- What it is: stretch the pitch, get deep down the flanks and score mainly from crosses
- Defending: a high line and a press from the front
- Best formations: shapes with wide players and a forward to aim at, such as 4-3-3
- Weak spot: the middle can get thin, and the attack stalls when crosses do not connect
What is Out Wide?
Out Wide is a Team Playstyle that spreads the team across the pitch, gets deep into the opposing half down the flanks and looks to score mainly from crosses. When the ball is won, teammates spread wide, and the player running down the flank delivers it into the middle. The defensive line is high.
It makes good use of the width, but the difference it makes is hard to feel in matches, and when crosses do not connect it rarely turns into goals. It is not one we recommend first: it is an option for experienced players who understand how to attack down the flanks.
How the players move
The two keys are attacking with the width of the pitch and defending from high up.
Red: your team · Grey: the opponents · White: the ball · Red arrows: how your players move
In attack, the wide midfielders and wingers stay very wide, run down the flank and deliver crosses, and the central forwards attack them. Out of possession, the back line stays high and the team goes to win the ball from the front.
Out Wide in each situation
| Situation | What the team does |
|---|---|
| Your goal kick | Plays out from the back |
| CB on the ball | Midfielders rarely come to receive; the forwards take up positions instead |
| Wingers and wide midfielders | Stay very wide to give width |
| Opponent’s goal kick | A high press. Forwards and midfielders push up |
| Defensive line | A high line |
| Losing the ball | Players return to their positions to restore the balance |
| Winning the ball | A slow build-up. The team spreads wide and builds |
Best formations for Out Wide
Out Wide works best with shapes that have players out wide and a forward to aim crosses at. These are easy ones to use:
| Formation | Why |
|---|---|
| 4-3-3 | Both wingers give width and the CF is the target for crosses. The classic shape for attacking down the flanks |
| 4-2-1-3 | Three forwards and an AMF can attack from both the flanks and the middle |
| 4-4-2 | Two wide midfielders give width, and the two forwards can attack crosses |
Look for pace and crossing out wide, and height in the middle.
Best managers for Out Wide
The higher a manager’s Team Playstyle Proficiency for Out Wide, the bigger the boost to the squad. The boost is at its maximum from 85. These five are among the managers with the highest Team Playstyle Proficiency for Out Wide:
| Manager | Proficiency | Boosters |
|---|---|---|
 Cristian Chivu (26-27) | 90 | Low Pass +1 / Lofted Pass +1 |
 Antonio Conte | 89 | Defensive Awareness +1 / Kicking Power +1 |
 Cristian Chivu | 89 | Speed +1 / Stamina +1 |
 Gennaro Gattuso | 89 | Tackling +1 / Lofted Pass +1 |
 Pep Guardiola (Link-up Play) | 89 | Kicking Power +1 / Aggression +1 |
How to attack with Out Wide
- Create width: stretch the defence sideways and attack the space behind the full-back
- Get in behind on the flank: run behind the full-back and cross from deep
- Give crosses a target: put a tall forward or a good runner in the middle, with enough players to attack the ball
- Switch the play: go long to the other flank and attack from the side that opens
Get deep out wide and mix cut-backs with crosses to the far post and the near post, so the opponent cannot tell where the ball is going.
Defending and the weak spot
Out of possession, the basics are a high back line and a press from the front. Because you commit players out wide, watch the balance of your positions.
The weak spots are a middle that can get thin and an attack that stalls when crosses do not connect. The difference it makes is hard to feel in matches, and winning consistently with it is difficult.
When your wide players are high up and slow to get back, the space behind them gets attacked. Look after the flanks when you lose the ball.
How to beat Out Wide
When the opponent attacks down the flanks, force them wide and protect the middle. Against crosses, keep enough players in the middle (the CBs and players getting back) and clear the ball.
When their wide players are high up, the space behind them is the place to aim for. Win the ball and get it quickly into that space for an effective counter.
Out Wide vs Possession Game
Both keep the ball and hold a high line, but the attack is built around different things.
| Out Wide | Possession Game |
|---|---|
| Goes wide and through the flanks | Keeps the ball mainly in the middle |
| Looks to score from crosses | Breaks through the middle with passing |
| Built only for attacks down the flanks | Built around controlling the ball |
| Needs a target for crosses | Needs close link-up play |
If you want to play on the flanks and with crosses, choose Out Wide. If you want to control the ball and break teams down, choose Possession Game.
FAQ
What is Out Wide in eFootball?
What is the best formation for Out Wide?
What is the weakness of Out Wide?
Summary
- Out Wide stretches the pitch and scores from crosses, with a high line.
- Wide players stay wide and run down the flank; the forwards attack the cross.
- Get in behind on the flank and give crosses a target.
- Its weak spot is a thin middle, and it is not one we recommend first.
- Pair it with a manager with high Team Playstyle Proficiency for Out Wide.
