This post was last updated on April 1, 2020 at 12:02 am

The eFootball PES 2020 action has been very interesting this season, thanks to a new event mode named Matchday. This has really hyped up the gaming experience for the players and also thanks to the rewards that are being offered. With these new events lining up, so we can see more players trying to bring out the best of them, especially during the custom team matches. To form a better team, most try out different formations depending upon their preferred playstyle. So, in order to make things simpler, we have decided to list three best formations in PES for Possession PlayStyle of Football.

They may not necessarily be the best formation for your team, but on adapting to certain changes, they are effective for major player squads. So before checking out our picks on best formations in PES, if you haven’t checked out our other articles about PES, please give them a read.

What is Possession Game in PES in general?

Possession football is one of the common styles that managers adapt to, considering the style of opponent play and also depending upon the circumstances. It ensures the squad to hold on to the ball for maximum game time to ensure they get a greater number of chances to create.

This style involves a lot of short passing and pressing to retain possession, depending on the Manager’s instructions. Such examples in real life are Barcelona and Spain, while the former is famous for Tiki-Taka, a possession football adaptation involving lots of short passing and movement.

In PES, it is similar too, which involves short passing and mainly the ball revolves around your midfielders, which is the important aspect and helps you to create a good number of opportunities, because of which you can adapt a decent playstyle as well. Players look to retain possession and will exploit little spaces to start an attack.

The list of best formations in PES starting with the 4-2-3-1

One of the best formations in PES, the 4-3-2-1

Notable Managers with this formation: F. Terim, G. Henriques, D. Deschamps

This formation is similar to the traditional 4-3-3 with two mids operating at wide flanks as right/left mids, which makes it one of the best formations in PES for Possession Style of play. In this formation, you can have four defenders, 5 midfielders (with 1 attacking mid option along with two wide flanks which are convertible to CMFs) and one sole striker.

The squad buildup

This formation is good if you want to hold the ball with your midfield, with your AMF and two CMF/DMF making a triangle which would initiate Tiki-Taka if you want to. Even if your opponent has to start a quick attack, your midfield can drop back, as they sit back and do not come way too forward during your attack.

You can have a Box-To-Box/Orchestrator CMF or a Destroyer/Anchorman DMF. The defenders can be preferred to your wish, along with fullbacks. Most preferably, you can have offensive fullbacks who are having decent defensive skills. GK can be both offensive/defensive.

In the attacking area, you can use Roaming Flank/Creative Midfielder as your Left and Right mids. But do not both the players of the same playstyle. For CF, you can opt for a Goal Poacher/Target Man, both helpful even if you are interested to pass a through ball or even cross the ball in. As for the Attacking Midfielder, a Hole Player is the best fit.

Tips for 4-2-3-1

Try to have midfielders with good ball control and passing. They are important in holding the ball and start an attack. Avoid using wingbacks at flanks, try to keep someone with good pace and dribbling. Don’t try to press hard with your defenders, midfielders dropping back will provide you with more defensive options and will have difficulties for the opponent.

4-2-2-2 (4-4-2)

A 4-2-2-2 with wide mids more forward positioned

Notable Managers with this formation: T. Tuchel, M. Millessi

This formation is similar to the 4-4-2 which is named to be one of the old-school formations with two mids operating at wide flanks as right/left mids, similar to the previous formation. But here, there is an option of having two forwards upfront with no addition of an AMF. Also, you can have four defenders, 4 midfielders (two wide flanks which are convertible to CMFs and two CMF/DMF positions) with good width. This is also the best formation in PES for those who are leaking goals both Online/Offline.

The squad buildup

This formation is good if you want to hold the ball with your midfield, with convertible RMF/LMF. You can have a Box-To-Box/Orchestrator CMF with an Anchorman DMF. The defenders can be preferred to be having Build-Up playstyle, for wish you can have Destroyer along with fullbacks. Most preferably, you can have offensive fullbacks for more attacking width who are having decent defensive skills. GK can be both offensive/defensive.

In the attacking area, you can use Roaming Flank/Creative Midfielder as your Left and Right mids. But do not both the players of the same playstyle because it might not go great for the current setup. For CF, you can opt for a Goal Poacher/Target Man with having an option to have a SS, who will help you to drop bit deeper to collect the ball and then feed it to your striker. A Goal Poacher CF and Hole Player SS combo work wonderfully if suggestions are accepted from your side.

Tips for 4-4-2

Do not use slow wide midfielders, they slower your attack and does not make quick runs. Make use of quick through balls, even if you think they are not good in the current version, just wait for the perfect run from your forward and pass it. Don’t rush your defense or goalkeeper much, make them sit back but on certain high-press, try pushing one of your defenders forward for aggressive pressing, while taking the help of a midfielder.

3-2-4-1

3-2-4-1, another best formations in PES

Notable Managers with this formation: E. Vannarelli, Y. Semin

This formation offers great depth in midfield, which makes it one of the best formations in PES 2020, which is also surprisingly has a strong possession game feel in it, because of the unique formation it has and as you can mainly focus on the ball rolling in your midfield with quick through balls via your attacking mids to your striker. Not exactly a favorable tactic in football, but it works solid in the game and will be listed in one of the best formations in PES throughout.

The squad buildup

A strong 3 atb (at the back) with two defensive mids (preferably) sitting back would give you a rigid backline. Get good physical defenders with decent pace because it is necessary to null opponent counters. Avoid using two CMFs next to the defense backline, a DMF Orchestrator/Anchorman is a must. For the other position, opt for a Destroyer as he can bomb forward to join the attack.

Two wide flanks as RMF/LMF can be your quick creative mids, optional that you can even use full-wingbacks. They are an integral part, as sometimes they are directly involved in utilizing the opportunities created from the mid. Try running wide, to increase the width by great runs, also that you have the central mids for depth.

Two AMFs can be used here, which are a huge bonus to the most squad. Try keeping a Hole Player/Creative Midfielder for quick runs and creating chances. If with good finishing, he can take shots too. On the other side, get an AMF who would go for Long Shots if required, so a good Classic No 10 may come in handy. For the CF position, keep a Poacher/Fox in The Box with good finishing and ball control, as while the defense rushes to him, its good if can hold the ball well.

Tips for 3-2-4-1

Flanks should be quick and should have decent skills because it is important to dribble and cut in sometimes. Midfield with good passing and stamina. If you maintain a good lead, you can sub out your attacking mid(s) for a CMF for more defensive balance. Avoid slow/heavy flanks and mids. Tips followed, this will work as one of the best formations in PES 2020.

Please note: Formations are subject to change with the future updates. And as they happen, we will make sure to update the article.

Is there any formation that is missed out? Feel free to mention your best formations in PES in the comment section below! And to get more quality contents, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter.