As the 2024/25 domestic competitions gear up for an intense few weeks, amid the jostling of a few opening rounds of fixtures, eFootball is coming in to make sure that the action off the pitch matches that we're getting in real life.

The domestic leagues have kicked off in full swing, with new signings settling into their roles, title contenders laying down their mark for another year of challenges, and tipped relegation rivals getting early points on the board to stay one step ahead - unless you're Everton.

But for eFootball, the new season brings forth simpler times. Stripping back some of the unnecessary features and getting the ball rolling with some extra mechanics, Konami is ready for a much better campaign than in years gone by.

eFootball adds new Booster Slots, Finesse Dribble features, and new campaigns

With the ball rolling so quickly, you better have a decent touch. Well, it's a good job that eFootball now has a Finesse Dribble feature. The in-game mechanic gives players much closer control over the ball when driving into the heart of the opposition's defences, which is perfect timing given that Ronaldinho and Messi will be getting brand-new Epic cards.

All your players will also be able to get a helping hand, as Konami is introducing the Booster Slot system. Here, players get tokens to apply to their players, giving them "random" or "select" benefits to different attributes of their game.

These two in-game features will complement new Campaigns. A "Skill Up" tutorial will allow you to flex the Finesse Dribbling and earn you a Showtime Messi card and seven Booster Slot tokens. The Startup campaign will champion FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with Robert Lewandowski and Leroy Sane as the poster boys.

eFootball strips back complicated quality of life mechanics

While the new features will enhance eFootball, Konami is also stripping back what hindered it, starting with contracts.

Just like EA FC's plan for next year, contracts are a thing of the past. Now, your players are your players, and you don't need to think about the background politics of adding contracts. They will be yours until you discard them - after all, if you want boardroom dances, that's why Football Manager exists. eFootball is about the football.

You'll also no longer have to tinker around with the complex Player Upgrade system, as a new Automatic Progression system is taking over to simplify training and, again, allow you to focus on the football.

eFootball's new update is now live, and the end of the international break might just be the calling you need to get back on the pitch and net some goals.