Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Operation Sports
Operation Sports
Franklin Bellone Borges

The Best PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ For Each Position In EA FC 26, Ranked

Whether you like it or not, it is an undeniable fact that PlayStyles are more influential than ever in EA FC 26. After all, just like the right ones can make even mid-tier players perform a level above, an unbalanced selection can throw even once-thought meta favorites into a slump.

But which can be considered the best picks for each player? To help you invest in the right cards and build those sought-after evo beasts, here are the best PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ for each position in EA FC 26.

The Best GK PlayStyles, Ranked

Lucas Chevalier, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

Since being able to reach the edges of the goal is a must for any top-level keeper, Far Reach is widely considered to be the best PlayStyle (and premier PS+) for the position in FC 26. Thanks to its ability to mitigate the danger of low-driven shots or 1v1 breakouts, Footwork and Rush Out are then seen as the best alternatives and the ideal pair. Keep in mind that you should always aim for a keeper with as many goalkeeper PlayStyles as possible. Here’s all of them, ranked:

  • S+Tier (Best PS+): Far Reach
  • S-Tier: Footwork, Deflector, and Rush Out
  • A-Tier: Cross Claimer
  • B-Tier: Far Throw

The Best CB PlayStyles, Ranked

Virgil van Dijk, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

So they can stay on the top of their game and take back the pelota with no issue, I consider Anticipate and Intercept to be the best CB PlayStyles+ in FC 26. Bruiser, Block, and Jockey are also highlights, with the former being a necessity if you want to bully attackers off the ball and have a commanding player on the pitch. Even if not a meta choice, Pinged Pass can also help when looking to start up play with a high line.

  • S+Tier (Best PS+ Choices): Anticipate and Intercept
  • S-Tier: Bruiser, Jockey, and Block
  • A-Tier: Aerial Fortress and Slide Tackle
  • Situational: Pinged Pass

The Best LB/RB PlayStyles, Ranked

Nuno Mendes, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

In a universe filled with cutback specialists, Quick Step+ sets itself apart as the best PlayStyle for fullbacks/wingbacks. As you must also be able to easily overwhelm attackers, Bruiser is another highlight, followed by the always phenomenal duo of Anticipate and Jockey, made for countering through balls and stopping agile dribblers. For wingbacks, having Relentless can also be a huge differential. Just make sure your player has enough stamina to make it worth it.

  • S+Tier (Best PS+): Quick Step
  • S-Tier: Bruiser, Jockey, and Anticipate
  • A-Tier: Block and Relentless

The Best CM And CDM PlayStyles, Ranked

Declan Rice, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

No players in FC felt the PlayStyles advent like the midfielders, most of which are now considered fodder if lacking Tiki Taka, aka by far the best PS+ choice for the position. Among the CDMs, Intercept+ shines as the best option, while having Anticipate in any way is mandatory if looking to take control of the pitch and stop quick counter-attacks. When looking for a complete CM, make sure they also have Incisive Pass in their arsenal.

Best CM PlayStyles

  • S+Tier (Best PS+ choice): Tiki-Taka
  • S-Tier: Incisive Pass and Pinged Pass
  • A-Tier: Technical, Press Proven, Relentless, and Finesse Shot

Best CDM PlayStyles

  • S+Tier (Best PS+ choice): Intercept
  • S-Tier: Anticipate, Tiki Taka, and Press Proven
  • A-Tier: Bruiser, Relentless, and Block

The Best CAM PlayStyles, Ranked

Aitana Bonmatí, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

As a CAM unable to get the ball to their strikers/wingers should not take the pitch, Incisive Pass is by far the best PlayStyle for the position. The PS is then followed by Tiki Taka and Technical, both of which should always be part of an offensive midfielder’s toolkit via their unmatched utility. To further increase your ability to score from either one-two’s while at the edges of the box, Finesse Shot can also be a game-changer for the position.

  • S+Tier (Best PS+): Incisive Pass
  • S-Tier: Finesse Shot, Tiki Taka, and Technical
  • A-Tier: Pinged Pass, Press Proven, Gamechanger, and Low Driven Shot

The Best LW/RW PlayStyles, Ranked

Ronaldinho, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

So you can beat your markers through speed and get things done quickly when in 1v1’s, we consider Rapid and Technical to be the best LW/RW PlayStyles in EA FC 26, as well as the premier picks for the + slots. As Gold Rare Mbappe and TOTW Vini Junior show, Quick Step can also be a match made in heaven for the position. Many of the game’s best also have the meta shooting PlayStyles (Finesse and Low Driven) as their PS+, although I believe their regular versions offer more than enough when paired with a good enough player.

  • S+Tier (Best PS+ choices): Rapid and Technical
  • S-Tier: Quick Step, Finesse Shot, Low Driven Shot, and First Touch
  • A-Tier: Gamechanger and Trickster

The Best ST PlayStyles, Ranked

Claudia Pina, as seen in EA FC 26.
Image by Operation Sports

To no one’s surprise, Low Driven and Finesse Shot are head and shoulders the best PlayStyles (and ideal + picks) strikers in EA FC 26, no matter if you are looking for an Advanced Forward, Poacher, or a False 9. They are then followed by Technical and Rapid, which will give you all you need to leave defenders behind and look for spaces while R1/RB dribbling in the box.

Since being able to perform sure to deliver one-twos can be considered just as vital for False 9’s, I also consider having at least one passing PlayStyle to be mandatory for the position. Have you ever wondered how Gold Rare Claudia Pina can get the ball out that well while having only 83 PAS? Well, Tiki Taka is the answer.

  • S+Tier (Best PS+ choices): Finesse Shot and Low Driven Shot
  • S-Tier: Quick Step, Technical, Rapid, First Touch, and Tiki Taka
  • A-Tier: Inventive

Now that you know which PlayStyles are the best for all positions, make sure to also take a look at How To Unlock All Season 4 Silver Icons in One Day. If looking to save up, checking out the EA FC 26 TOTY release date might then be all you need.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.