Cloud9

Newcastle had 41 separate cases of injury this past season, Man United 45. Here's an article that details the level of injuries taking place IRL: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cq55wy2qx21o

I believe the AI has all the tools at their disposal that the human manager can deploy.

I think this is down to how you are managing the squad. You can add injury risk, match load, and fatigue to start rotating properly. Good physios and sports scientists go a long way as well. Tailoring a specific training schedule for your two match days in a week is important as well. I usually continue training as normal the day after the game but give a rest day to any player who received a rating. I believe the general consensus is that injury rates are far below what would be realistic and what is seen IRL.

Traits increase the individual tendency for a player to do something, as I mention adding many is just asking him to increase the tendency of doing several different actions. If you are unsure with traits, always go with less than more. The player will also need the attributes to pull off the trait. For most situations you can achieve what you want with TI/role/PI and OI's and not the traits themselves. Offside trap: Encourages the tendency for the player to try to run off the defenders shoulder for a through ball. Dependent on your style of play (forces a turnover). Good if you want to launch more counters for example, bad in other situations (keeping possession or opposition defenders being quicker than you). Very bad if the player doesn't have the attributes to pull it off (anticipation, off the ball, and speed). Also bad if you don't have players capable of playing him in. Helps if there is space to attack. On a mid block counter attack you don't have to have this trait on your spearheading player for him to initiate counters. You don't even necessarily have to have the "counter" TI ticked. The player will still do so on his own. However, you are increasing the tendency for it to happen. This is not always beneficial (as I have tried to detail in this post). There is nothing wrong with chilling and launching more high % counter attacks if that's the style you prefer. Gets into the box: He goes into the box more. Not sure what else there is to say on this one. Again, big question is...do you want him doing that over what the role usually does? It's not just a win like he does something extra on top of his role. He chooses to go into the box OVER what he would originally be doing. He will also need a profile to be impactful in the box. Gets forward more: The player will go forward more off the ball than the TIS/PIS would usually allow. Good if you want this to happen, disastrous for your tactic if you don't. To reiterate: if in doubt, don't train it as they take away from important development periods and can mess up your tactic. Players heavily loaded with traits tend to be a noob trap. The players become less flexible as well. Traits can, however, be quite effective when used sparingly to enhance specific players strengths/hide deficiencies that you can't train out. They can be very nice for a tactical vision you're committed to building your side around and are looking for that extra fizz to pull it off successfully. In the end their effectiveness is highly situation, which is why I urge to use them only when you are sure.

Yes they are different. If you put all three traits the tendency will increase for the player to do those three actions. I would address the issues in the tactic first before worrying about traits. Traits can make it difficult to tinker/make changes further down the line. F9+ EG in particular seems like an anti-combo to me. Martinelli has the individualistic profile to do damage without linking up ((pace and dribbling), so I wouldn't single out one-twos as a must have on him worth the training time. Moves into channels on Saka will fundamentally change how your teams play (see above on utilizing traits sparingly). Successful or not the ball will turn over when he runs the channels. As I mention, I would figure out your tactic first. Deciding if your 9 will run the channel as a spearheading forward or if you will go with a goalscorer from the 10 position will be pivotal to Saka running the channels or not.

I think it would be an oversimplification to answer yes or no. The answer will depend on TIs, player profiles, and what you're trying to accomplish in your tactic.

Just use them sparingly as they can easily mess up your tactic. Really you only want to train/utilize traits if you want a specific interaction on a player profile/role. They can also be used to make up for a deficiency on a player that isn't fixable through training (likes to round keeper on a quick winger with no end product for example). They take training time to learn (which will take away from the players ability to develop), usually you try to add them through mentoring if at all.

I would recommend prioritizing technicals at a young age, mentals are easier to develop over the course of a career. Physicals you can work at as well when a player is a bit younger, but they will be capped to some extent based on their inherent/personal profile (height factored in to jumping reach etc). The physicals will improve naturally as they grow themselves. I don't believe team work and work rate are impacted by mentoring...only the personality traits. Workrate/determination was previously boost-able by fining players. I'm not entirely sure about how this functions in FM24 where that system has been removed. I have noticed workrate is still fairly easy to develop on a player, so perhaps it has been linked to player/manager interactions this year (setting goals, criticizing training etc) but I don't have a verified answer on how that functions now. With player development I would choose between making well balanced players and improving a players strong points. Which one you pick is totally up to how you want to manage and which job you want the player to perform (and what suits your system of play). In general I find specialized players a bit more interesting to manage, but that's just me

Ahh so suddenly we have a hard launch. @crusadertsar I tried a double FB(s) but unfortunately the centerbacks really want to pass them the ball, like all the time. I'm not sure if this will be the same in your 4-3-3? Certainly the next point on the DLP will not be relevant to your approach. Two changes are double wingback (d) + a right footed DLP to sit a bit more centrally (previously was left footed): Put up similar possession numbers: 2-1 scoreline 63% possession, 93% pass completion. Wingbacks sitting a bit wider seemed to encourage the centerbacks to pass it through the pivot more frequently, which is good. Obviously the wingbacks pass it wider more often than I'd like....so I will continue to experiment with tinkered fullback roles. Stats on the DLP(s) per 90 minutes: Some nice progressive passes numbers in there w/the support duty, on top of recycling the ball. This match we had our DLP as the main outlet at 171 passes combinations and RPM at 151 (and the RPM is linking with other central outlets). We are not fully there yet, but look at those nice central green lines I will continue to post updates as I progress.

Thanks I'll tinker with the fullback roles a little and see how it goes. The winger on the left hand side is off foot which I had hoped would give a more direct option w/out that traditional wing play. I was referencing this stat map on the choice of off footed winger for the left sided attacker...another for the right sided attacker cutting inside/creating a bit more often: I think the core issue I'm trying to work out is via these three pass interactions: DLP not receiving any significant amount of passes from the RPM and left sided centerback. RPM primarily passing to the IW on the right hand side, instead of serving as a central cog. I'm considering a left footed right sided RPM..which would be quite counter intuitive for IRL stuff...but would hopefully see him drift inside a bit more instead of linking up with his best friend out wide. Left handed centerback almost always picking out the fullback on his side instead of a pivot player (DLP or RPM). Ideally I would like the green arrows to be centrally based around the two playmakers, maybe a solo playmaker would be less confusing for the back 4...but on the other hand I find the pivot really useful when using Play out from the Back. I am trying to do a bit of realism w/the approach based on Spains tactical setup so that's a current limitation. On positive notes...the AMC role is working quite well in build up combinations and the pressing Poacher is one part I've been quite happy with /realistically wise (the 7 on the pass map) in triggering the press. Their general positioning is also quite similar to what it is for the Spanish side via the pass map. In simple FM terms though, I think this is generally good advice..IE. more ways of progressing more directly. Unfortunately it's just not the aim of what I'm after at the moment I detail about the choice on CD over BPD for example above (despite having technically proficient players in those spots to play out form the back). Generally I'm not a huge fan of a solo TM, I almost always pair them up with a partner who can offer a turn of pace. A tall poacher is almost always preferable for a solo box presence. SV vs RPM was a consideration as well..with SV offering a straight rotation to the AMC strata...however at the moment I'm trying to make the RPM work alongside the DLP as I want them both to be the central cogs of the team (like on the green circles for Rodri and Fabian on the Spain pass map). If I can't get the DLP on the ball as much as the role demands (a bit like is happening now) I think I will go either for the SV like you mention or switch to a 4-3-3 with the DLP(s) as the holding 6. Couple more stat references to illustrate the creative influence I'd like the two 6's to wield in the system:

I have been trying to form more realistic play styles, which to my eye are frequently centered around giving the ball to the midfield players to dictate play. However, I'm finding most of my play is continuing to progress through wude outlets, despite my best attempts. PIs are: Press more often on the Poacher/RPM (another realistic adjustment on the 9 to lead the press) Roam on the AM Winger is asked to get forward more IW is asked to take more risks Left fullback runs wide with ball left winger is off footed I have chosen the double pivot (both playmakers played on their true foot) to attract the ball when building up from the back, specifically with the DLP to recycle possession. I went w/a double CD partnership in my own tactic to help funnel the ball to the pivot, instead of quick direct progressive passes. Most of the play continues to progress through wide areas (see pass map) and not the central pairing (numbers 17 and 8). A particular issue is that the centerbacks are not seeking out the DLP as a primary outlet. In terms of numbers: we are achieving plenty of possession at around 65% or so w/around 90% passing success. The team is controlling matches; just not centrally (which is the whole point). A couple notes: I have been trying to achieve central play without focus play instructions (they're quite tiring on players in those areas). I am also avoiding IWB/Liberos as while some teams do utilize these roles IRL, there are also plenty that do it with traditional fullbacks/wingbacks. I'm aware the ME has always been a bit heavy in this aspect (progressing down the flanks). Specifically, I was attempting to emulate some of Spain's buildup play at the Euros (pass map linked above)...where Rodri and Fabian (the two high value green circles) were at the heart of all their buildup play. The Fabian Ruiz in my tactic (RPM), who was fundamental to Spain's midfield at the euros, is primarily progressing the ball through wide areas well My left back FB(s) had 122 pass combinations while my DLP sat at 113. I am happy with the overall number of passes (517) for a team playing in his manner, I think Spain hit just slightly over that in the game vs England. However, the proportion of passes received and distributed should be significantly higher on the central two than the wider players in a realistic attempt.

You can choose training schedules that support attributes that you're looking for in your playstyle. They will detail which ones they train when you click on them. HOYD: Mentoring is through the tab, creating small groups. Your strong personality, high influence squad players can then impact poor personality, low influence players in this manner. The system is a bit RNG in the current state, check the media handling to try to reduce risk.

Most of the time you can play with a fairly blank slate of TIs on FM24...I only really recommend using them in situations where the tactic demands it. For example: in a high pressing system you might feel compelled to leave "counter press" on, as without this pressure your high defensive line can be easily exposed.

Thank you! I will check it out.

Yea, I quite agree on this I was trying to leave the door open for specialized approaches...but perhaps avoiding short solo forwards all together would be better suited (it's what I do as well on a solo 9). The only usual exception is on a F9...but then his "strike partner," or whoever he's facilitating space for (such as a SS) always has the aerial ability. Certainly for any modern approach height/aerial ability has become almost mandatory on a striker. No more Aguero's it seems. IRL examples of CF's are a bit rare...I think you'd label Isak as one? Perhaps this new lad United have signed Zirkzee will be something similar (although I haven't seen him play much, I hear he is a unique profile). To the importance of height, both strikers, Isak and Zirkzee, are 195cm (6"4) tall. I was trying to think of a small modern striker and couldn't come up with one. I had thought Adeyemi was quite short, but it turns out he's about the height of Ollie Watkins.

Regardless of mitigating factors, the outcome is the same: English players receive higher attributes that reflect weak performances in areas of their game than non English players who excel in those areas. I have highlighted this with two separate high profile individuals (out of possession influence from Kane and on the ball ability from Declan Rice). It would be a good step forward if we could bring this to SI's attention: That the researchers (if they are indeed the problem) are creating a hugely unbalanced and unrepresentative view of the game (Englands 15, 160CA+ players to Spains 4 for example) rather than discussing the reasons of where their incompetence/bias stems. You only need one person doing a final check of the game before it goes out to view that imbalance (of comparative CA/PA's between countries) and say hey, 15 to 4, we're doing a very poor job here. You don't need a deep dive to bring basic competitive balance between nations. You simply need rules that apply across nations on how CA/PA is calculated, instead of special rules for special countries.

He's not very technically proficient, certainly not in tight spaces and in controlling a match. We've seen that for club and country...and is certainly a fact that Arsenal appreciate. Arsenal changed their formation after realizing this...Jorginho is the player who dictates the game, whereas Rice is utilized to carry the ball forward/in defensive actions. He frequently stands behind opposition players as to not receive the ball and very rarely passes forward. In comparison look at how Rodri and Fabian have pass maps (see my post above) that link up with all the players around them. It is reflected in the stats, it is not just a matter of perception or standards. Here is a pass map of Arsenal playing last year, the green arrows indicate a high quantity of passes. r As long as we have player ratings based primarily on perception, we will continue to have a poor quality of ratings for CA/PA. I mention him standing behind players...you can see that none of the back 4 are passing to him with any frequency. Instead everything is going through Gabriel and Jorginho. You will find it unsurprising that Gabriel is given a poor personality and significantly lower passing ability (short and long) than Declan Rice. Rice sits at 15, passing, 15 technique, 14 vision, 14 first touch. This remains, despite Rice not being involved in build up play or progressive passes for club or country. The problem spills over into mentals as well...w/composure being an important attribute on ball players.. Rice has 17 to Gabriel's 12. .

He is a False 9, ie. more of a playmaker role played in the 9 position rather than an out and out striker. The point is that the role is more of a goal threat than a traditional playmaker would suggest. The role is not passive at all, but offers dynamic movement to drag opposition defenders out of position.

The role will hold up the ball so strength is a key attribute. On poor aerial ability...it is more workable depending on your tactical approach/roles you choose around him. If you're playing a CF-a, I would favor him being competent in the air to get on the end of more direct approaches/in attacking the box. F9 is a strong option for intelligent, passers of the ball w/out those physical attributes (doesn't hold up the ball). They can still get you a fair number of goals as well. The ability to dribble is generally make or break on the role for me.

Is there an appropriate way to communicate this information for future users who ask? Having the correct names in game and all the national teams is a huge quality of life addition to the game.

@XaW Is there an effective/professional way to communicate potential concerns over inconsistencies in the database to SI that could see actual change? I think I have posted a fairly comprehensive amount of data/statistically backed concerns in this topic. Thanks for your time

I would say that's true. One of Atletico Madrid's most physical players & enforcer, Rodrigo De Paul, is given lower physicals than Harry Kane in almost every attribute. These are the kind of choices we are seeing from researchers for non English players, here are the changes to a international starter made year to year: Here is he in FM24: Here he is in fm23: The changes we are seeing in the database year to year are not giving more accurate reflections unfortunately. Kane is setup to be more of a team player on FM in both mentals and physicals (in terms of running). Kane is given higher strength, stamina, natural fitness, teamwork, work rate, concentrate and very similar levels of aggro/bravery/tackling. All these attributes are strong for defensive situations. I can't imagine that the Spanish league researchers would give their players such poor attributes if it was solely down to their discretion. For what it's worth I think Spanish football and English football are played very similarly nowadays.

Hmm on space, the question would be if teams are bringing the game to you or not. If they're sitting back/compact (which will happen a lot an Arsenal) you'll need to create space for him to operate in. Stretching opposition defenses vertically + w/width will create gaps between defenders for him to make his goalscoring runs as an IF(a). If they have come out to play, then sitting back in a mid block is an option to let him use his pace. I don't think that will be on most games you play. Could try him as an off foot winger(a) when sitting a bit deeper. Ramdeuter can be interesting too. Is Sesko a decent fit for a CF(s)? A good CF(s) is wonderful...but an awkward fit can suck the oxygen out of your attack since he roams and gets to do what he likes. A lot of strikers lack the passing + mentals to pull off the role (on top of the duties to lead the line).

This suggests a simple misunderstanding of how stats and data work. They are not generalities but reflect how a player actually plays. He is roughly in the bottom 30% of strikers for defensive actions, which is very low. If they never occurred these bars would be at 0. A modern pressing system requires a 9 to lead the press, which is about consistently and effectively executing these actions (see Morata's data that I linked above). Again the lack of physical profile on Kane (long ball and threat in behind) is not reflected in these numbers, and compounds the issue. No one doubts his quality in a side that already has the ball, where he can pick a pass or stay in the box to finish an action...his stats suggest he is elite in both of these aspects of play among strikers. The data clearly demonstrates that the issue with Kane is out of possession, which is a significant stumbling block for modern sides in close contests. At the Euros specfically, Kane was a passenger in possession as well. Dropping deep and failing to get involved at all with the rest of the team. This is likely more of a reflection of Southgate's shortcomings in tactical setups...although the player must bear some responsibility as well. Here are the pass maps of England and Spain from the final (via the Athletic).

I would like to see English players operating at the top leagues receive a -4 CA/PA debuff across the board for FM25. I think this would get you a much more realistic database, especially in comparison to how non-English players are rated. Spoiler for player CA/PAs shown: To give a comparison to how other nations players are undervalued, here's Spain's top CA/PA: These ratings are out of 100, not 200. So it would be subtracting 2 from these values for England (in game 4). Foden, Walker, and Stones, to me, seem to be the only England players given fairly accurate values in current ability and potential ability. Many of these England players are out of their international setup all together, not starting for their club, and still receive higher CA/PA than current Spain international starters (Dani Carvajal for example). This + taking the time to accurately depict some of the personalities (especially important now w/the development changes I mentioned early) on non-English, and particularly non-EU, players would be a great step forwards in the series. I think the numbers speak for themselves here.