This is how you Defend Like a Pro in FC25

It has been over two months since EA FC 25 was released, yet many players are still struggling with defending. Defense is just as important as attack; as the saying goes, 'Attack wins you games, but defense wins you titles.' By defending effectively, you can win more matches, concede fewer goals, and earn better rewards by climbing higher divisions.

As a pro player, I believe that a strong defense is key to achieving success in the game. Having the right balance between the two is the key to success. Last year, my solid defense was one of the main reasons I finished second in the competition. In this guide, I’ll share tips to help you improve your defending skills, improve your gameplay, and gain more wins EA FC 25.

9. Using the Jockey Button

The jockey button is one of the most effective tools for defending in EA FC 25. Pressing the jockey button allows your defender to position themselves more effectively against the attacker, making it easier to intercept the ball.

For beginners, I recommend using the jockey movement not only to improve defensive positioning but also to delay the attacker. Avoid rushing into challenges—take your time to control the space and force your opponent into making a mistake. Once you've delayed them and closed the gap, advance with your defender and press X (PS5) / A (XBOX) to challenge the attacker. This approach minimizes the risk of committing reckless tackles.

For advanced players, you can use the same approach of delaying the attacker, but there’s also a more aggressive and effective way to do it. While jockeying, you can rush your defender to pressure the attacker, giving them less time and space to react, especially if you're looking to capitalize on counter-attacks.

In some scenarios, such as a sprint duel, you should avoid using the jockey button. Instead, sprint with R2 to stay close to the attacker, and when preparing to intercept a pass, switch to L2 for more precise control over your player. This allows you to better time your movement and intercept the next move of your opponent.

Image Credits: Ea Sports

8. Best Team Selection

When selecting players for your team such as Centre Backs, prioritize those with high pace ratings, effective play styles, height, strong defensive stats, and good physicality. These attributes are crucial for building a solid defense and delivering your game plan effectively.

Additionally, players like Virgil Van Dijk and William Saliba, similar to FC24, not only have these qualities but they also have high heading and tackling attributes, making them valid options for your backline.

When selecting full-backs, prioritize attributes like high pace and strong tackling. Speed is also crucial, as it allows players to excel both in attack and defense, giving them a good chance of winning duels against opponents.

Additionally, having a reliable Central Defensive Midfielder is vital. A good CDM not only shields the defense but also intercepts passes intended for the opposition’s attackers, providing an extra layer of security for your backline.

7. Best Formation Selection

For beginners, especially those struggling with defending, I recommend using the 5-2-2-1 formation. It’s a defensively targeted setup that provides for a compact defensive line, with the center-backs forming a solid line across the back.

Additionally, if a center-back moves out of position, a defensive midfielder can step in to cover the space until the center-back recovers, ensuring there are no spaces in the back line.

For advanced players, I recommend using the 4-4-2 formation, as it provides the stability you need if you're able to defend well. The full-backs should be given specific instructions such as one fullback should always stay back, while the other can advance when there is space in the attack.

The same instructions apply to the midfielders as this setup allows players to work together, providing cover for each other and making your defense more effective with all the midfielders involved.

6. How to Use the Tackling Button

This tip on tackling applies to both beginners and advanced players. Timing is crucial when it comes to tackling. Use the tackle button when necessary—Circle (PS5)/ B (Xbox) for standard tackles, and Square (PS5)/ X (Xbox) for sliding tackles.

The key is to time your tackle when you feel the urgency to do it, especially in one-on-one situations. Aim to tackle when you're confident you can win the ball, such as when your opponent's touch is heavy or they're moving in a predictable direction. Be cautious, as mistimed tackles can result in a red card and potentially cost you the game.

Image Credits: EA Sports

5. Defending One-On-One Situations

This advice applies to both beginners and advanced players. In one-on-one situations, patience is key. Resist the urge to make reckless tackles. Instead, use the jockey movement to read your opponent’s actions and wait for the right moment to intercept or tackle. For faster attackers, maintain a slight distance to better react to potential sprints or skill moves.

Maintaining distance gives you more time to think and increases your chances of reading the attacker’s movement, allowing you to avoid any rush decisions like mistimed tackles.

4. Second Man Press

For beginners, I wouldn’t fully recommend using this tool just yet. It’s more suitable for advanced players who have a solid understanding of how to use it effectively. For beginners, the second-man press can leave too many gaps in your defense, potentially leading to conceding goals. However, for advanced players, the second-man press is a great way to apply extra pressure.

By holding R1 (PS5) or RT (Xbox), you can call a teammate to help close down the player with the ball, increasing pressure on your opponent. This tactic works particularly well when combined with jockeying, as it forces opponents to make quicker decisions, often resulting in mistakes. When your opponent is near your box, it may be tempting to use this tactic, but it's better not to, as it can pull players out of position and leave dangerous gaps in your defense.

3. Player Switching

Player switching is an essential skill for maintaining a solid defensive structure, and there are three main ways to perform it effectively. For beginners, I recommend using L1 (PS5) or LT (Xbox), as it’s faster and easier to understand initially, even though it may not always select the player you intended to select. Another option is switching with the right stick, but for beginners, this method can be a bit tricky to master at first. Using the R1 switching allows for better control over your defense and enables you to switch players quickly when needed.

For advanced players, I suggest mastering the Right Stick as it helps you gain control of the most suitable defender. This method allows for precise selections, enabling you to close gaps, intercept passes, and challenge attackers with a better accuracy. Quick player switching is essential, as being a little bit late can make it easier for opponents to score. Avoid relying only on auto-switching, as it can cause positioning errors and is generally less effective.

Player switching in EA FC 25 includes two key methods, such as Player Relative and Ball Relative. Player Relative allows you to switch to a specific player, making it ideal for tracking potential runs or intercepting long passes over the top. On the other hand, Ball Relative switches to the player closest to the ball, making it easier to close gaps quickly but slightly more challenging to stop low through passes or lobbed balls. When using the Player Relative method, be careful as the switch might not always select your desired player, potentially leaving gaps in your defense. Ball Relative offers a safer, faster way to react, but the choice between the two depends on your play style. I recommend using the method you're most comfortable with, and if one approach isn't working as you prefer, you can always switch to the other.

2. Defending Passing Lanes

Defending passing lanes is a useful skill for both beginner and advanced players, similar to how it was used in FC24. It’s often an underrated skill in EAFC 25, but cutting off passing lanes is crucial. Instead of rushing directly to the ball, focus on positioning your defender where you think the pass is going be made. By manually blocking potential passes, you can effectively stop the opponent’s attack.

This forces your opponent to make riskier plays, increasing your chances of intercepting the ball. Use L1 (PS5) or LT (Xbox) to switch to players tactically positioned to block passes. In EA FC 25, long balls over the top can be very dangerous. To stop these, switch to the defender closest to the player receiving the long ball, and focus on following the attacker rather than applying pressure on the ball.

1. The Importance of L2 + R2 Buttons

Combining L2 (LT) with R2 (RT) allows you to jockey while sprinting, giving you greater control over your defender's movements. This is especially useful for intercepting potential passes and is much more effective than using R2 or L1 separately.

Conclusion

As a pro FIFA/EA FC player, all the skills mentioned above are crucial to my gameplay. These techniques work together to create a solid defensive strategy. From jockey defending to cutting off passing lanes, each skill plays an important role in achieving strong defense. If you're looking to improve your defending, these tips are the way forward. From a personal perspective, applying these skills has instantly improved my defense, helped me concede fewer goals, and winning more matches.

I hope that these tips will help you improve your gameplay instantly and help you climb into higher divisions. Keep following GameChampions for the latest updates and more exciting content.