The ‘Lengthy’ running style is currently considered by many players in FIFA 23 to be the best option for their teams. Is the feature too strong?
What is ‘Lengthy’ in FIFA 23? In FIFA 23, there are currently three different running styles that players can have. It is also possible to convert some players to different running styles through Chemistry Styles, as the style depends on the players’ attributes.
- Controlled: A balanced acceleration. Most players have this type in FIFA 23.
- Explosive: These are primarily small, agile players who accelerate very quickly over short distances but slow down afterward.
- Lengthy: This type can be primarily obtained by larger, heavier players. They don’t start as quickly but become faster over longer distances.
The “Lengthy” running style has emerged as the favorite for many players over time. However, there is also criticism.
YouTuber NepentheZ criticizes ‘Lengthy’ with a clear example
Who is speaking? NepentheZ is one of the most well-known YouTubers regarding FIFA 23, with almost 2 million followers on the platform. He has been making videos about FIFA for years.
He recently shared a clip on Twitter titled “This Lengthy meta is getting out of control”:
In the scene, a sudden offensive chance arises from a block where two attackers are extremely well positioned and could simply run free to the goal – if they would receive the ball.
But the two are simply overtaken: Araujo, a Lengthy defender from FC Barcelona, who actually has only 77 pace, easily passes both of them. A situation that likely would not have occurred in real football.
Martinelli, the attacker, actually has the better speed rating – but also “only” has the Explosive running style. And that is apparently significantly at a disadvantage here in combination with Araujo’s dueling behavior.
“What did I just see? Martinelli, I know you are not Lengthy, but you still have damn legs,” the YouTuber exclaims in despair. However, Araujo casually plays the ball back to the keeper and the situation is defused.
How strong is Lengthy really? The situation shows an extreme example, but there is also criticism that Lengthy could be too strong – or that “Explosive” is comparatively weak.
In the FIFA subreddits, there are repeatedly posts demanding a nerf for Lengthy (via reddit) or at least suggesting to enhance “Explosive” players (via reddit). Because old top favorites, like Ousmane Dembélé, can only score with pace on the flanks now to a limited extent.
However, some players also state that such players would need to be used differently: “Don’t expect to make long runs with explosive players, but they are great for dribbling and tight passes,” finds a user, for example (via reddit): “I like to have one or two in my attack to add some variety to the game and connect the play.”
At the same time, some players praise that through Lengthy cards, players who were not so strong in the past years are now better usable. Examples include Haaland or Dzeko from the new Rulebreakers event.
Nevertheless, there is criticism that the running style sometimes leads to players being unrealistically easy to catch up to – as also illustrated in the example above by NepentheZ.
What do you think about the topic? What experiences have you had with ‘Lengthy’? Tell us in the comments!
