Defense wins championships, and almost every score in soccer is a potential game-winner. For this reason, the OutsiderGaming (OG) editorial team has created a special guide for goalkeeping in the new EA FC 24 sports sim game.
Goalie is the most specialized position in soccer and the last line of defense. Goalkeepers are the only players on the field allowed to use their hands to touch the ball. Although you still have an entire team playing defense, a goalie is most important. Being able to take control of your goalkeeper manually instead of relying on AI when needed can take your FC24 skillset to a new level.
Below is a complete guide to goalkeeping in EA Sports FC24.
Full goalkeeper controls for Playstation (PS4/PS5) and Xbox (Xbox One and Series X|S)
| Goalkeeping Action | PlayStation (PS4/PS5) | Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S) |
| Drop Ball | Triangle | Y |
| Pick Up Ball | R1 | RB |
| Move Player | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Sprint | Hold R2 + Direction | Hold RT + Direction |
| Move GK | R3 (Press and Hold) + R | R3 (Press and Hold) + R |
| GK Cover Far Post | R3 (Press and Hold) | R3 (Press and Hold) |
| Throw/Pass | X | A |
| Driven Throw/Pass | R1 + X | RB + A |
| Drop Kick | O or Square | B or X |
| Driven Kick | R1 + Square | R1 + X |
Be a Pro & Pro Clubs Goalkeeper Controls on FIFA 23
| Be a Pro/Pro Clubs | PlayStation (PS4/PS5) | Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S) |
| Dive | Right Stick (Direction) | Right Stick (Direction) |
| Auto Positioning | L1 (Press + Hold) | LB (Press + Hold) |
| 2nd Defender Contain | R1 (Press + Hold) | RB (Press + Hold) |
| Call for or Suggest a Pass | X | A |
| Suggest Through Pass | Triangle | Y |
| Suggest Cross | Square | X |
| Suggest Shot | Circle | B |
How to Save and Dive for Penalties in EA Sports FC24
Penalty shot controls are simple in FC24. Shooting penalties is about split-second decision-making and near-perfect timing. You can make gestures and slight movements to throw off the kicker.
Goalkeeper Penalty Controls
| Goalkeeping Action | PlayStation (PS4/PS5) | Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S) |
| Goalkeeper Move Side to Side | Left Stick (Direction) | Left Stick (Direction) |
| Goalkeeper Dive | Right Stick (Direction) | Right Stick (Direction) |
| Goalkeeper Taunts | X/O/Square/Triangle | A/B/X/Y |
How to Control the Keeper in EA Sports FC24
There are two ways to move your keeper in FC24. Rushing your goalkeeper off the line is the most frequent way most players use, but you can also reposition your goalkeeper manually.
Goalkeeper Rush – The player rushes towards the ball until the release of the button
Playstation: Triangle(Hold)
Xbox: Y(Hold)
Move Goalkeeper – reposition your goalkeeper at any point in the game
Playstation: R3 and Hold + R
Xbox: RS and Hold + R
Goalkeeper Tips & Tricks
1. Use Driven Kicks or Throws for Distance in EA Sports FC24
A driven kick or throw is when a player intends to strike the ball as hard as possible. Power and accuracy is the goal here although the extra power means the player needs to apply more effort to control the ball. This is a great tool when sending players upfield during a goalie kick or when you are in ultra-attack mode in extra time. This can help move the ball in scoring range with two or three passes.
2. Charge the Goalkeeper with Caution in EA Sports FC24
It can be very tempting when caught in a one-on-one opportunity with an attacker. Unless you are experienced or feel that you are superior to your opponent it is better to be cautious about charging out often. The biggest concern is being the last line of defense. A simple chip shot or change of direction can lead to an easy score.
3. Positioning is Key when Goalkeeping in EA Sports FC24
It can seem like goalkeepers have entirely too much space to cover for one person. That is because they do. Some say goalkeeper is the hardest position in all of sports. The best way to succeed against the odds is to be in the right position to cover the most space that you can based on where the ball is on the field. Things can move fast and the ball can travel from side to side before you can react. As you gain more experience you will start to intuitively know where to position your goalkeeper in each scenario.
4. Dive only when Necessary in EA Sports FC24.
The last thing you want to do is feel like you didn’t try everything and let the opponent score a goal. Although this is important you also have to take into consideration the risk/reward of a dive versus knocking away or catching the ball. When your player dives, there is a recovery time to get back up. If the ball is still in play or worse, you missed the save, this can be an easy score for the attacking side.
What are the best goalkeeper traits in EA Sports FC24?
Goalkeeper Kicking, Diving, and Reflexes are important but, GK Positioning is the most important trait in FC24. Your reflexes and diving can’t overcome being completely out of place.
Who is the best goalkeeper in EA Sports FC24?
Thibaut Courtois is the best goalkeeper in EA Sports FC 24. He rates 90 Overall and has attribute ratings of 93 for Reflexes and 90 for Positioning. Courtois played his 100th game for Belgium in the 2022 World Cup and currently plays goalkeeper for Real Madrid.
Who is the best Wonderkid Goalkeeper in EA Sports FC24?
Guillaume Restes is the best Wonderkid goalkeeper in FC24. He still has a few years to develop into a great goalie and is showing potential already. Restes has impressive attributes for his age with 72 Reflexes and 69 Positioning at 18.
Read more OG Wonderkid guides for EA FC 24 here on the site!
Conclusion: Goalkeeping Controls Guide for EA FC 24
There is everything you need to know about Goalkeeping in EA Sports FC24. As far as controls and button mapping go, it is not a hard position to play. Timing, positioning, and strategy will be the most important pillars to build on to be a great goalkeeper.