[Discussion] Greater control over set-pieces

[Llew_Arshavin23]

I think, to truly reflect real-life, we should have the ability to have greater, definitive control over set-pieces in all phases.

Firstly, it would be great to be able to assign more than one player to one attacking set-piece slot - especially 'Lurk Outside the Area' and 'Offer Short Option' at attacking corners. I find it a bit frustrating that I can't attempt to surround the penalty area with two or three players, much like Atlético Madrid did in 2013-2014, as not only a method of recycling any possession, but also to prevent counter-attacks. A lot of counter-attacks materialise from a cleared ball to the edge of the box, where a player picks it up, often unchallenged, and he advances to and beyond the halfway line. On a very basic level, I don't like having to choose between leaving players - like Mesut Özil, Santi Cazorla etc. - on the halfway line or lump them into the box; they have very little influence at either position. To further this, maybe a custom positioning feature, where we can manually adjust the specific areas each player would occupy, would be excellent.

On a similar note, it would be nice to be able to set more than one player to 'Stand with Taker' at opposition half free-kicks, for much of the same reasons as listed above. 

It would also be good to have greater control over the style with which we execute our set-pieces. The current options are limited and give very little genuine control. You can influence generally, but I would like to be able to influence specifically, such as preferring quick taken free-kicks to reengage in build-up in the opposition third, as opposed to the current system where a free-kicks directly leads to an effort on goal or a cross into the box. Those two options are inefficient. For instance, a passing side would choose to restart play quickly, to unsettle the opposition, while a side with an imposing set-piece presence would prefer to take their chance to get the ball into the box. It's all about utilising your players and system efficiently, while also establishing and adhering to your style.

I have other seperate suggestions, but I've gone completely blank, so I'll just propose this 'feature' (more of an improvement) for the time being.

[Velodromè]

My suggestion would be to reintroduce something like the old "with ball" and "without the ball" screens for set pieces, where you are allowed to drag your players where you want them. If you want 5 players to start on the edge of the box, then you put 5 players there. If you bring in the arrows as well and use them to direct the runs of the players, then you can start being creative on the set pieces. Of the 5 players on the edge of the box 4 charge in towards the keeper and one goes short, using the arrows. Now it is far to rigid for my taste, especially on free kicks around the middle of the pitch. 

[Neil Brock]

Reviewed so locked.