Hello,
I don't want this to sound like a whiny post so apologies in advance. I'm also not sure which Forum topic this should be under so again, apologies if in the wrong place.
Normally I have always just used the Commentary only option in FM but after my team was continually being outplayed / battered by inferior teams I started watching the Key Highlights to see if I could identify what was going spectacularly wrong and here is what I found.
1) Free-kicks anywhere from between 18yrds - 22yrds are nine times out ten a goal, regardless of the players free-kick stat. I think some serious re-balancing needs doing here.
2) The amount of goals scored from around 25yrds - 30yrds by players with low Long Shots its baffling.
3) Fullbacks, Wingbacks & Wingers are scared to cross. Whenever they have a great crossing opportunity they would rather spin round and pass it back in-field. What usually happens then is the attack fizzles out or it leads to an opposition counter attack. I have tried to remedy this by using both Team and/or Individual instructions regarding crossing but it doesn't seem to make any difference. My striker is 6ft 7" with 18 Jumping and 17 Heading, lets give it a try eh?
4) Fullbacks / Wingbacks running away from the ball. Countless times I have watched as my Fullback or Wingback chases down an opposition Winger only for some reason to decide at the last moment they would rather take up position in the centre of the box, this allows said Winger the time/space to cross into the box which more often than not leads to a goal.
5) Defenders...oh dear. They all turn slower than a frigate. Some seem to enjoy watching the ball just roll past them. Some (most) enjoy dawdling on the ball (again, player/team instructions do nothing) and some definitely have £5 on the opposition striker scoring inside the first 5 mins.
6) Define short passing? I like to use the short passing instruction. What this translates to on the park however is hump it as far across the field as you can when there is clearly several better options in front of you, which leads me to...
7) Goalkeepers ignoring the pass to Central Defender / Fullback instruction. What's that? 4 players in front of you waiting for the pass. What? You'd rather launch it to my lone Striker with 6 players round him? Brilliant.
8) Phil Collins once sang about a girl with an "Invisible Touch". It would appear that girl is now roaming the stadiums of FM23. The amount of penalties given when there is (forgive the Scottish turn of phrase) hee-haw contact is infuriating.
9) Clear through with the Goalkeeper to beat. but what's this? A wasp has landed on the corner flag and you're determined to kill it? Fantastic. 17 Finishing / 18 Composure but can't hit a cows jacksie with a banjo from 6 yards. Well worth the £40mil I just spent on you.
10) ...and just to round things off. You're bottom of League 3 with £10 to spend and you desperately need a striker. Have no fear because my scout reckons there's a Norwegian lad at Man City who might just be World Class. Aye, cheers mate.
Again apologies for the rant but it was either this or I went full Basil Fawlty and batted my car with a stick.