PES 2024: Dominate With The Best Long Ball Counter Formations

Hey guys! Are you ready to level up your PES 2024 game? Want to dominate your opponents with some slick, devastating counter-attacking football? Then you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the best formations for long ball counters in PES 2024. Forget tiki-taka; we're talking about launching those long, pinpoint passes and punishing your rivals on the break. Let's get started!

The Essence of Long Ball Counter in PES 2024

Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty of formations, let's nail down what the long ball counter is all about. In PES 2024, it's a style of play that prioritizes quick transitions from defense to attack. Think of it as a lightning-fast chess game. You win the ball, immediately look for the forward pass, and try to catch your opponent off guard before they can reorganize their defense. It's all about exploiting space, using speed, and making the most of those crucial moments when your opponent is vulnerable. This strategy revolves around several key elements. Firstly, you need a strong defensive structure that can quickly win back possession. This means having players who are good at tackling, intercepting passes, and reading the game. Secondly, you need midfielders who are capable of winning the ball, distributing it quickly, and initiating the counter-attack. They must have good passing skills and be able to pick out those long balls to your forwards. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you need forwards with pace, agility, and the ability to finish. They are the ones who will run onto those long balls and put the ball in the back of the net. To execute the long ball counter effectively, you need a good understanding of your players' strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ability to adapt your tactics based on the game situation. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can be incredibly satisfying when executed correctly. It’s all about creating chaos, exploiting gaps, and getting the ball to your speedy forwards as quickly as possible. The key to success is the ability to read the game, anticipate your opponent's moves, and make smart decisions under pressure. So, in short, it’s about winning the ball, launching it forward quickly, and having players ready to pounce on the opportunity.

Why Choose Long Ball Counter?

So, why bother with the long ball counter, you ask? Well, there are several reasons why this style of play can be super effective in PES 2024. First off, it’s a great way to catch your opponent off guard. If they’re expecting a slow, possession-based game, a sudden long ball can completely disrupt their defensive shape and create instant goal-scoring opportunities. It's the ultimate surprise tactic. It can also be very effective against teams that press high up the pitch. If your opponent is leaving space behind their defense, a well-placed long ball can exploit that weakness and allow your forwards to run onto goal. It’s a great way to bypass their pressing and get straight into attack. Additionally, the long ball counter can be a fantastic way to utilize players with specific strengths, such as speed and finishing ability. If you have quick forwards who are good at running onto through balls, this tactic is perfect for them. It allows them to showcase their skills and put their pace to good use. Moreover, it's also a great way to dictate the tempo of the game. By utilizing the long ball counter, you can control the pace of the match and force your opponent to play at your speed. This can be especially useful if you are trying to protect a lead or tire out your opponent.

Top Formations for Long Ball Counter in PES 2024

Alright, let's get into the good stuff: the formations. These are the ones that, in my experience, work best for setting up that devastating long ball counter. Keep in mind that player selection and tactics are also crucial, but these formations provide a solid foundation.

4-3-3: The Classic Approach

This is a classic for a reason, guys. The 4-3-3 offers a great balance between defense and attack, making it ideal for the long ball counter. The key is to have two fast wingers and a pacey striker who can run in behind the defense. The three central midfielders provide both defensive stability and the ability to win the ball and distribute it quickly. The wide forwards offer width and pace, stretching the defense and creating space for the striker. The full-backs are essential for providing support in both attack and defense. They offer an outlet for the long balls and help to maintain the defensive structure of the team. The defensive midfielder sits in front of the defense, shielding the back four and breaking up any opposition attacks. This player is crucial for winning back possession and launching counter-attacks. The two other midfielders are versatile and can contribute to both defense and attack. They support the forwards and provide additional options in midfield. This formation provides a solid defensive base, allows for quick transitions, and provides multiple attacking options. When your team wins possession, the defensive midfielder can quickly distribute the ball to the wingers or striker, who can then run at the defense. This creates instant goal-scoring opportunities. The full-backs can also be used as an outlet, providing width and delivering crosses into the box. This formation is all about attacking quickly and efficiently. Make sure your striker has good finishing ability, as they will be the primary target for the long balls. It's all about getting the ball to your fast forwards quickly and efficiently, using those wide areas to create space. With the right players and tactics, the 4-3-3 can be a very effective long ball counter formation.

Key Player Roles in 4-3-3:

• Wide Forwards: Pace and Finishing are key! Look for players who can run in behind and finish those chances. Think of players like Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior. Make sure they have a good crossing ability to deliver the ball to the striker when required. They should also possess good dribbling skills to beat defenders and create space for themselves and their teammates. The ability to cut inside and shoot is also an advantage, adding another dimension to their attacking threat. Good stamina is also essential, allowing them to make numerous runs throughout the match. Furthermore, it's also important for the wide forwards to have good defensive attributes to help out in tracking back and winning the ball when needed. In general, look for players who are versatile, adaptable, and able to perform both offensive and defensive duties.
• Central Midfielders: One should be a defensive midfielder, a ball-winner and passer. The other two need to be able to win the ball and distribute quickly. Players with good passing range and vision are invaluable. They must be able to anticipate the play, intercept passes, and make crucial tackles. The defensive midfielder acts as a shield for the defense, providing cover and support. They must also have excellent passing skills to quickly transition the ball to the attacking players. The other two midfielders must be versatile and contribute in both attack and defense. They should possess a good range of passing skills, vision, and the ability to move the ball quickly. Stamina is another key attribute, allowing them to cover large distances throughout the game. They should also be comfortable with tackling and intercepting passes, contributing to the defensive effort. The central midfielders must work as a team, maintaining the balance of the team while distributing the ball.
• Striker: Speed and finishing are crucial. A striker who can make intelligent runs in behind the defense and finish those long balls is essential. They should possess good stamina to maintain their pace and make continuous runs throughout the game. They should also have good heading ability for aerial duels. Good off-the-ball movement is a must, enabling them to find space and get into the best position to score. The striker should also have good dribbling skills to take on defenders and create chances for themselves or their teammates. In general, the striker should be a versatile player who can contribute in both attack and defense.

4-2-3-1: Solid Defense, Quick Attacks

This formation is a solid choice if you want to be extra cautious defensively while still hitting on the counter. The 4-2-3-1 formation is a perfect balance between defense and attack, making it ideal for the long ball counter strategy. The two defensive midfielders sit in front of the defense, shielding the back four and breaking up opposition attacks. They must be strong tacklers with good passing skills to initiate counter-attacks quickly. The three attacking midfielders provide support to the striker and offer attacking options. They should be versatile players capable of both scoring and creating chances. The full-backs provide width in attack and offer defensive support. They should be good crossers and offer an outlet for long balls. The striker should be a clinical finisher with good pace. The defensive midfielders provide extra protection in front of the defense, allowing the full-backs to push forward. When your team wins possession, the defensive midfielders can quickly distribute the ball to the attacking players, who can then run at the defense. This creates instant goal-scoring opportunities. The full-backs can also be used as an outlet, providing width and delivering crosses into the box. This formation allows you to play with a solid defensive structure while still providing multiple attacking options. This formation offers a slightly more defensive approach, providing a solid base to launch those counters. You’ll have a compact midfield two sitting in front of the defense, which provides excellent cover. This allows you to win the ball back and quickly transition to attack. Your attacking midfielder can also play behind the striker.

Key Player Roles in 4-2-3-1:

• Defensive Midfielders: Two defensive midfielders are crucial for protecting the backline and winning the ball. They must be strong tacklers with good passing skills to initiate quick counter-attacks. They act as a shield for the defense, providing cover and support. The defensive midfielders should be excellent tacklers, capable of winning the ball cleanly. They should also possess good passing skills to quickly transition the ball to the attacking players. Stamina is another key attribute, allowing them to cover large distances throughout the game. They must also be able to anticipate the play, intercept passes, and make crucial tackles. They should work as a team, maintaining the balance of the team while distributing the ball.
• Attacking Midfielders: These players need to be versatile, creative, and good passers. They should be able to score goals, provide assists, and create chances for the striker. The attacking midfielders should possess good dribbling skills, allowing them to beat defenders and create space. They should also have excellent passing skills, enabling them to link up with the striker and other attacking players. They should be able to run with the ball and make intelligent passes. They must be able to score goals and create chances for the striker. They must also work as a team, constantly moving and making themselves available for passes.
• Striker: Pace, finishing, and off-the-ball movement are essential for this role. The striker should be a clinical finisher with good pace and the ability to make intelligent runs in behind the defense. They must possess good finishing ability to convert chances into goals. The striker should be able to make intelligent runs in behind the defense. The striker should be able to move off the ball and get into the best positions. They should also have good dribbling skills to create chances for themselves or their teammates. The striker must also work as a team, constantly moving and making themselves available for passes.

4-4-2: Old School, Deadly Counters

If you love a classic approach, the 4-4-2 can be very effective, especially with the right player instructions. The two banks of four create a solid defensive structure, while the two strikers offer pace and finishing ability up front. This formation relies on a solid defensive setup with two banks of four to win the ball quickly and launch attacks. The two banks of four provide a solid defensive structure, while the two strikers offer pace and finishing ability up front. The two central midfielders provide both defensive stability and the ability to win the ball and distribute it quickly. The wide midfielders provide width and pace, stretching the defense and creating space for the strikers. The full-backs are essential for providing support in both attack and defense. They offer an outlet for the long balls and help to maintain the defensive structure of the team. The defensive midfielders shield the back four and break up any opposition attacks. The two strikers should be fast and have good finishing ability. The two strikers can work well together, with one being a target man and the other making runs in behind. You have the classic two-striker partnership. Your midfielders must work hard, covering ground and helping out defensively. The two strikers will be crucial for finishing off your chances.

Key Player Roles in 4-4-2:

• Strikers: Pace, finishing, and good positioning are key. Make sure to have one striker who can make runs in behind and another who can hold the ball up. The strikers should work well together, with one being a target man and the other making runs in behind. They should be clinical finishers with good pace and the ability to make intelligent runs. They must also have good heading ability for aerial duels. They should also have good dribbling skills to create chances for themselves or their teammates. The strikers should work as a team, constantly moving and making themselves available for passes.
• Midfielders: The wide midfielders must be quick, with good stamina to track back. The central midfielders need to be good passers and strong tacklers. The wide midfielders should be good crossers and offer an outlet for the long balls. The central midfielders provide both defensive stability and the ability to win the ball and distribute it quickly. They must have good passing skills and be able to pick out those long balls to your forwards. They should be able to anticipate the play, intercept passes, and make crucial tackles. The midfielders must work together, maintaining the balance of the team while distributing the ball.

Customizing Your Tactics

Okay, guys, it's not just about picking the right formation. You'll need to customize your tactics to really make the long ball counter shine. Here are some tips.

Attacking Instructions

• Counter-Target: Set this to