What does SS mean in PES? An In-Depth Guide for Supporting Strikers
Hey friend! SS stands for Supporting Striker in the football video game series PES (Pro Evolution Soccer) and eFootball. It‘s one of the most important attacking positions, so let me walk you through everything you need to know about getting the most out of your SS players.
A Quick Recap on the Role
The Supporting Striker (SS) plays just behind the main Center Forward. Their main jobs are:
- Create goalscoring chances for the CF and other attackers
- Pull defenders out of position and exploit the space created
- Provide a passing option and link up play between midfield and attack
According to eFootball 2023 ratings, the top SS players are Thomas Müller (90), Paulo Dybala (89), and Josip Iličić (87).
Now let‘s get into the intricate details and really maximize your SS effectiveness!
Formations That Utilize the SS
Some formations that work great with a Supporting Striker are:
- 4-4-2
- 4-2-2-2
- 4-3-1-2
- Any variation of 4-3-3
The SS thrives in two striker systems where they can play off a main Center Forward. Having that central support creates more space on the wings for inverted wingers or marauding fullbacks to overload the attack too.
Playing Styles and Key Attributes
The top SS players in eFootball 2023 have well-rounded attributes like:
- 85+ Dribbling – beat defenders 1v1 in tight spaces
- 80+ Ball Control – cloak-like close control and retention
- 80+ Low Pass – precision short linking play
- 75+ Lofted Pass – inch-perfect through balls
- 70+ Place Kicking – curling shots from distance
But it depends on their playing style. For example:
| Player | Style | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Müller | Hole Player | Att. Awareness, Kicking Power |
| Paulo Dybala | Creative Playmaker | Dribbling, Ball Control, Tight Possession |
| Josip Iličić | Prolific Winger | Lofted Pass, Place Kicking, Stamina |
As you can see, each world-class SS has their own style and strengths!
Tactics to Get the Most out of Your SS
Here are some effective tactics you can use:
- Rapid 1-2 passing – work quick triangles around the box
- Third man runs – make a late run when the SS has pulled defenders away
- Give-and-go – pass then spin in behind the defense
- Overlaps – have your fullback overlap to cross to the SS
Your entire attack should look to link up and combine around the SS. Their intelligent movement is the catalyst for creating openings in the tightest of spaces.
Analyzing the Impact of SS Players
It‘s no coincidence that teams with a world-class SS seem to drastically improve their goalscoring. Here are some examples:
- Thomas Müller – 20 goals, 27 assists for Bayern Munich 2020/21 season
- Paulo Dybala – 17 goals, 10 assists for Juventus 2019/20
- Josip Iličić – 21 goals, 11 assists for Atalanta 2018/19
The SS is the perfect link between midfield creativity and the attacking punch of the Center Forward. Their vision and technique provides the ammunition for teammates to thrive.
Defending Against the Opposition SS
When facing teams using a skilled SS, make sure to:
- Track their dropping movements to avoid turning
- Double cover passing lanes into midfield
- Watch for third man runs from deep
- Limit space for them to turn and dribble
Cut off their supply and the entire attack will fizzle out!
The Evolution of the SS Role
While early PES games had generic "Attackers", later versions introduced the specific SS role we know today. This mirrored real-life football‘s increasing focus on staggered attacking systems.
Now the SS is one of the most pivotal roles in the modern game. PES and eFootball recreate their creative influence, technical qualities and clever movement that unlocks defenses.
In Conclusion
I hope this guide has given you a detailed insight into maximizing your SS players. Their vision, passing, movement and finishing makes them central to attacking success.
Use the SS as the platform to build attacks through the middle and in transition. And work as a team to exploit the spaces they create.
Let me know if you have any other eFootball questions!