eFootball 2026 Xabi Alonso Manager Guide: Best formations, instructions, and tactics

The latest update to eFootball 2026 introduces new managers and playing styles, with Xabi Alonso being the newest addition. He features a unique Link-Up playstyle called Breakthrough Pass A, and is already generating a lot of excitement among players.

After thoroughly testing different strategies and team setups, it’s evident that this manager needs a detailed guide to reach their full potential. Here’s a complete walkthrough on how to maximize the effectiveness of Xabi Alonso in eFootball 2026.

eFootball 2026 Xabi Alonso Manager Guide: Introduction

Xabi Alonso is now available in eFootball 2026 as a manager known for his balanced and attacking style. He was added in the January v5.2.2 update and excels in two different formations: Quick Counter and Out Wide. Both styles emphasize a strong midfield and skillful players.

Plus, he has a great combination of skills – Ball Control +1 and Finishing +1 – which really highlights what I said earlier: he’s designed for players who prioritize scoring. Now, let’s look at his passing ability, specifically the Breakthrough Pass A.

This tactical setup highlights how a creative midfielder, playing in the opponent’s half, connects with a striker focused on scoring goals. As soon as the midfielder receives the ball in the attacking third, the striker immediately starts looking for openings behind the defensive line.

Okay, so this new update has seriously changed the game for attacking. Passes, especially through balls and chips, are way more accurate now. Plus, my strikers are holding the ball better and actually finishing their chances consistently – it’s a huge improvement! Honestly, from playing it, this feels like the most offensively focused Link-Up they’ve released yet. It really encourages you to push forward and attack.

Best formations using Xabi Alonso in eFootball 2026

I’ve found two formations that really make Xabi Alonso’s tactics shine, whether I’m playing a fast-paced counter-attacking game or focusing on wide plays. They consistently give me the best results!

1) 4-2-1-3

This 4-3-3 setup seems like the perfect fit for Xabi, and it’s actually how I prefer to play. By telling your three forwards to stay wide, you spread out the opposing defense, creating more room for your most creative midfielder to work in the center of the field.

When your wingers spread out the opposing team’s defense, it often creates space for your centre forward. They can then run into that open area, giving you a chance to quickly create a scoring opportunity.

You have flexibility in choosing your midfield and defensive players – pick those you’re most comfortable with. I’ve found an Anchorman paired with a Box-to-Box midfielder works really well, and the classic combination of a Build Up player with a Destroyer is always solid.

2) 4-3-1-2

When executed properly, Quick Counter’s most effective setup highlights the power of Xabi’s Breakthrough Pass A. A combination of a Creative Striker and a Goal Poacher is particularly successful in this formation, with your Attacking Midfielder functioning as the primary attacker in the center.

You have a lot of flexibility with your midfield three, so choose the styles that best suit your game. I highly recommend using a defensive midfielder who stays deep – an ‘Anchor Man’ – alongside another energetic defensive midfielder and either a ‘Box-to-Box’ midfielder who covers a lot of ground, or a ‘Hole Player’ who looks for space and creates chances.

Because Xabi Alonso likes players to move the ball forward quickly, positioning your full-backs (LB/RB) higher up the field can create more opportunities to cross the ball and pull the opposing defense apart. This, in turn, opens up space in the middle for your two forwards. To make sure your defense doesn’t get caught out of position, tell your full-backs to ‘Stay Back’.

Player Recommendations and Key Stats

Centrepiece (Creative Playmaker/AMF)

For the central playmaker position, you need a highly skilled player who can handle the ball even when closely marked and deliver precise passes. Excellent ball control is essential, and it would be fantastic if they had stats of 90 or higher in both short and long passing – fortunately, many top attacking midfielders already possess these qualities.

With so many powerful “Show Time” and “Epic” cards appearing, it’s also a good idea to find a player with both “Phenomenal Pass” and “Visionary Pass” – they’re both really useful.

Recommended Skills: Through Passing, Weighted Pass, One Touch Pass

Key Man (Goal Poacher/CF)

The most important player in Xabi Alonso’s system is the striker, who often makes game-deciding runs. This player excels at getting behind defenders and needs to be perfectly timed. To ensure quick reactions to passes and build-up play, their Offensive Awareness should be set very high – ideally above 90.

Okay, so if you want this player to really succeed, finishing has to be 90 or higher – seriously, no compromises there. Speed and Acceleration need to be in the 80s or 90s too, because once he gets going, defenders just can’t keep up with him. And don’t forget Balance! He’s often going to be trying to make plays while a defender is right on his back, trying to get a recovery tackle in, so staying upright is key.

As I said before, using an AMF with good passing ability is very effective, especially when paired with a Goal Poacher who has excellent finishing skills. Luckily, there are many free cards that can fill these roles, like Epic El-Hadji Diouf.

Recommended Skills: First Time Shot, Long Range Shooting, Long Range Curler

2026-01-14 21:13