build up a head of steam before arriving in the box — and when Henry arrives at full speed with 94 pace and 94 finishing, there is almost nothing a defender can do. The Goal Poacher playstyle means Henry plays higher than a typical SS, constantly looking to get on the shoulder of the last defender and exploit through balls. This is not the subtle positional intelligence of a Hole Player — it is direct, aggressive, and absolutely lethal when your midfield can deliver accurate passes into channels. His speed is the difference-maker. At 94 pace, Henry is significantly faster than every other elite SS on this list. In transition moments where your team wins the ball in midfield and needs to attack before the opposition can reset, Henry is the player who turns those moments into goals. A single through ball from your AMF and Henry is gone — no centre-back in the game can recover once he has a yard of space. The 92 dribbling and 88 physical contact create a player who can carry the ball past defenders and stay on his feet doing it. His left foot is one of the most reliable finishing tools in eFootball — curling shots across goal into the far corner from the left channel is practically Henry's signature move. The weakness is creative involvement. At 85 passing, Henry is not going to orchestrate your attacks. He is the finisher, the runner, the player who converts chances rather than creating them. In formations where you need your SS to drop deep and distribute, Henry is wasted. But in systems where the AMF or CMF handles creation and the SS needs to attack space and score, Henry is the best in the game.
The speed demon SS. Devastating in counter-attacking systems where through balls behind the defense are your primary attacking weapon.
Dennis Bergkamp is the technical purist's Second Striker — the player you pick when you want every touch to be elegant, every pass to be weighted perfectly, and every first touch to kill the ball dead no matter how hard the delivery. His 96 dribbling is the highest of any SS in eFootball 2026, and it manifests not in flashy skill moves but in the quiet brilliance of close control. Bergkamp receives the ball with his back to goal and turns past a marker in one movement. He takes a long pass out of the air with a velvet first touch and lays it off before the defender can close. He dribbles through congested midfield areas not with speed but with subtlety — body feints, direction changes, and an uncanny ability to keep the ball in the space where no defender can reach it. His 94 passing combines with this close control to create a Second Striker who is essentially an elite AMF with finishing ability. Bergkamp sees passes that other players do not even consider — the reverse ball into the channel, the chipped pass over a sliding defender, the disguised through ball that looks like a shot until the last millisecond. In build-up play, he is priceless. But Bergkamp carries the same limitation as Totti: speed. At 80 pace, he cannot outrun any competent defender in a straight line. He needs teammates who can provide early service and opponents who give him a half-second of space. Against high-pressing opponents who close down quickly, Bergkamp can struggle. Against teams that sit deep and compact, he thrives — because his technical quality in tight spaces is how you unlock those defenses. The 90 finishing is lower than other SS options, but Bergkamp finishes with precision rather than power. Placed shots into corners, first-time finishes from the edge of the area, and the occasional acrobatic volley that reminds you he is a Legend card for a reason.
The artist. Bergkamp turns the SS position into a masterclass in technical football. Perfect for possession players who value quality over directness.
Cristiano Ronaldo at SS is a statement pick — you are telling your opponent that goals are coming and there is nothing they can do about it. His Goal Poacher playstyle pushes him high, constantly seeking the space behind the defensive line, and when the ball arrives, Ronaldo finishes with a ruthlessness that is unmatched in eFootball 2026. The 96 finishing is tied for the highest of any SS in the game, and Ronaldo combines it with physical stats that make him a complete goal-scoring machine. At 187cm with 93 physical contact, Ronaldo wins aerial duels against nearly every centre-back. Crosses from wide positions become dangerous weapons rather than hopeful deliveries. His heading accuracy is elite, and he generates power on his headers that goalkeepers cannot reach. On the ground, his 90 dribbling is good enough for quick turns and step-overs in the box, though he lacks the silky close control of Bergkamp or Totti. The weakness is clearly in his creative game. At 81 passing, Ronaldo is the worst distributor in this top 10. He is not dropping deep to orchestrate play — he is not Rooney or Platini. Ronaldo at SS is a pure goal scorer playing from a slightly deeper position than CF, using the extra space to generate momentum before arriving in the box. In a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond with a creative AMF and a CF partner to drag markers, Ronaldo at SS becomes a secondary scoring threat who generates 5-10 goals per online season from runs, headers, and powerful strikes. He does not create for others, but he converts everything that comes his way. If you already have elite creative midfielders and need pure finishing from your SS, Ronaldo is your player.
The goal machine. Ronaldo at SS sacrifices creativity for pure finishing power. Perfect when you already have creators elsewhere and need someone who buries chances.
Antoine Griezmann is the best SS option for players who do not have access to Legend cards. His Hole Player playstyle gives him the same intelligent movement pattern that makes Gullit, Rooney, and Platini so effective — drifting into gaps, arriving late in the box, reading the defensive structure to find space. At 102 max rating, Griezmann does not hit the statistical peaks of the players above him, but he is remarkably well-rounded. His 93 Offensive Awareness ensures good positioning. His 91 dribbling allows him to carry the ball through tight areas. His 88 passing is competent enough for combination play. His 89 finishing gets the job done in most one-on-one situations. Where Griezmann falls short is in the categories where top-tier SS players dominate. His 76 physical contact is the lowest in this top 10 by a significant margin — strong centre-backs can push him off the ball, and he loses most aerial duels. His 89 finishing is reliable but not clinical; you will miss chances with Griezmann that Ronaldo or Platini would convert with their eyes closed. His 86 speed is adequate but not threatening — he cannot outrun defenders the way Henry does. Despite these limitations, Griezmann is an excellent SS because his Hole Player movement compensates for his statistical shortcomings. Movement creates chances that raw stats cannot, and Griezmann makes the right runs consistently. He is the perfect SS for a team that is still building toward elite status — effective now, easy to upgrade later when a Legend card becomes available. In the 4-2-2-2 alongside a physically dominant SS partner like Ronaldo or Gullit, Griezmann provides the intelligent movement and link-up play that the bigger players sometimes lack.
The accessible Hole Player. Griezmann gives you 80% of what the S-tier Hole Players offer at a fraction of the cost. Best SS for non-Legend accounts.
Alessandro Del Piero rounds out this top 10 as a Creative Playmaker SS with a finishing edge that sets him apart from pure creators like Totti and Bergkamp. Del Piero's signature weapon is the curling shot — finesse shots from the edge of the box that bend around the goalkeeper and into the far corner with an arc that is genuinely beautiful to watch. No other SS in eFootball 2026 bends the ball quite like Del Piero. His placement on shots is exquisite, and when given a yard of space on the edge of the area, he is as dangerous as any player in the game. His Creative Playmaker playstyle positions him between the lines, involved in build-up play and combination passing. With 93 dribbling and 91 passing, Del Piero is a technically gifted link player who can hold the ball, find runners, and create chances with regularity. His 92 finishing is higher than Bergkamp's and ensures he converts the opportunities that his movement creates. He is a complete SS on paper. The issues are physical. At 78 physical contact and 82 speed, Del Piero is fragile and slow by the standards of this top 10. Against physically dominant centre-backs who close him down aggressively, he can be neutralized. Against high-pressing teams that rush him, his lack of pace becomes a liability. He needs space to operate, and elite Division 1 opponents do not give space willingly. Del Piero also lacks the standout attribute that defines the players above him — Gullit's physicality, Rooney's passing, Platini's awareness, Henry's speed. He is good at everything but elite at nothing except curling shots. For players who love finesse finishing and possession-based football, Del Piero is a rewarding SS to use. His free kick ability adds genuine set-piece value, and his Legend card status gives him access to unique skill combinations. He is a solid top 10 SS, but the gap between him and the S-tier is noticeable in competitive matches.
The finesse specialist. Del Piero is the curling shot king of the SS position. Great for players who create chances on the edge of the box.
Not every SS works in every system. Here is the optimal SS choice for the five most popular formations that use a Second Striker.
| Formation | Best SS | Playstyle Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow (Diamond) | Gullit / Rooney | Hole Player |
| 4-2-2-2 | Platini + Totti / Gullit + Rooney | Hole Player + Creative Playmaker |
| 4-3-1-2 | Henry / Raul | Goal Poacher / Dummy Runner |
| 3-4-1-2 | Bergkamp / Totti | Creative Playmaker |
| 4-2-1-3 | Ronaldo / Henry | Goal Poacher |
One of the most common questions in eFootball 2026 — should you use a Second Striker or a Centre Forward? The answer depends on your system.
Creativity & Link-Up Play
Direct Finishing & Hold-Up
In the current eFootball 2026 meta, the SS position is generally more valuable than CF in competitive play. The SS's ability to drop deep and create while also scoring gives your team more tactical flexibility. The best teams in Division 1 typically use a CF-SS partnership rather than a lone striker — the CF stretches the defensive line while the SS exploits the space behind. If you can only invest in one premium attacker, make it an SS. A Hole Player SS like Gullit or Rooney with a budget Goal Poacher CF is more effective than a premium CF with a budget SS. The SS is the player who dictates the tempo of your attack, and that is where you want your best card.
Side-by-side comparison of all 10 Second Strikers across the key stats that matter most at the SS position.
| # | Player | Tier | Max | OA | FIN | DRI | PAS | PHY | SPD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruud Gullit | S | 105 | 96 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 89 |
| 2 | Wayne Rooney | S | 104 | 95 | 95 | 89 | 93 | 92 | 86 |
| 3 | Michel Platini | S | 105 | 97 | 94 | 93 | 96 | 82 | 84 |
| 4 | Francesco Totti | A | 105 | 94 | 93 | 95 | 97 | 86 | 78 |
| 5 | Raul | A | 103 | 95 | 93 | 88 | 84 | 83 | 86 |
| 6 | Thierry Henry | A | 104 | 95 | 94 | 92 | 85 | 88 | 94 |
| 7 | Dennis Bergkamp | A | 103 | 93 | 90 | 96 | 94 | 82 | 80 |
| 8 | Cristiano Ronaldo | A | 104 | 96 | 96 | 90 | 81 | 93 | 87 |
| 9 | Antoine Griezmann | B | 102 | 93 | 89 | 91 | 88 | 76 | 86 |
| 10 | Alessandro Del Piero | B | 103 | 93 | 92 | 93 | 91 | 78 | 82 |
Training priorities, skill selection, and tactical tips for maximizing your Second Striker.
The #1 stat for SS. Determines run quality, positioning, and space-finding ability.
The SS must convert when the chance arrives. No exceptions.
Essential for receiving under pressure, turning, and carrying the ball in tight spaces.
Enables the quick one-twos and combination play that define elite SS play.
For Hole Players — needed to exploit the gaps your movement creates.
For Creative Playmakers — controls quality of first touch in build-up play.
Turns half-chances from 25 yards into screamers. Essential for Hole Players arriving at the edge of the box.
Ground shots that hug the turf and fly into corners. Incredibly hard for keepers to stop.
Critical for quick combination play. The SS receives and releases in one motion.
Enables killer balls to your CF partner. Essential for Creative Playmaker SS cards.
For late box arrivals — volleys and awkward-angle finishes from crosses.
If using the SS as a late-game impact substitute to change the match in the final 30 minutes.
Everything you need to know about the SS position in eFootball 2026.
The SS (Second Striker) in eFootball 2026 is a hybrid attacking position that sits between the AMF and CF. Unlike a traditional centre forward who stays on the last defender's shoulder, the SS drops deeper to receive the ball, links midfield to attack, and makes late runs into the box. It is widely considered the most versatile and meta-defining attacking position in the game because it combines finishing ability with creative playmaking. Players like Gullit, Rooney, and Platini thrive here because they have the stats to both create and score.
Hole Player is generally considered the best playstyle for an SS in eFootball 2026. Hole Players make intelligent runs into gaps between the defensive and midfield lines, arriving late in the box to finish chances. This movement pattern is extremely difficult for AI defenders to track. Creative Playmaker is the second-best option — it keeps the SS slightly deeper and more involved in build-up play, which suits possession-based formations. Dummy Runner is niche but effective for creating space for other attackers. Goal Poacher works well if you want your SS to play more like a second CF.
Yes, Ruud Gullit is widely regarded as the best SS in eFootball 2026. At max level 105, Gullit combines elite physical stats (height, strength, speed) with world-class passing, dribbling, and finishing. His Hole Player playstyle means he constantly makes intelligent runs into dangerous positions. What sets Gullit apart is his versatility — he can win aerial duels like a CF, distribute like an AMF, and defend like a CMF when needed. His unique combination of size, skill, and movement intelligence makes him the most complete SS in the game.
The best formations for an SS in eFootball 2026 are the 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow (Diamond), 4-2-2-2, 4-3-1-2, and 3-4-1-2. The 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond is the most popular choice because the SS operates perfectly behind a lone CF with an AMF supplying both. The 4-2-2-2 pairs two SS players together for a devastating partnership. The 4-3-1-2 gives the SS freedom to roam between the midfield three and the CF. Avoid formations without a natural SS slot — forcing an SS player into a CF or AMF position wastes their unique movement patterns.
It depends on your playstyle and formation. Use a CF if you play direct football with crosses, through balls, and quick attacks — CFs are better at holding up play on the last defensive line and finishing in the box. Use an SS if you prefer possession-based play, combination passing, and creating overloads in the final third. The SS drops deeper to receive the ball, creates more passing triangles, and makes late runs that are harder to defend than a CF's static positioning. Many top players in Division 1 use a CF-SS partnership (4-1-2-1-2 or 4-3-1-2) to get the best of both worlds.
When training an SS in eFootball 2026, prioritize Offensive Awareness, Finishing, Dribbling, and Low Pass in that order. Offensive Awareness is the single most important stat — it determines how well your SS reads the game and makes intelligent runs. Finishing ensures they convert the chances they create. Dribbling and Low Pass enable the link-up play that makes an SS effective. For Hole Player SS cards, also boost Speed and Acceleration so they can exploit the gaps they find. For Creative Playmaker SS cards, prioritize Lofted Pass and Ball Control instead for deeper involvement in build-up.
The essential skills for an SS in eFootball 2026 are: Rising Shots (turns half-chances into screamers from outside the box), Low Screamer (ground shots that are extremely hard for keepers to save), One Touch Pass (critical for quick combination play), Through Passing (enables killer balls to your CF partner), and Super Sub (if using the SS as a late-game impact substitute). For Legend cards like Rooney with Phenomenal Pass, these built-in skills provide an even larger advantage. Acrobatic Finishing is also valuable for SS players who make late box arrivals and receive crosses from unusual angles.
The Second Striker is the most important position in eFootball 2026 for a simple reason: it is the position that creates the most goal-scoring opportunities per match. A great CF needs service. A great AMF needs runners ahead of him. A great SS creates and finishes, making your attack self-sufficient in a way that no other position achieves.
Ruud Gullit sits at the top of this list because he combines everything you want from an SS — physical dominance, technical excellence, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing — into one card that has no real weakness. If you own Gullit, play him at SS. It is the position that extracts every ounce of his ability.
Rooney and Platini round out the S-tier because they each bring something unique. Rooney is the aggressive, all-action SS who creates through Phenomenal Passing and scores from anywhere. Platini is the cerebral, patient SS who reads the game better than any card and converts with surgical precision. Which one suits you depends on your playstyle — Rooney for pressing, aggressive football; Platini for patient, possession-based systems.
The A-tier players — Totti, Raul, Henry, Bergkamp, and Ronaldo — are all elite in specific contexts. Totti is the best pure creator. Raul is the best space-maker. Henry is the fastest and most direct. Bergkamp has the best technical ability. Ronaldo has the best raw finishing. None of them are wrong choices; the question is which one fits your formation and tactical approach.
If you are building your team from scratch, invest in your SS first. A maxed Hole Player SS with a budget CF will outperform a maxed CF with a budget SS in almost every formation. The SS is the engine of modern eFootball attacks — make sure yours is the best it can be.
The meta formations for eFootball 2026 — tier list, tactical settings, and in-depth breakdowns.
Complete meta guide to the best players in eFootball 2026 — every position ranked.
Advanced strategies, skill tutorials, and pre-match preparation to dominate online.
Every major eFootball tournament — qualification paths, prize pools, and competitive tactics.
