TIER LIST & GUIDE — OCTOBER 2026

Top 10 Best SS (Second Strikers)
in eFootball 2026

The definitive ranking of every elite Second Striker in eFootball 2026 — from Gullit's physical dominance to Platini's surgical intelligence. Hole Player vs Dummy Runner vs Creative Playmaker breakdown, formation guides, and exactly how each SS plays in competitive matches. Master the most meta position in eFootball.

Updated October 2026
22 min read
By eFootball Market Experts
5,200+ words
10
Players Ranked
3
S-Tier Players
4
Playstyles Covered
5
Best Formations

Why the SS Position Defines the eFootball 2026 Meta

In eFootball 2026, the Second Striker is not just another attacking position — it is the single most impactful slot on the pitch. The difference between an average team and a Division 1 contender often comes down to what happens in the space between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines. That is the SS territory, and the player you put there determines whether your attack is predictable or unstoppable.

The SS position exists in a unique tactical sweet spot. Unlike a CF who is anchored to the last defensive line, the SS has freedom to drop deep, drift wide, and choose when to attack the box. Unlike an AMF who operates primarily as a creator, the SS is expected to finish chances and contribute goals. This dual role — part creator, part scorer — makes the SS the most demanding position to fill but also the most rewarding when you get it right.

Playing style matters a lot at SS. A card's playing style is fixed and decides how the AI moves it off the ball: Hole Players make runs into the gaps between the lines, Creative Playmakers drop in to link play, Dummy Runners make decoy runs that pull markers away, and Goal Poachers stay on the last defender's shoulder. Picking the style that fits your formation is as important as picking the highest rating.

This guide ranks the 10 best SS players in eFootball 2026 based on the card data in the March 2026 game update (each player's best card at SS, max-level stats) and our own judgement of how stats, playstyle, and formation fit work together. The ranking is our opinion; the numbers are from the game data. We cover every relevant playstyle, explain which formations maximize each SS, and provide the tactical context you need to build your team around this position.

SS Playstyle Breakdown: Hole Player vs Dummy Runner vs Creative Playmaker vs Goal Poacher

Understanding how each playstyle behaves at the SS position is critical to picking the right player for your system.

Hole Player

The most meta SS playstyle. Hole Players make intelligent runs into gaps between the defensive and midfield lines, arriving late in the box to receive and finish. Their movement is difficult for AI defenders to track because they start from deep and accelerate into space.

Best For

Players who want their SS to both create and finish. Best in formations with a dedicated CF partner.

Top Picks

GullitRooneyPlatiniGriezmann
Creative Playmaker

The SS playstyle for possession-based teams. Creative Playmakers sit between the lines and demand the ball to feet. They drop deeper than Hole Players and are more involved in build-up, acting as the creative hub of the attack.

Best For

Players who dominate through ball retention and patient build-up. Best in formations needing a link between midfield and attack.

Top Picks

TottiZola
Dummy Runner

The selfless SS playstyle. Dummy Runners make decoy runs to drag defenders out of position, creating space for teammates. They are less involved in possession but their off-the-ball movement disrupts defensive structures.

Best For

Teams with a dominant CF or creative AMF who needs space to operate. The SS creates gaps others exploit.

Top Picks

Raul
Goal Poacher

The most aggressive SS playstyle. Goal Poachers play high and look to get behind the defensive line, essentially functioning as a second CF. They prioritize goal-scoring runs over creative involvement.

Best For

Counter-attacking teams that need a secondary scoring threat. Best when paired with a creative AMF or deep-lying playmaker.

Top Picks

Del PieroRonaldo

Playstyle Tip

Playstyle matters more than raw stats at the SS position. A slightly lower-rated Hole Player can be more useful than a higher-rated card whose playstyle does not suit your system, because the movement patterns are what create goal-scoring opportunities. Always prioritize playstyle compatibility over overall rating when choosing your SS.

The Top 10 Second Strikers in eFootball 2026

Every player ranked and analyzed. Ratings and stats are each player's best card at SS at max level (March 2026 game data).

#1

Ruud Gullit

Hole PlayerLegend
Max Rating
105
81
OFF AWR
82
FIN
89
DRI
86
PASS
81
PHY
88
SPD

Key Strengths

190cm frame with Bullet Header — a real aerial threat from the SS slot
Low Screamer special skill for driven shots from the edge of the box
Hole Player movement creates constant overloads in the final third
Card is registered at AMF, so he also plays there with no penalty

In-Depth Analysis

In our view Gullit is the most complete SS option in eFootball 2026. His best card is a Hole Player that reaches 105 at SS, registered at AMF, with the Bullet Header and Low Screamer special skills. His 190cm frame gives him a physical presence few SS options can match, letting him hold off defenders and win headers from crosses that would sail over smaller players. What makes Gullit special is that physicality combined with good technical stats: 86 Low Pass to play the final ball, 89 dribbling to carry it through traffic and 88 speed to break into space. His 81 Offensive Awareness and 82 Finishing are lower than you might expect, so his value comes from the whole package rather than one standout number. The Hole Player playstyle is the cherry on top — Gullit drifts into pockets of space between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines, arriving late in the box at exactly the moment defenders lose track of him. In a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond formation, Gullit at SS behind a pure Goal Poacher CF is the most devastating offensive pairing in the game. He drops deep to collect the ball, plays a quick one-two, and then surges forward into the space he just vacated. Defenders cannot follow him without leaving gaps for the CF. It is chess, not checkers — and Gullit is the queen on the board.

S-Tier

The undisputed king of SS. If you have Gullit, play him here. No other position utilizes his complete skill set this effectively.

#2

Wayne Rooney

Hole PlayerLegend
Max Rating
104
89
OFF AWR
84
FIN
92
DRI
78
PASS
75
PHY
84
SPD

Key Strengths

Phenomenal Finishing and Phenomenal Pass on the same card
Registered at SS, so he plays the position natively at 104
Drops deep naturally and links play like a midfielder
92 dribbling lets him turn and shoot in tight spaces

In-Depth Analysis

Wayne Rooney is the complete football package condensed into one SS card. His best SS card is a Hole Player registered at SS that reaches 104, and it carries two special skills: Phenomenal Finishing and Phenomenal Pass. That pairing of finishing and passing is what separates him from most other Second Strikers. The Phenomenal Pass skill is not just a stat-sheet curiosity; it changes how your team plays. Every time Rooney receives the ball in a pocket of space, he has the vision and execution to play a through ball that splits the entire defensive line. Your CF partner becomes twice as dangerous because Rooney sees passes that other SS players simply cannot attempt. But Rooney is not just a playmaker wearing a number 10 shirt. His 84 finishing is backed by Phenomenal Finishing, and his 89 Offensive Awareness puts him in shooting positions again and again. The Hole Player playstyle drives his movement, pulling him into the channels between centre-backs where he can receive, turn, and shoot in a single fluid motion. His 75 physical contact is his weak point: strong centre-backs can knock him off the ball, so play him into space rather than into a crowd. Where Gullit overwhelms with physical dominance, Rooney overwhelms with relentless intelligent movement and an unstoppable shot from anywhere inside 30 yards.

S-Tier

The SS who does everything — creates, scores, and never stops moving. A genuine tier 1 card that elevates every formation he plays in.

#3

Michel Platini

Hole PlayerLegend
Max Rating
106
80
OFF AWR
85
FIN
96
DRI
88
PASS
68
PHY
85
SPD

Key Strengths

Highest max SS rating on this list at 106
Phenomenal Pass special skill for defence-splitting balls
96 dribbling — the best close control of any SS here
Waits for space rather than forcing runs

In-Depth Analysis

Michel Platini plays the SS position differently from Gullit and Rooney, and understanding that difference is key to getting the most from him. Where Gullit charges through gaps with physical dominance and Rooney surges forward with aggressive energy, Platini waits. He is the patient predator of the SS position — the player who reads the defensive structure, identifies the gap that is about to open, and arrives in it at precisely the right moment. His best card is a Hole Player that reaches 106 at SS, the highest on this list. He drifts away from markers, positions himself in the half-space between centre-back and full-back, and receives the ball already facing goal. His 96 dribbling gives him the best close control of any SS here, and 85 finishing is enough to punish space on the edge of the box. The Phenomenal Pass skill and 88 Low Pass mean he is equally effective as a creator. In matches where the opposition parks the bus, Platini drops into the AMF space and orchestrates attacks with the composure of a conductor. He does not have the physicality of Gullit (68 physical contact means strong CBs will bully him) and his 80 Offensive Awareness is modest, so you have to play the ball to him rather than wait for his runs. Platini does not need to beat defenders with strength — he beats them by being in the right place before they realize what is happening.

S-Tier

The highest-rated SS card here. Low physicality is his main weakness, but his dribbling and passing more than compensate.

#4

Francesco Totti

Creative PlaymakerLegend
Max Rating
105
84
OFF AWR
85
FIN
94
DRI
86
PASS
76
PHY
84
SPD

Key Strengths

Phenomenal Finishing special skill on his Creative Playmaker card
Dribbling at 94 allows him to hold the ball and wait for runners
Creative Playmaker keeps him involved in every build-up phase
A second Deep-Lying Forward card (also 105) carries Phenomenal Pass

In-Depth Analysis

Francesco Totti is the SS for players who want their Second Striker to be the creative heartbeat of the team rather than a secondary goal threat. His Creative Playmaker playstyle fundamentally changes how the SS position operates — instead of making runs beyond the CF like a Hole Player, Totti positions himself between the lines and demands the ball to feet. He is the link player, the wall-pass partner, the man who receives under pressure and plays the killer ball to unlock the defense. His 86 Low Pass is solid rather than elite, but his positioning between the lines means he is always available for the next pass. His 94 dribbling means he can hold the ball under pressure, shield it from charging defenders, and wait for the right passing lane to open. His 84 speed is fine but not a weapon, so he beats players with intelligence and technique. The 85 finishing, backed by Phenomenal Finishing, ensures Totti is not just a creator. When the chance falls to him, he converts with cold efficiency — curling shots into far corners, placed finishes into the side netting, and the occasional thunderbolt when given space on the edge of the box. The tradeoff is work rate. Creative Playmakers do not track back much, and Totti will not win many physical battles with 76 physical contact. You need to build your team around him, providing runners on either side who can exploit the space his passing creates. In a 4-2-2-2 where both SS players need to contribute creatively, Totti is ideal. In a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond where the SS needs to make runs, he is less effective than a Hole Player.

A-Tier

The ultimate playmaking SS. Devastatingly effective in possession-based systems where creativity matters more than pace.

#5

Raul

Dummy RunnerLegend
Max Rating
105
95
OFF AWR
87
FIN
86
DRI
79
PASS
74
PHY
88
SPD

Key Strengths

Dummy Runner playstyle creates space for CF and midfield runners
Blitz Curler special skill for curled shots from the edge of the box
88 speed lets him attack the space he helps create
95 Offensive Awareness — the highest of any SS on this list

In-Depth Analysis

Raul is the SS for players who understand that the most dangerous thing an attacker can do is move without the ball. His Dummy Runner playstyle makes him unique in this top 10 — while every other SS either drops deep to create (Creative Playmaker) or makes runs to finish (Hole Player/Goal Poacher), Raul does something subtler and arguably more valuable: he makes runs specifically to drag defenders out of position and create space for his teammates. Watch Raul during a match and you will see him constantly moving — pulling wide to drag a centre-back with him, checking deep to create a gap between the defensive and midfield lines, making decoy runs toward the near post so the far post is free for a teammate. The defenders have to follow him because his 95 Offensive Awareness and 87 finishing mean that if they do not, he will punish them. This is the Dummy Runner paradox — Raul creates space whether he gets the ball or not. When the ball does reach him, the finishing is clinical. Raul does not have the shooting power of Rooney or the technical finesse of Platini, but his positioning means he receives the ball in positions where clean finishing is all that is required — tap-ins, close-range headers, one-on-ones with the keeper. His 79 Low Pass is the weakest of the top 5, so he is not the SS to orchestrate build-up play. But in a partnership with a creative CF or a dominant AMF who handles distribution duties, Raul is devastatingly effective. The 4-3-1-2 formation with a creative AMF behind Raul and a Goal Poacher CF is a combination that works well in our experience because every run Raul makes creates a question the defense cannot answer cleanly.

A-Tier

The space-creator. Raul does not need the ball to dominate — his movement alone dismantles defensive structures. Pair him with creative teammates.

#6

Gianfranco Zola

Creative PlaymakerLegend
Max Rating
104
83
OFF AWR
83
FIN
95
DRI
83
PASS
68
PHY
87
SPD

Key Strengths

Momentum Dribbling + Blitz Curler special skills
95 dribbling and a 168cm frame make him slippery in tight spaces
Registered at SS, so he plays the position natively
96 Place Kicking and 94 Curl make him a free-kick threat

In-Depth Analysis

Gianfranco Zola is the small, tricky SS for players who like to dribble. His best card is a Creative Playmaker registered at SS that reaches 104, with the Momentum Dribbling and Blitz Curler special skills. At 168cm with 95 dribbling, he turns quickly in crowded areas and drags defenders towards him, which opens passing lanes for your CF and wingers. Blitz Curler suits him perfectly: cut inside on the edge of the box and curl it towards the far post. His 87 speed is good enough to carry the ball forward in transition, and his 83 Low Pass is adequate for one-twos and simple through balls. Off the ball, the Creative Playmaker style keeps him between the lines rather than running in behind, so he wants the ball to feet. The weakness is physical. At 68 physical contact and 168cm, he loses shoulder-to-shoulder battles and will not win headers, so do not use him as a target. His 83 finishing and 83 Offensive Awareness are solid rather than elite. Where Zola adds extra value is set pieces: 96 Place Kicking and 94 Curl make him one of the better free-kick takers you can put in the SS slot.

A-Tier

The dribbling specialist. Zola is at his best receiving between the lines, beating a man and curling a shot or slipping a pass.

#7

Dennis Bergkamp

Deep-Lying ForwardLegend
Max Rating
105
90
OFF AWR
91
FIN
79
DRI
85
PASS
77
PHY
78
SPD

Key Strengths

91 finishing — among the best of any SS on this list
Blitz Curler special skill for curled finishes
Deep-Lying Forward drops in to link play, then arrives in the box
85 Low Pass makes him a reliable link player

In-Depth Analysis

Dennis Bergkamp is the technical purist's Second Striker — the player you pick when you want a forward who links play and finishes calmly. His best card is a Deep-Lying Forward that reaches 105 at SS, with the Blitz Curler special skill. The Deep-Lying Forward style means he drops towards midfield to receive the ball, lays it off, and then moves forward again, which pulls a centre-back out of the line and opens space for your other attackers. His 85 Low Pass is good enough for quick one-twos and simple through balls, and his 90 Offensive Awareness keeps him in sensible positions. The real strength of this card is finishing: 91 Finishing is among the best of any SS on this list, and Blitz Curler gives him a reliable curled shot from the edge of the area. Bergkamp's limitation is mobility. At 78 speed he cannot outrun a competent defender in a straight line, and 79 dribbling means he is not the player to run at a back line. He needs teammates who can provide early service and give him half a second of space. Against teams that sit deep and compact, his link play and finishing are how you unlock those defenses.

A-Tier

The link-up finisher. Bergkamp drops in, connects play and finishes calmly. Best for possession players who value quality over directness.

#8

Cristiano Ronaldo

Goal Poacher
Max Rating
100
95
OFF AWR
88
FIN
79
DRI
69
PASS
71
PHY
78
SPD

Key Strengths

95 Offensive Awareness — constantly on the last defender's shoulder
187cm frame makes him a target for crosses
Goal Poacher runs give your midfield a clear through-ball target
Another of his cards carries Phenomenal Finishing

In-Depth Analysis

Cristiano Ronaldo at SS is a statement pick — you are telling your opponent that goals are coming. His best SS card is a Goal Poacher that reaches 100, lower than the Legends above him. The Goal Poacher playstyle pushes him high, constantly seeking the space behind the defensive line, and his 95 Offensive Awareness means he times those runs well. His 88 finishing is good rather than elite, and at 187cm he is a genuine target for crosses from wide positions. If you prefer a sharper finisher, another of his cards carries Phenomenal Finishing with 91 Offensive Awareness and 81 physical contact. On the ground, his 79 dribbling is enough for simple turns in the box, though he lacks the close control of Platini or Zola. The weakness is clearly in his creative game. At 69 Low Pass, Ronaldo is the worst distributor in this top 10. He is not dropping deep to orchestrate play — he is not Rooney or Platini. Ronaldo at SS is a pure goal scorer playing from a slightly deeper position than CF, using the extra space to generate momentum before arriving in the box. In a 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond with a creative AMF and a CF partner to drag markers, Ronaldo at SS becomes a secondary scoring threat from runs, headers, and powerful strikes. He does not create for others; his job is to finish. If you already have elite creative midfielders and need pure finishing from your SS, Ronaldo is your player.

A-Tier

The goal hunter. Ronaldo at SS sacrifices creativity for movement and finishing. Perfect when you already have creators elsewhere and need someone who buries chances.

#9

Antoine Griezmann

Hole Player
Max Rating
103
84
OFF AWR
86
FIN
90
DRI
81
PASS
60
PHY
82
SPD

Key Strengths

Hole Player playstyle, registered at SS
Well-rounded attacking stats — 90 dribbling, 86 finishing
Smart positioning makes him effective in any formation with an SS slot
A non-Legend option for accounts without the cards above

In-Depth Analysis

Antoine Griezmann is a good SS option for players who do not have the Legend cards above. His best card is a Hole Player registered at SS that reaches 103, so he has the same movement pattern that makes Gullit, Rooney, and Platini effective — drifting into gaps, arriving late in the box, reading the defensive structure to find space. Griezmann does not hit the statistical peaks of the players above him, but he is well-rounded. His 84 Offensive Awareness ensures good positioning. His 90 dribbling allows him to carry the ball through tight areas. His 81 Low Pass is competent enough for combination play. His 86 finishing gets the job done in most one-on-one situations. Where Griezmann falls short is physicality. His 60 physical contact is the lowest in this top 10 by a significant margin — strong centre-backs can push him off the ball, and he loses most aerial duels. His 82 speed is adequate but not threatening. Despite these limitations, Griezmann is an excellent SS because his Hole Player movement compensates for his statistical shortcomings. Movement creates chances that raw stats cannot, and Griezmann makes the right runs consistently. He is the perfect SS for a team that is still building toward elite status — effective now, easy to upgrade later when a Legend card becomes available. In the 4-2-2-2 alongside a physically dominant SS partner like Ronaldo or Gullit, Griezmann provides the intelligent movement and link-up play that the bigger players sometimes lack.

B-Tier

The accessible Hole Player. Griezmann gives you the same movement as the S-tier Hole Players with lower peak stats. A strong SS for non-Legend accounts.

#10

Alessandro Del Piero

Goal PoacherLegend
Max Rating
105
93
OFF AWR
91
FIN
85
DRI
72
PASS
70
PHY
88
SPD

Key Strengths

Blitz Curler special skill — curled shots from the edge of the box
Momentum Dribbling special skill for quick changes of direction
93 Offensive Awareness and 91 finishing make him a real goal threat
88 speed to attack space behind the line

In-Depth Analysis

Alessandro Del Piero rounds out this top 10 as a Goal Poacher SS. His best card reaches 105 at SS and carries the Blitz Curler and Momentum Dribbling special skills. His signature weapon is the curling shot — cut in from the left half-space and bend it towards the far corner. With 93 Offensive Awareness and 91 finishing, he is one of the most dangerous finishers on this list, and 88 speed lets him get in behind when your midfield plays the ball over the top. The Goal Poacher style keeps him high rather than between the lines, so treat him as a second goal threat rather than a creator. His 72 Low Pass is the second-lowest in this top 10, so he will not run your build-up play. The other issue is physical. At 173cm and 70 physical contact, strong centre-backs who close him down aggressively can neutralize him. Del Piero also lacks the all-round package of the players above him — he is a finisher first. For players who love finesse finishing, he is a rewarding SS to use, but the gap between him and the S-tier is noticeable in creative play.

B-Tier

The finesse finisher. Del Piero is the curling-shot specialist of the SS position. Great for players who create chances on the edge of the box.

Best SS for Each Formation

Not every SS works in every system. Here is the optimal SS choice for the five most popular formations that use a Second Striker.

FormationBest SSPlaystyle Needed
4-1-2-1-2 Narrow (Diamond)Gullit / RooneyHole Player
4-2-2-2Platini + Totti / Gullit + RooneyHole Player + Creative Playmaker
4-3-1-2Del Piero / RaulGoal Poacher / Dummy Runner
3-4-1-2Totti / ZolaCreative Playmaker
4-2-1-3Ronaldo / Del PieroGoal Poacher

SS vs CF: When to Use Each Position

One of the most common questions in eFootball 2026 — should you use a Second Striker or a Centre Forward? The answer depends on your system.

Use an SS When...

Creativity & Link-Up Play

  • You play possession-based football and need a player to connect midfield to attack
  • Your formation has an AMF + SS + CF triangle (4-1-2-1-2 Diamond)
  • You want your attacker to drop deep, receive to feet, and create overloads
  • You prefer combination passing and one-twos over direct through balls
  • Your wingers or full-backs provide width — the SS operates centrally
  • You want a player who can both score and assist
Use a CF When...

Direct Finishing & Hold-Up

  • You play direct, fast football with through balls and crosses into the box
  • Your formation uses a lone striker (4-3-3, 4-2-3-1) who needs to hold up play
  • You want your attacker anchored to the last defender for off-the-shoulder runs
  • You rely on crosses from wingers and need an aerial threat in the box
  • Your midfield handles all creative duties — the striker just needs to finish
  • You want a pure target man or poacher

The Verdict: SS vs CF

In the current eFootball 2026 meta, the SS position is generally more valuable than CF in competitive play. The SS's ability to drop deep and create while also scoring gives your team more tactical flexibility. A CF-SS partnership is a popular choice over a lone striker — the CF stretches the defensive line while the SS exploits the space behind. In our experience, if you can only have one top attacker, make it an SS: a Hole Player SS like Gullit or Rooney with a lesser Goal Poacher CF tends to work better than the reverse. The SS is the player who dictates the tempo of your attack, and that is where you want your best card.

Complete SS Stats Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of all 10 Second Strikers across the key stats that matter most at the SS position.

#PlayerTierMaxOAFINDRIPASPHYSPD
1Ruud GullitS105818289868188
2Wayne RooneyS104898492787584
3Michel PlatiniS106808596886885
4Francesco TottiA105848594867684
5RaulA105958786797488
6Gianfranco ZolaA104838395836887
7Dennis BergkampA105909179857778
8Cristiano RonaldoA100958879697178
9Antoine GriezmannB103848690816082
10Alessandro Del PieroB105939185727088
95+ (Elite) Below average for positionOA = Offensive Awareness | FIN = Finishing | DRI = Dribbling | PAS = Low Pass | PHY = Physical Contact | SPD = Speed

Get These Players on Your Account

Building a squad with S-tier Second Strikers like Gullit, Rooney, and Platini takes hundreds of hours of grinding — or you can skip straight to the endgame. Browse listed eFootball accounts with Legend SS cards. Every listing is reviewed by an admin, and your USDT payment is held in escrow until you have changed the login details and checked the squad against the listing.

How to Build the Perfect SS in eFootball 2026

Training priorities, skill selection, and tactical tips for maximizing your Second Striker.

Training Priority Order
  1. 1
    Offensive Awareness

    The #1 stat for SS. Determines run quality, positioning, and space-finding ability.

  2. 2
    Finishing

    The SS must convert when the chance arrives. No exceptions.

  3. 3
    Dribbling / Ball Control

    Essential for receiving under pressure, turning, and carrying the ball in tight spaces.

  4. 4
    Low Pass

    Enables the quick one-twos and combination play that define SS play.

  5. 5
    Speed / Acceleration

    For Hole Players — needed to exploit the gaps your movement creates. Progression Points are spent by category and can be reset at any time, so you can rebalance later.

Essential SS Skills
Rising Shots

Turns half-chances from 25 yards into screamers. Essential for Hole Players arriving at the edge of the box.

Low Screamer

Ground shots that hug the turf and fly into corners. Incredibly hard for keepers to stop.

One Touch Pass

Critical for quick combination play. The SS receives and releases in one motion.

Through Passing

Enables killer balls to your CF partner. Essential for Creative Playmaker SS cards.

Acrobatic Finishing

For late box arrivals — volleys and awkward-angle finishes from crosses.

Super Sub

If using the SS as a late-game impact substitute to change the match in the final 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the SS position in eFootball 2026.

What is the SS (Second Striker) position in eFootball 2026?

The SS (Second Striker) in eFootball 2026 is a hybrid attacking position that sits between the AMF and CF. Unlike a traditional centre forward who stays on the last defender's shoulder, the SS drops deeper to receive the ball, links midfield to attack, and makes late runs into the box. It is widely considered the most versatile and meta-defining attacking position in the game because it combines finishing ability with creative playmaking. Players like Gullit, Rooney, and Platini thrive here because they have the stats to both create and score.

Which playstyle is best for a Second Striker in eFootball 2026?

Hole Player is generally considered the best playstyle for an SS in eFootball 2026. Hole Players make intelligent runs into gaps between the defensive and midfield lines, arriving late in the box to finish chances. In our experience this late movement is hard for defenders to track. Creative Playmaker is the second-best option — it keeps the SS slightly deeper and more involved in build-up play, which suits possession-based formations. Dummy Runner is niche but effective for creating space for other attackers. Goal Poacher works well if you want your SS to play more like a second CF.

Is Gullit the best SS in eFootball 2026?

In our ranking, yes. Ruud Gullit's best SS card is a Hole Player that reaches 105 at SS, with the Bullet Header and Low Screamer special skills, 190cm height, 89 dribbling, 88 speed and 86 Low Pass (March 2026 game data). His Hole Player playstyle means he makes runs into the gaps between the lines. What sets Gullit apart is his versatility — he can win aerial duels like a CF and link play like an AMF. Platini's card has a higher max rating at SS (106), so the choice comes down to whether you value Gullit's size or Platini's dribbling and passing.

What formations work best with a Second Striker?

The best formations for an SS in eFootball 2026 are the 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow (Diamond), 4-2-2-2, 4-3-1-2, and 3-4-1-2. The 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond is the most popular choice because the SS operates perfectly behind a lone CF with an AMF supplying both. The 4-2-2-2 pairs two SS players together for a devastating partnership. The 4-3-1-2 gives the SS freedom to roam between the midfield three and the CF. Avoid formations without a natural SS slot — forcing an SS player into a CF or AMF position wastes their unique movement patterns.

Should I use an SS or a CF in eFootball 2026?

It depends on your playstyle and formation. Use a CF if you play direct football with crosses, through balls, and quick attacks — CFs are better at holding up play on the last defensive line and finishing in the box. Use an SS if you prefer possession-based play, combination passing, and creating overloads in the final third. The SS drops deeper to receive the ball, creates more passing triangles, and makes late runs that are harder to defend than a CF's static positioning. A CF-SS partnership is a popular choice (4-1-2-1-2 or 4-3-1-2) to get the best of both worlds.

How do I train an SS player in eFootball 2026?

When training an SS in eFootball 2026, prioritize Offensive Awareness, Finishing, Dribbling, and Low Pass in that order. Offensive Awareness is the single most important stat — it determines how well your SS reads the game and makes intelligent runs. Finishing ensures they convert the chances they create. Dribbling and Low Pass enable the link-up play that makes an SS effective. For Hole Player SS cards, also boost Speed and Acceleration so they can exploit the gaps they find. For Creative Playmaker SS cards, prioritize Lofted Pass and Ball Control instead for deeper involvement in build-up.

What are the best skills for an SS in eFootball 2026?

The essential skills for an SS in eFootball 2026 are: Rising Shots (turns half-chances into screamers from outside the box), Low Screamer (ground shots that are extremely hard for keepers to save), One Touch Pass (critical for quick combination play), Through Passing (enables killer balls to your CF partner), and Super Sub (if using the SS as a late-game impact substitute). Some cards also carry special skills: Rooney has Phenomenal Finishing and Phenomenal Pass, and Del Piero and Zola have Blitz Curler. Acrobatic Finishing is also valuable for SS players who make late box arrivals and receive crosses from unusual angles.

Conclusion: Build Your Team Around the SS

In our view the Second Striker is the most important position in eFootball 2026 for a simple reason: it is the position that both creates and finishes chances. A great CF needs service. A great AMF needs runners ahead of him. A great SS creates and finishes, making your attack self-sufficient in a way that no other position achieves.

Ruud Gullit sits at the top of this list because he combines everything you want from an SS — size, technique, pace, and intelligent movement — into one card with no glaring weakness. If you own Gullit, play him at SS. It is the position that extracts every ounce of his ability.

Rooney and Platini round out the S-tier because they each bring something unique. Rooney is the all-action SS who carries both Phenomenal Finishing and Phenomenal Pass. Platini is the highest-rated SS card on this list at 106, with elite dribbling and Phenomenal Pass. Which one suits you depends on your playstyle — Rooney for direct, aggressive football; Platini for patient, possession-based systems.

The A-tier players — Totti, Raul, Zola, Bergkamp, and Ronaldo — are all strong in specific contexts. Totti is the best pure creator. Raul is the best space-maker. Zola is the best dribbler. Bergkamp is the best link-up finisher. Ronaldo makes the most direct runs. None of them are wrong choices; the question is which one fits your formation and tactical approach.

If you are building your team from scratch, invest in your SS first. In our experience, a maxed Hole Player SS with a lesser CF works better than a maxed CF with a lesser SS in most formations. The SS is the engine of modern eFootball attacks — make sure yours is the best it can be.

Ready to Dominate with the Best SS?

Browse eFootball accounts with Legend SS cards like Gullit, Rooney and Platini. Payment is held in escrow until you confirm the account matches the listing, and there is no buyer fee. See current account prices. Note that buying or selling accounts breaks Konami's Terms of Use.

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