Defending Against Meta Attackers FIFA 25

Stop FIFA 25's most overpowered attackers with proper defensive techniques. This guide shows you how to contain Mbappé, Haaland, Vinícius, and other meta forwards.

Understanding Meta Attackers

Why Certain Players Are "Meta"

Pace + Physical Combo:

• 90+ acceleration
• 90+ sprint speed
• High strength or agility

Top Meta Attackers:

• Kylian Mbappé
• Erling Haaland
• Vinícius Jr.
• Leroy Sané
• Rafael Leão

Learn more at EA Sports FC.

What Makes Them Dangerous

Through Ball Runs:

• Exploit high defensive lines
• Sprint past center backs
• 1v1 with goalkeeper

Skill Move Spam:

• 5-star skills
• Unpredictable movement
• Create space easily

Physical Dominance:

• Shield ball effectively
• Win 50/50s
• Push defenders off

Core Defensive Techniques

Jockey (L2/LT)

When to Use: Always when facing attacker Why Effective: Maintains positioning, stays balanced Pro Tip: Never sprint while jockeying

Proper Jockey:

1. Hold L2/LT
2. Face attacker
3. Cut passing lanes
4. Wait for mistake

Second Man Press (R1/RB)

When to Use: Closing down attacker without committing Why Effective: AI applies pressure while you cover Pro Tip: Control covering defender, not pressing one

How to Execute:

1. Hold R1/RB
2. AI teammate presses ball carrier
3. You control second defender
4. Cut passing lanes or cover runs

Manual Defending

When to Use: 1v1 situations Key: Patience, positioning, timing Avoid: Lunging, diving in, button mashing

Check defending tips on FUTBIN.

Defending Against Pace Abuse

Tactic: Drop Defensive Line

Custom Tactic Setting:

• Defensive Style: Drop Back (40-50 depth)
• Width: 45-50
• Defenders stay back

Why Effective:

• Eliminates space behind
• Forces opponent to break down defense
• Through balls less effective

Player Instructions

Center Backs:

• Stay Back While Attacking
• Conservative Interceptions

Fullbacks:

• Stay Back While Attacking
• Overlap: Off

CDMs:

• Stay Back While Attacking
• Cover Center
• Cut Passing Lanes

In-Game Adjustments

When Opponent Spams Through Balls:

1. Pause game
2. Defensive Tactics → Drop Back
3. Set depth to 40
4. Play offside trap (R1 + D-pad up)

Get defensive players from FifaCoins.

Defending Against Skill Spammers

Don't Dive In

Common Mistake: Rushing with slide tackles Result: Easy skill move beats you Solution: Jockey and wait

Use Teammate Contain

Input: Hold teammate contain (A/X) Effect: AI rushes attacker while you cover When: Opponent doing skills on wing

Close Body Contact

Method: Run into attacker (don't sprint) Effect: Disrupts skill moves, causes stumbles Best Against: Elastico, McGeady Spin, Step-overs

Second Man Press + Cover

Setup:

1. R1/RB for AI pressure
2. You control covering defender
3. Cut inside passing lane
4. Force outside/backwards

Check FUTWIZ for defensive tactics.

Defending Against Physical Strikers (Haaland Type)

Don't Shield Constantly

Problem: Haaland shields effectively Solution: Apply continuous pressure from behind

Use CB with High Strength

Best Defenders:

• Van Dijk (90 strength)
• Kim Min-jae (88 strength)
• Rüdiger (87 strength)

Body Position Matters

Correct Position:

• Between striker and goal
• Not side-by-side
• Force outside

Incorrect Position:

• Behind striker (easy shield)
• Too far away (can't pressure)

Defending 1v1 Against Keeper

Goalkeeper Movement

Manual GK Movement:

• Right stick moves keeper
• Cut down angle
• Force poor shot

When to Rush:

• Attacker takes heavy touch
• Through ball too strong
• Poor first touch

When NOT to Rush:

• Attacker has ball control
• In box already
• Facing your goal

Defender Recovery

Sprint Back:

• Use R2/RT to chase
• Get goal-side
• Don't lunge from behind

Teammate Cover:

• Switch to covering defender
• Position on line
• Prepare for cutback

Get top goalkeepers from CheapFifaCoins.

Custom Defensive Tactics

Balanced Setup (45 Depth)

Defensive Style: Balanced Width: 45 Depth: 45

When to Use: Standard games, equal opponents

Drop Back (35 Depth)

Defensive Style: Drop Back Width: 50 Depth: 30-35

When to Use: Facing pace abuse, protecting lead

High Press (70 Depth)

Defensive Style: Press After Possession Loss Width: 40 Depth: 70

When to Use: Losing, need goal, opponent slow buildup

Warning: Vulnerable to through balls

Defensive Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Controlling Center Backs

Problem: Leaves gaps, defenders out of position Solution: Control CDMs, let AI defend with CBs

Mistake 2: Over-Using Tackle Button

Problem: Lunging tackles miss, create space Solution: Jockey and wait for right moment

Mistake 3: High Line vs Pace

Problem: Space behind for through balls Solution: Drop depth to 40-45 vs fast attackers

Mistake 4: Ignoring Wide Threats

Problem: Wingers get free crosses Solution: Track runs, stay wide defensively

Mistake 5: Panic Defending

Problem: Rushing, diving in desperately Solution: Stay patient, trust your positioning

Best Defensive Players by Budget

Under 20k

• Kim Min-jae (CB)
• Ederson (GK)
• Koundé (CB)

20k-100k

• Virgil van Dijk (CB)
• Marquinhos (CB)
• Militão (CB)

100k+

• Varane (CB)
• Rüdiger (CB)
• Icons (Ferdinand, Maldini)

Check prices on FUTBIN.

Practice Defending

Squad Battles

• Play on Legendary/Ultimate
• Practice jockey technique
• Learn defensive AI

Online Friendlies

• No stakes environment
• Try different tactics
• Experiment with depth settings

Weekend League

• Apply learned techniques
• Adjust per opponent
• Track what works

Fund your defense from FutCoins.

Conclusion

Stop meta attackers with proper technique:

Key Principles:

• Jockey (L2/LT) constantly
• Never sprint jockey
• Second man press (R1/RB)
• Drop depth vs pace (40)
• Stay patient, don't dive in

Best Tactics vs Meta:

• Drop Back 35-40 depth
• Second man press
• Manual jockeying
• AI teammate contain

Get defensive players: FifaCoins | CheapFifaCoins

Visit our homepage to build an elite defense!