FIFA 15 Post Patch, a desperate mess

FIFA 15 was a game with flaws, in fact my signature in the EA FIFA Forums is, and has been for quite some time,

'Better than 14, better than 13, more bugs and flaws than both put together.....FIFA 15 a glorious mess.'

Pre-patch the game was flawed in a few aspects, kick off positioning, high pressure/aggression in custom tactics, ice hockey tackles, zigzag dribbling and long through balls but it retained user input as they key to enjoyment.
Post-patch much of the freedom has gone, contain defending is back with a vengeance, possession play has been stifled hugely and defending manually has become an ungodly nightmare.
Add to that through balls being even more overpowered, zigzagging still a feature and kick and run with pace a key ingredient and you have a game that feels, plays and stinks like FIFA 14....oh and crossing is back.

FIFA 15 had many problems but it allowed any sort of player to play their style, if you play possession you could ping pong the ball around midfield nicely, if you defend to attack you could sit back and play counter, if you wanted to stream forward in numbers you could play that style and get yourself a high scoring game, you could play football even if the mechanics were often against you, there were fun matches even when you lost.

Post patch the mechanics are against you, the gameplay is against you and the AI is against you, the game is a dull, uninteresting, stifled sham. I started to learn how to adapt, midfield was a place of traffic so I chose the wings, goals, goals, goals, I had a few games of letting the AI do some of the work and I made sure I was keeping the ball, but I was always left thinking how the game used to play, and how pre-patch I was playing football, even if others were playing Ice hockey by knocking down all my players or American Football with a Hail Mary/punt return at every opportunity.

FIFA 15 is now FIFA 14 reincarnate, it gives very little and takes so much away, in my opinion the new patch needs to be removed with player positioning from kick off remaining; then they can work on the mechanics abuse.

The game is a glorious mess but it's not far from being a triumph, maybe they lack the flexibility to make changes that address certain problems but they need to at least return it to the freedom to play game it once was, perhaps then they can look at changing the zigzagging, long though ball and most importantly aggression/pressure abuse.
Make a game for football fans and not gamers, gamers have had too many editions modeled in their honour.

As a final mention I wanted to outline what I felt FIFA 15 should have worked on for this last patch, and what the new patch changed/how I think it has caused problems -

What they should have worked on
Kick off player positioning
Push/pull abuse
Players being knocked down
Referee's actually calling fouls against the super aggressive/push pull abusers
More stamina use for constant chasers
Real consequences for high aggression/pressure abusers or the removal of them as custom settings
Long through ball errors hugely increased/accuracy actually reduced
Player switching errors; they switch randomly and to the wrong player (on manual, air balls and auto)

What changed and it's potential consequences
From EA - 

Issues Addressed
• Gameplay improvements to defensive positioning and lob through balls
My thoughts -
Dribbling/first touch -
As well as auto tackling and being much closer/rushing into the opposition defenders seem to affect the first touch, a little like high pressure/aggression does, so you can be left taking a rough first touch, turning slowly and moving into a defender. Face up players come right into you, especially AI ones and so clearly players defensive positioning is affecting the likelihood of a defender taking the ball.

Passing -
Short passing is much rougher now, I find it's better to look forward than at the play unfolding because you can't play tiki-taka, you have to plan the attack avoiding the AI. The first touch has changed as has dribbling so the best passer must play the perfect mechanical pass and not the one which works for your style. My Xavi has gone from a nippy pass master to child dodging traffic while bending a pass around a force-field.
Crossing is actually much improved, sadly at times to the point of FIFA 14; I had a game were I scored 5 headers, 2 with Higuain, 1 with Cerci and 2 with Dos Santos, attackers appear to make slightly better runs, or perhaps defenders take worse positions.
Long through balls are still useful but it seems the shorter chip ball is a fantastic choice and extremely accurate.

Attacking -
Well clearly the game now has a deep back line and solid AI predictor, play offline and you'll see AI really is the game's main problem and feature. Attacking has been stifled completely, you can get chances but patience isn't always worthwhile and most people use the AI to make a tackle in midfield and counter, ergo FIFA 14.

Defending -
Well I defend manually and am now having real problems making challenges, not entirely sure why, but when I do tackle it goes back to FIFA 14 where the ball is moved out of reach, or the opposition runs right through my player getting the ball back with ease. I did defend using contain, team mate press and doing nothing and I was pretty damned effective, I felt quite sorry for my opposition because I wasn't really thinking.

Hopefully we can get FIFA 15 back, I don't need FIFA 14 2.0. If the game remains as is it'll definitely find Pro Evo as a competitor in my gaming library, I hear it's a well rounded game this year.

Update -
There was a 120 page thread in the EA FIFA forums about the patch problems, with many people referring to the how's and why's. Sadly EA have ordered their Community Manager to close any threads relating to the patch and so it'll soon fade away as though there are no problems. It's a real shame that as a community we are treated this way, we are only here to buy their wares.
Here's the thread link for anyone seeking people in the same boat, it might make us feel better to see many thousands of others losing patience with EA and the FIFA Developers.
Sadder still, it was a community writer who started the thread but when the pressure became too great he switched sides as though he forget there was a thread.
http://forum.ea.com/uk/posts/list/2974308.page

This video by soetiesoetie examples the largest problem with the patch update, pay attention to how little he actively defends, how often not selecting a player retains possession (even when the ball is bobbling between two players), and the opponent who does try to make tackles but continually fails.

4222 All IF's; lots of fun

After the BPL 4231(2) success I had a Ligue 1/La Liga fitness team alongside it, it didn't work and the players simply didn't suit so I knew I would have to use them somehow.
Following on from a 4222 team with IF Milito and IF Pandev I decided to use this fun formation for the previously beleaguered players and with great success and entertainment.

 Dida - 18k - Dida is a great keeper with a god awful right foot. From distance he's rarely beaten, unless the shot is low, he punches a fair amount but he's incredibly quick which means mopping up long balls and his rushing at attackers is fantastic. His throwing is quick and accurate and his kicking very good, just use his left foot, his right really is atrocious. His shot stopping is amazing and the crosses he likes to come for actually get taken. I haven't used the best IF keepers from this game but so far Dida has been my favourite IF keeper, and one of my favourite keepers in the game. Mistakes are few. A great buy especially for chemistry. (8.9/10)

Marquinhos - 26k - A must for future teams due to his chemistry in Ligue 1 and Brazil. He isn't the tallest but he is one of the quickest and that pace will really help you out. His heading isn't the best but fortunately his pace lets him cover those mistakes, which is good because his tackling is excellent. Positioning wise he's good and he's not as weak as you might think when looking at him. He doesn't come forward that often and he passes excellently; so far I haven't got many complaints apart from his heading and I'm glad of him in my teams. (8.2/10)

Miranda - 40k - Expensive but due to chemistry worth it. For my playstyle he's a silent assassin; he makes very few mistakes, wins many headers even against the tallest and is great at covering the back line; maybe it's the pace. I really can't complain, I have used in many of my teams and his tackling, awareness and strength really shows. His passing is average (not bad) and he's another shorty at 6 foot but don't let that put you off; he might be 40k but he's fantastic in game and for team creativity. (8.9/10)

Carvajal - 13k - Carvajal stay in your position! That's my only complaint. He's a mini bull due to his lighting pace, his tackling is very good and his agility lets him make headers awkward for the opposition, though he doesn't win all that many. His passing is superb and his crossing is brilliant and that's good because he never stays back and if not charging down the wing is probably helping out in central midfield. For some reason I don't mind though as he's a good defender and he plays a quality part in my attacks. Well worth the coins, plus Spanish and at Madrid; that has to be a good thing for chemistry. (8.5/10)

Digne - 24k - A great defender but also a guy who likes to get forward so sometimes caught out of position, he's never in central midfield though. Not quite as devastating as Carvajal when in the final third but better alongside an attacker when heading and making tackles. He's a strong enough player, he has enough pace to cope with many of the quickest and he has some decent passing and crossing. A left back who does what an all round full back does, defend and attack. (8.5/10)

Raul Garcia - 10k - In FIFA I feel dribbling goes a few ways, the excellent dribbler, the poor dribbler who thinks he's Messi and the boat. Boats are interesting because they force you to be thoughtful with your movement; Garcia is one of those, but what a boat. When forward he has the quality to move away from a defender and pass/shoot, in defence he has the strength to hold off the man and roll the opposition; he's an interesting player indeed. His shooting is good but not excellent, always on target not always testing, though it can take a while to get the shot off. His passing is brilliant and playing through balls is great fun, his short passing is strong too as it means you can play tiki-taka with a beast. He's great in the air, strong and good in defence and in general he's involved in everything good. He is a CAM who is a better CDM; for me that's a great compromise in attack and defence. (8.5/10)

Matuidi - 42k (risen hugely since, should drop....) - A good player who supports everywhere but doesn't feel as strong or as mighty as his NIF; he is still strong though. His passing is improved and his shooting feels like a real shot, still not very good though, but all in all he does a CDM's job excellently with great tackling, sudden bursts of destroying 4 or 5 of the opposition and a constant willingness to support his team mates. His ball control is pretty decent for CDM too, which means taking a touch and run is good fun, especially in this open formation. I really like his NIF and for different reasons (his ability on the ball) I like his IF just as much. Don't expect to win too many headers but do expect to tackle the hell out of the opposition. (8.7/10)

Cabella - 18k - I had used him in a 4231(2) team and he was decent, though very weak, so I was excited about having him less isolated. His 4* WF and Skills show, his touch is very neat and his dribbling superb but he gets bullied off the ball unless you shield the ball, strangely though I've done this quite successfully even with this tiny guy. His passing is great and his runs are brilliant; and I know in some ways I can always beat a man either passing and making a run or dribbling past them. When you beat the first man the second usually clobbers you but knowing this allows you to adapt your game. His crossing is superb and his free kicks good when close to goal, he also likes to beat the offside trap which is a blessing as smaller players find it harder to make an extra yard by shouldering the defender off them. I like Cabella, if he were 2 inches taller he'd be a star as it is he's just excellent. (8.7/10)

Dos Santos - 31k - I had his 1IF (first in-form) and he was very good, but I thought for the same price I'd go for the second one and there is an improvement. His dribbling is sublime and his pace is a real bonus, his skills come off easily (4* WF/Skills) and although I used him on the left in another team he is very good on the right too. He seems fairly strong on the ball, passes extremely well and creates a sense of relaxation when you get him on the ball. On the left his crossing was devastating but on the right it's still very good; his shooting is great too so cut inside, use those skills and get a shot off. His work rates mean he doesn't defend and he can't always be bothered to go forward but it's fine, he has skills and Carvajal has the willingness. All in all he's a brilliant CAM and I'm sure a brilliant striker; a bargain so get that 2IF before someone decides it's worth 50k+. (9/10)

Ben Yedder - 15k - An interesting player with some great and very average abilities. Finishing wise he is absolutely lethal, when taking one touch and a shot he scores so very often, and he also makes excellent runs despite having medium/medium work rates. He does have the beat the offside trap trait, though blink and you'll miss them so he does get called offside a decent amount. His pace is good at getting past a man but seems average when running away from someone. His dribbling to get past a player seems very average and his ball control isn't always the best but his passing is very strong for a striker which can be very useful and he is able to use a skilled dribble very well. He is 5"6 though so you won't be barging your way through anyone; and although he has good heading it feels very difficult to beat a defender in the air. (8.3/10, on his finishing alone)

Javi Guerra - 20k - Guerra is a hidden gem, his has unusual work rates for a striker M/H but don't let that fool you; his attribute is making critical runs. He is strong, quick enough and has a great header as well as a good finish but isn't anywhere near as clinical as Ben Yedder. His runs are superb and is always arriving at the right time for a header or late pass but he does have one flaw, very poor dribbling, though it is manageable you need to think about what you're about to do instead of reacting. His passing is okay and his defending excellent which is good in this formation as in 4222 the middle can feel lonely. I really like using him and I think he's a star, much as he was in FIFA13. A fantastic bargain silver, especially when you consider silver IF's can be very expensive. (8.5/10)

Part 3 - All IF BPL

I am skipping past part 2 because I wasn't completely happy with my team and am waiting till the end of the week before buying a replacement, however I did make a team I was happy with all thanks to the great Team of the Week 18.

Firstly prices on higher priced IF's (around 30k) have halved, now is a good time to buy before the horrible price fixers raise the prices again and everyone builds the same cheap Serie A team.

The BPL Guys

Guzan - 11k - As a Villa fan I was excited for this card but so far he's made life very difficult for me; top corner shots he's great with and his throwing is brilliant but low shots and handling are miserable, 4 of the 6 goals he's conceded were entirely his fault. He has the limpest wrists of any keeper I've used and can't seem to push the ball away at all (unless it's to push the ball in the goal), he also comes for the ball on crosses but stays in his poor position and so rebound goals are always likely. He looks small despite being 6"4 and feels to have no real presence. A real let down which was a surprise. I need a new keeper and Adrian will be next in line. (6/10...because I'm a Villa fan)


Caulker - 19k - Sadly Caulker is now around the 30k mark, but Brown is a good alternative if you're on a budget. Caulker is tall, strong, quick and mobile; that suits me fine. His tackling is great, positioning very good and there's not a lot to complain about. He does what a good defender does; defend. He's no world beater but he'll keep you in games and when you see that spammed long ball you'll feel less bothered. Passing is decent enough too and he doesn't get caught on the ball like other defenders can. (8.5/10)

Winston Reid - 12k - Tall enough, strong enough, quick enough and with good work rates but isn't the best defender you'll use. His defending is more than adequate but you get the feeling he's going to miss a tackle or be slow to turn, and then it happens. His pace is perfect and allows you to cover mistakes but I don't like making mistakes and so I keep him back to make the tackles rather than meeting the attacker. He blocks the ball well so that's a bonus and as a BPL IF he's a bargain at 12k. (8/10)

Figueroa - 10k - He's a left back now! Always getting IF's that attacking centre back has probably found his best FIFA position even if he's not quite Baines. He wins headers, can pass, shoot, dribble and strike a ball but he's a jack of all trades who gives you options rather than quality. He's definitely a centre back playing left back rather than a true LB but I think that can be helpful with the right attacking option in front; sadly I have Sigurosson but that's a different review. His chemistry potential is a pain, so hybrids need Koren, but he's just as annoying so you're better off with full BPL. All in all though he's fun to see on the pitch, does things well enough and is extremely cheap. (7.5/10)

Riether - 15k - Tiny, weak but angry. He's quick enough for a right back but needs to stay back more as he's no Abate when getting back into position. When getting under the body of the opposition he's very good but he's a last ditch tackler as people regularly knock him down and go straight through him. He is nippy and agile which means he can make unusual tackles but he's not the best defensively and with Johnson not caring about defending can leave the right side exposed. His crossing is good as is his passing and when he gets forward usually creates danger in the box. Also he has green chemistry with Per Mertesacker which is good for those who like slow Germans. (7.5/10)

Barry - 10k - Who cares about pace when this guy is patrolling the midfield! His tackling is great, bursts forward brilliant and positioning excellent; you don't need a lot more in a CDM. His passing from the back is strong but getting forward he can play some lovely intricate balls to running teammates, his shooting is very average. So far so good for Mr Barry, he's a great tackler who is strong and well equipped to stop an attack, plus he can pass. 10k very well spent and not much more to say! He also has high defensive and medium attacking work rates. (8.9/10)

Cabaye - 25k - So small but so good at it all. He can defend well enough, he passes brilliantly, strikes a ball well from distance and dribbles nicely. His height is his only real downfall, though a bit more pace would be nice, plus better work rates, though he makes up for it by playing sumptuous passes and testing keepers at ridiculous ranges. He's another jack of all trades but a master of passing and shooting, his free kicks are immense and his corners great though he does get bulldozed off the ball if you don't use his neat dribbling, which with high aggression can be a pain,;but he can pass so find a man instead! Don't go for headers. (8.8/10)

Sigurossen - 20k - Gylfi is a great player in real life and I've always wanted to try his IF but sadly he's not quite Jurado on the left and I am still getting used to using him. He doesn't make crucial runs all that often (M/M work rates), seems less nimble on the ball than past FIFA's but still retains a hammer shot and superb free kicks. When he makes a run he's strong enough to keep a defender from abusing his lack of pace and when you're on the edge of the box he really comes alive giving you options of nice passes, good crosses and an excellent shot; however in 4231 it can be tricky to get a slow M/M work rate player to get forward. He's a front man who is probably better suited to 433 but he doesn't disappoint, he just doesn't add enough to make him irreplaceable. (7/10)

Johnson - 10k - 4* skills, yey! Though he's pretty weak and doesn't get forward enough I was happy to have his guy in my squad and using a scoop turn to evade the opposition. He's by no means quick but he has a neat turn, with strong shooting and excellent passing, plus he has a 4* weak foot which gives you good options to go inside or take the man on outside. Under high pressure he too gets steamrolled but he dusts himself off and next time draws a foul. Nothing to criticise really apart from a tad lack of pace and poor work rates but he's dangerous in the final third and definitely a keeper. Eventually he like Gylfi will go to a 433 team. (8/10)

Lallana - 19k (price fluctuates a lot) - More skills even if he is tiny. Sadly he doesn't have anything spectacular apart from skills and a strong weak foot but all the same he's a guy who likes to get forward and has enough attributes to be a danger. His shooting is adequate with a good finesse attempt, his turning on the ball is handy and short passing excellent but he doesn't play the best through ball. His new position though is a bonus and allows his natural attacking flair to shine a little more. He takes up good positions but unfortunately can get knocked down before receiving the ball. In 4231 I do prefer my CAM to be a little more robust but it just means I am practicing skills and dribbling instead; Adebayor can be my strong man. I'd say he adds to my team and when playing well he's a constant danger which allows my wide men a chance to get involved. (8/10)

Adebayor - 18k - Having used his NIF many times I knew what to expect and so far I don't feel there's a huge improvement over his already great NIF. In the air he's fantastic, in front of goal a monster but sometimes he prefers to be a CF and not a ST. He does however let me scoop turn and perform other fun skills and with his decent passing he is extremely useful. Apart from the work rates and lack of agility he's a really great striker but give him some time to get forward and he'll score for fun. He's strong, neat on the ball and deadly from distance/with finesse, goals come easily to this man especially on the volley, I can see him in lots of my future teams. Get one now before people decide he's worth 40k. (9/10)

Team Analysis
It's a great team to use but relies on passing abilities up top rather than always taking on the man, your full backs can prove very useful in this formation but make sure you're aware of where you wide men are when the FB's come forward. A wide man who wants to get forward would be a bonus and as the year develops hopefully a new cheap IF will offer that, but so far so good for wins, goals and entertainment. I really enjoy playing with these guys even if you're likely to get an Ibarbo SHHHH! along the way; I have my own robot dancing Adebayor!
If I could replace anyone it would be Guzan, Sigurossen (for better work rates) and Reither due to height; everyone else plays their part very well.

FIFA Ultimate Team; search on webapp doesn't work!

How broken is searching?!
No wonder I've not been able to find any!

In these two gif's you can see me searching for IF Bendtner yet on one search none show; suddenly loads pop up.

20 mins in, 8k-29k; none found.

But this time, 15mins in, 8k-30k search....loads found...qué?!

I increased the upper bid figure by 1k but it's happened a few times where no IF's showed no matter how many times I searched.

Here I searched 25k-30k and hey presto, they all showed!

Search really doesn't work.

Also I built my first All IF almost discard team and it's actually quite fun; I am building another to back it up so I'll post them just after New Year.

Welcome to the Cheap Seats

Before I unleash my FIFA Ultimate Team review I'd like to post the teams I've been using over the last weeks, unfortunately I haven't had time to trade like I did last year and so I'm back to making discard teams, this time the cheap gold variety.

The two teams I'm posting are the ones I've been using in seasons and they've done well for me. Once again folks I do not contain, long ball or use that horrible auto-tackle so hopefully the reviews I make are a fair and honest assessment of how a player might perform for you.
The first team I chose because I wanted to use some higher rated player and couldn't afford the high costs of BPL, Bund and La Liga players. I have made a few Russian league teams too but the draw of Galatasaray was too much. Interestingly a few of my players have chemistry styles, I don't pay much extra for these (200coins) so it's worth looking at if you have a player who lacks somewhere.

Mandanda - Needed for chemistry reasons but a decent addition to any team. I added Cat chemistry because I wanted his positioning improved, his height can cause problems from long shots and so far he's only let in a couple. Also he is terrible on the ball, throw or kick the thing don't drop and make a little run....it's a sure fire way to give someone a chance. (7.5/10)

Nkolou - The FIFA 13 wretch is back, still with pace but with less ability to defend. He got sentinel chemistry, as did the other average defenders. Quick, strong enough, misses a few headers but overall god enough to start in a team. He covers Wesley who plays higher up for me but he's the sum of the parts and not the rock; great at rushing attackers though and I recommend you use his for that as the rock Chedjou will cover missed tackles. (7.9/10)

Chedjou - Though FIFA is extremely pace based 14 is less focused on this and so someone with a defensive brain is really helpful. His tackling is great, heading strong unless it's a high ball, positioning brilliant and tracking excellent; very strong too. He is often the last line of defence and I'm always happy with that because he rarely make a mistake and mops up those horrible through balls. He can defend so Anchor chemistry gave him more pace to make sure he could do that little more with the Ibarbo's of this world. (8.5/10)

Bedimo - An interesting player, his pace and strength lets him get back and cover pesky through balls but he does wander forward and out of position more than I like. He does a job, and to be honest as a possession player that suits me fine. Great tackles in the box due to his strength and this is imperative in FIFA. He does love to run forward and overlap. (7.5/10)

Sarioglu - The most interesting player in my team, I was going to use Eboue but with a M/M workrate I decided the trade off between height and pace made him my first choice. His positioning is very good, and reminds me of Rafael from FIFA13, his pace lets him chase back and put off crossers and his crossing itself is great. His height and strength is a problem for sure but Chedjou next to him helps a lot, he is always available for a pass which I find fantastic plus he seems to make intelligent runs forward and his pace turns him into a great second winger. (7.9/10)

Melo - Melo is epic and always everywhere. He is a defensive monster, an attacking threat and a good passer for a CDM. The H/H work rates suit this formation brilliantly especially as Sneijder is a lazy bugger. Not much more I can say about him as he is practically perfect. I will put a Chemistry card on him and I think it will be to improve either his dribbling, shooting or passing. (9/10)

Inan - Feels very similar to his TOTS card in FIFA13; strong on the ball, great passer, good long shots (if you can get them off) but a bit laboured on the ball. He really is a M/M guy, he stays in the middle of the park and when he gets forward struggles to get back. I do like him and sometimes he is incredible for me but in an attacking sense I can't seem to consistently make use of him and he usually covers a charge forward/wandering Bedimo. Great defensive positioning. (7.5/10)

Sneijder - In silvers I use a lot of 4star skill players but they are too costly in golds, in this position I would much rather a more skilled player but Wesley is one of those interesting sorts who can win games due to fantastic passing and great snap shots. Amazing set pieces help. He is neat on the ball, but not that strong, has a mean shot and superb pass and spends his time in the final third. He makes good runs to find but sometimes if you're coming out of your own half he's difficult to get the ball to. His 5* weak foot is great for me and should be used. (8/10)

Amrabat - A good all round player who makes decent runs and is a real thorn in the side for my opponents. He is right footed, which can be annoying when crossing, but 4* skills makes cutting inside fun plus he has H/L work rates and 90 pace which means he's always getting away down the wing. He is strong enough to get away but I stuck on Deadeye Chemistry because I find his shooting below par, especially finesse shots. and it has helped but to be honest he makes plays (not chances) for better players especially as he is so good on the ball. (7.5/10)

Huntelaar - This team was based on Galatasaray and I needed a formation that would suit full chemistry, I couldn't afford Farfan at the time but felt the chance to get two high rated players for less than 3k was well worth investing. Huntelaar started slowly for me because I am more used to playing like Arsenal but I soon changed my approach and use his devastating shooting and incredible positioning to better effect. So far he gets at least a goal a game for me and anywhere in the box he is lethal. Pretty damn handy from outside too, if you get a chance. Also he is great to get forward, strong and available to hold up the ball as others get forward. All round a great player and even if he's not that quick I use wingers if I need to run away with the ball. (9/10)

Farfan - I chose Farfan due to chemistry and I was very happy to see his price was less than 3k, 2.3k later I had my man and suddenly I realised why he was rated so highly. For me he is excellent, he is very strong, has a mean shot, more than enough pace and a devastating cross. He gets assists for fun and goals when I decide to get one. His is a 4* skiller which is great but the M/M work rates can leave him chilling behind Sarioglu, which is fine as Sarioglu can cross. When you get alongside your man Farfan usually comes out with the ball and I find his link with Huntelaar translates in game as Hunt gets many goals from his guys work.(9/10)

The fitness team, I had a Russian league team and Diakite so I decided to make it a party. It's fun, very fun.

Abbiati - Brilliant keeper; makes the occasional mistake but generally is a terrific shot stopper. Good distributor too. Not much more to say about him but that he'll always be in contention for me squads. Solid. (9/10)

Mexes - Great defender, good in the air and strong everywhere else. Isn't the quickest but is pretty strong which means he can drag someone back as someone else covers. He is decent on the ball and able to pass which is a real help. A great discard defender. (8.5/10)

Diakite - The heading machine; he wins everything in the air and makes Drogba shirk with confusion. He isn't the best tackler but he does get back quickly, and powerfully which is good as Debuchy enjoys a venture forward. He does wander from his position and is quick poor on the ball but he stays back which is really helpful. (7.9/10)

Ansaldi - Ansaldi is average; he doesn't feel pacey even if he is, he is strong enough but nothing spectacular and he wanders around like he is sight seeing. Sometimes this is perfect as he's always available for a pass but sometimes it's baffling to watch his 'runs'. He is another guy who does a job but isn't spectacular, even if he has a good cross and overlaps well, maybe the fact he is quiet for me is a good thing...this team has done very well for me. (7/10)

Diarra - A hilarious player to use; a mighty midget who thinks he can do everything. He comes back for keeper passes, is regularly there for the last pass but can't really shine in front of goal or behind the back line as his shooting is poor and passing sub-par. No complaints though as defensively he is great; he wants to help out and that's fine...maybe one day I'll move to assisted-shooting and make the most of him. Used in a 4231 too and he was great. (8.3/10)

M'Villa - A strange concoction of brilliant and useless; he has scored some wonder goals for me and missed some sitters, similarly his passing is either brilliant or awful. Decent on the ball and very quick but nothing special in terms of a midfielder and used for his defensive abilities and occasional attacking luck?.. (7.9/10)

Britton - I needed a solid RW link to help Diakite fit and Dyer was my choice. I was a bit apprehensive using Britton but after 45mins I was sold. He is a good passer, neat on the ball and has a good shot. He does a lot of the link play for me and with Dyer is a good attacking outlet. All round he surprised me a lot and my enjoyment of this team comes from the right hand side which really does step up and perform. Britton is an interesting player that should be tried as he is always available for a pass and has a quick one touch lay off. (7.9/10)

Dyer - Dyer is brilliant and his work rates and pace make his useful everywhere. Don't get in a physical battle with anyone unless you're charging away and getting pulled back but do use those 4* skills and bamboozle defenders before making a pass to make a run. His passing is more than adequate, shooting useful and crossing very good. He is weak, and using him helped me learn how to shrug of the silly jockey/jostle technique that is abused but he is literally always available for a pass of some short. He simply isn't all pace, you just have to use him properly. (8/10)

Danny - Another player who doesn't quite hit the mark but does add a lot to your team. He is strong enough on the ball to hold someone off once, with excellent skills and a nice finesse shot but he doesn't score as much as I'd like even if he's brilliant at moving away from his defender in attack. I'd like him to get forward more but he has a Medium attacking work rate which can leave him behind the line, in this formation you do need you winger to make a run forward but I do like using him. When I improve my skills his silky dribbling will be really effective. (7.9/10)

Cisse - An all round great player who as a CF lacks a little in terms of passing but is a bull on the ball with a fantastic header. His dribbling is average even with 4* skills but if you get a straight line run, then run to another straight line run, he's very good. I used him in a 451 as a striker and he was decent but since going CF he has scored a lot more for me. I think a chemistry card with passing would help him a lot as his link up is either great or poor and usually dictated by whether the pass is with his back to goal. (back to goal good, on goal, poor) (8/20)

Silvers; some teams.

Many people on the EA forums have asked to see my Silver teams and I felt I should post them here too.
None of them are overly expensive but I found them all fun to play with and more importantly successful.

For those who are unaware I never contain or team-mate press and throw in a lofted ball when they should be played not because it's easy. I try and recreate football in real life and so I have tried to build teams that allow me to enjoy the game and enjoy my play.

Multiple silver cup winners; dynamic, great passers and quick. Destroys 352 and is good on the ground and in the air. The midfield keeps you safe, defence solid and attack dangerous...what more could you want.
Also very cheap!

My fun skills team; my midfield is solid in defence but could do with some more attacking options, Baier pulls the strings...just about. When the ball goes to the front 3 I can absolutely dominate. Power header up top and natural footed crossers with 5* skills. Quincy on the right is a monster. I made this to learn how to skill wing containers, it has really helped me.

The silver dominator's; I didn't want to make one of those horrible 352 Belgium Pro League teams so made this; discussed in a previous post it's fantastic and the skills in the front 4 make game play very enjoyable

This is the fitness team to my 4231 above; plays really well and is enjoyable. Not as dynamic as the Norway hybrid but it's just as fun and probably more enjoyable on the deck.

I spotted and 8k silver IF and thought...hmmm, Denmark...so I made this! I also had the back 3 lying around never used and thought I'd try and hybrid them. It plays well even though the CAM needs better ball control. You can get away with that by Playing Mikkelsn on the left and Thygesen as CAM.

I needed a cheap 352 fitness team so made this; plays well, is strong everywhere and pretty easy to get victories. I'm not a 352 fan though because it becomes too easy to go defensive and just hold midfield winning the game on counters. The front 3 are incredible.

This was my first ever silver team and it cost me pennies; it's great fun and still down well for me. I think Romulo on the right needs replacing but other Brazilian RM's are very expensive.

After many attempts I finally won a silver tournament with a combination of these two teams. Players are out of position now as I have tried them elsewhere but I made it as workrate responsive. Two full backs who stay back, a rapid CM who does the same and quick wingers complemented by a creative force in Melikson and pure pace and hard shot from Oliech.

This is the fitness team I used with the team above, it was every bit as quality as the Ligue 1 451 and I managed to rotate them in when fitness reduced on the team above.

I wanted to make another national team but Ghana had some problems in defence, however making this team rekindled my desire using cheap players. It's great fun and people regularly as me who the hell my striker is. Boakye is his name and he's an odd combination of an unskilled doorstop who makes stunning runs and finishes from anywhere when he decides it's his time. Lass on the right is a gold killer; he's very direct.

This was my first ever serious hybrid. I added the IF GK later on. It's great fun to use but had to add Pasquato for Marilungo on the left due to nobody being able to take a freekick. It's definitely sound defensively but don't do any dribbling with Enoh! Very quick up front and amazing in the air.

I needed a fitness team to the 4222 hybrid above...this team....well sometimes it's devastating and something its size really lets it down. It's always fun to play with and cutting in is a joy. I am only just at the level of being a decent skiller so I'm going to come back to it, though I am now using Quintero in a 4231 Colombian team so I'll go to Valdez...who is good but oh so weak.

If anybody wants mini player reviews, or to know their names I'm happy to do that; leave me a comment asking for it and I'll be happy to edit the page.

Silver 4231 Chemistry; some hybrid ideas

4231 has always been a fun formation for me, and with the right players can devastate the opponent.

In an earlier post I have an IF Ligue 1 4231 team and since then I've made a lot more, apologies for not updating my IF teams; I've had perhaps 15 since then; but last week I decided to use untried silver players in a 4231 formation.

This is what I came up with, and it's great fun to play with.

I'll do a run down of the players but this post is about chemistry and some great 4231 examples to help you along.

The 4231 formation needs a few key components to make it work well; a CDM who defends and plays the ball off, another who can but also passes well, wide men who are quick or skilful, and a striker who can finish well, and even better, with both feet.

As a quick run down, Holebas is excellent and feel very tall, he might come forward but he's quick enough to get back; Whittaker is similar but he seems to keep his positioning a little better.
Mariappa is brilliant and is complemented by the high quality Federici, Manolas is poor on the ball but a decent defender who stays back excellently.
Maniatis is always coming back to support the CB, which is very useful and though he isn't the best dribbler his passing is more than adequate, Tettey is similar but he's more of a ball chaser which he does brilliantly. His passing is a plus for me, though when I am able to play the ball to Drage I prefer to use him.

The combination of Drage, Huseklepp and Tettey lets me work the ball around well, and when on Fetfatzidis' side I use his 5* skills to beat a man and either make a run or find Huseklepp or Elyounoussi who is always on the move.
Elyou and Hus are incredible finishers, from every angle, though Hus isn't a playmaker in any way he is more than able to play CF , though I am tempted to swap him with Drage, who's passing is superb.

That's the team run down but this is my main attraction; chemistry.

Sometimes when you make teams you find you don't have quick enough full backs or centre backs, or even CAM's. Hopefully this guide will help you eliminate those annoyances and find perfect chemistry links with good players.

If you look at my South African build I am using two Germans to create full chemistry; South Africa lacks a good goalkeeper, and Sangweni the CB is good but other options are thin on the ground...I needed a solution as I really like my SA team.

These two Germans are Kirchhoff and Muller from 1. FSV Mainz 05, Bundesliga.

Both suit the roles well, Kirch is quick enough and a great defender and Muller is excellent. 99 Chemistry.

The following teams are full chem examples of players that would suit 4231 in either CAM, LB/RB, CDM, CF or ST and have the work rates and qualities to do so.
Interestingly if you have a CAM and CDM, same nationality/club your full back just needs one green link and one orange, this is very useful in using excellent players such as Fagner.

Attacking combinations. (CDM M/M)

Defensive combinations - CDM L/H

I have tried to include the correct positions, so for example you would play Sansone as CAM and Meggiorini as ST to give you full chem between those players. Sansone as CF wouldn't work.
Tyson for example is left footed and a wing player, perfect for this formation so go hunt down a cheap CF>CAM card. (ST>CF cards are free aren't they)

Many more examples exist, of these well suited silver players. Ledesma for example has been bossing the defence and attack of my Argentina 433 team and is a brilliant player.

I haven't gone for the most expensive players in each position because I feel many people want to try out various silvers without the hassle of spending loads of coins.
Kayal, Brown, Izaguirre are good trio options, Izco, Alvarez, Dybala are others  but you'll find CDM players like Brighi, Richarlyson, Toro, Weis and Allan all offering brilliant options for green lines within their league.

I stick to the following rules, one CDM 69 pace plus, ideally 73+, the other good all round player, quicker.
Both CAM's above 80 pace, and with good acceleration if under 85 pace and a CF above 75 pace, dribbling ability with either finishing/play making as the main strength, 4* WF if possible.

Hopefully the teams above have given you an insight in to how a hybrid 4231 could be set up with those sorts of players.

If anybody wants any Bronze teams shown do let me know, I have some great ones.

The Ligue 1 victors

I am slowly updating this thread as I have built many cheaper IF teams but recently I used those coins to build a team that I am
1. Keeping, and 2. Really enjoying

Ruffier - 16k - Great keeper but prone to being a bit confused on corners. Good one on one stops, tip over the bars and rarely palms it to a striker but he is all round and not spectacular like IF Adler. (8/10)

Kone - 18k - I read a few reviews on this guy and thought he sounded decent; he really is. Strong, quick enough, great tackles and a man mountain. Sometimes his control bounces the ball around the back, conceded a few that way, but I'm placing it down to FIFA and not him. His heading is good, his mobility decent and his defensive desire strong. We all like high def work rates but being in the right place at the right time is as important. (8.5/10..almost 9)

Chedjou - 12k - I was cautious due to his pace but decided on him either way and I'm really not disappointed. He isn't quick but he is agile enough to get into a defensive position and either stop cut backs or make crosses awkward. He isn't the tallest or the strongest but his tackling is great as is his positioning; on the ball he rarely makes and error. A solid player who is very capable when paired with a quick full back. (8/10)

Tremoulinas - 20k - I did say I'd get him for 20k and I did. In fact like busses two came along at once. He really is good, I like in NIF and his IF is just as decent. He is always available for a pass, quick enough to dispose of the quickest and agile enough to make that tackle when his strength isnt enough. In attack he is everywhere and has a decent cross, if you hold up an attacking player with a midfielder he will usually track back in time. (8.5/10)

Revelliere - 12k - I also have Fanni but Rev feels better on the ball and better at defending. His ability to tackle is evident, as is his inability to head but his pace makes up for a lot and he is able to get back and cover his position very well. He feels more like a midfielder than an overlapping full back but that suits because he plays on the same side as Pitropia which means I have an outlet pass. Though he looks like he might be a push over his is strong enough to battle for the ball and dedicated enough to do so, always good when players battle for the ball. (8/10)

Barton - 12k - Now I really didn't want to buy Senor Barton but his stats forced my hand and his performances have impressed. Strong, quick enough, great tackler, aggressive and determined but doesn't come back enough. His passing is absolutely fine are he doesn't misplace too many though I don't through ball with him much. I don't shoot from distance too often but he does have a good shot and his corners are decent enough. As a CDM he is brilliant as he is constantly involved and does a great job breaking up play; I loathe to recommend such an arrogant man but he's great. (8.5/10)

Cohade - 10k - Great player who would be world class with 5 more pace points, 1 more weak foot stat and a through ball trait. His passing is first class, his shooting decent and his tackling and involvement superb. He outclasses Barton in every match. In the opposition half he is always around for a pass, able to find his man, and turns plenty quick enough. In his own half he is always making challenges, is positioned brilliantly for counter attacks and players run off him well. All round for 10k he is unbelievably good....I had planned an upgrade for this team but it's a hard choice because Cohade is so effective and Barton so useful. (9/10)

Traore - 21k - He isn't a CAM but he is a good player...which makes him decent enough to play in midfield. It is a tricky one, he has a good shot and decent cross but lacks the pace and trickery to take on his man. His work rates also make him a tad ineffective in attack but when forcing him to run he does an excellent job, is great on the turn and is a better than average short passer. He is strong enough to keep the ball and does find the overlapping Tremoulinas with passes to the outside. It's a good way to make use of the medium/medium work rates.
I would like to play him as a CF, and Martin as CAM but I have Marvin in another team and I'm not sure how much better he'd be. Traore's free kicks and corners mean he is staying in this side but perhaps as a CF he'd be better...its serious competition for that position though. Not in any way disappointed with him but he isn't really a CAM in a 4231 and is better suited to CF or * in a pair. (7.5/10...in this team)
Worth every coins though; don't be put off as he is a well rounded player.

Gomis - 17k - He is brilliant as a CF and while it'd be nicer if he defended some more (only makes tackles in the final third) his shooting is great, control decent enough, pace adequate and positioning fantastic. Always in the right place he works really hard for me in attack and has a decent pass too. He is very strong and able to hold the ball in a variety of scenarios (back to goal, man on you etc) and bullies people at will. His heading is noticeable especially if you hit a long clearance need someone to nod it back/forward to relieve the pressure. At corners he is great and he regularly scores braces for me. The best CF I have used so far....which is weird as I thought the work rates would be all wrong. Top scorer in this team with 15 goals in 16 games. (9/10)

Pitropia - 36k - I needed something quick in this team and here he was, converted to CAM I thought hmmmm, quick and rubbish I bet. He's actually not that bad, I play a passing game and he fits in well. He is obviously quick enough to outpace most, I was running Alaba everywhere this afternoon...no cut backs...just wanted to tire him out.
He can cross well enough, has a decent enough shot, excellent footwork and a strong desire to make a run. His first touch is sometimes sublime sometimes head turningly bad but he makes up for it with blistering pace to pressure his mistakes. In the air he is decent and although lightweight has the agility to get around his man for tackles/5050's. He makes up for the slow pace in the middle and that is a useful balance, you can rush forward with him but he's actually more than just 90+ pace. (8.5/10)

Bance - 17k - Bought him for my Bund team but with them Burkino boys I felt he had to be added. Not overly quick but very strong when you don't run with the ball.  He can score with both feet which was a surprise because he is so bad controlling with his left but he plays well with his back to goal and I've found he has a better sidestep than most when in the box. I am still using him on 6 chemistry as I am saving to afford his Bund replacement Mandzukic but so far he has 15 goals in 14 games in this team. His shooting really is great as his desire to get forward but his passing is average and you need to keep it short unless a player is completely free; I bought him on someone's recommendation and I'm not disappointed at all. He really is a good player.  (9/10)

This squad has been updated to include Matuidi -

Matuidi - 30.5k - Excellent player but lacks a little obvious strength; he is quick enough to catch most attackers, has the aggression and defensive ability to get the ball but sometimes you will find yourself bouncing off the bigger man and struggling to get in front to make a tackle. His heading is decent but his height poor which means it's more 50/50 if you win the header, or whether you can position yourself well enough. He is agile though so it makes a difference when coming for a header. His tackling is great and is a mini-brick wall in this respect, passing is absolutely fine and simple through balls are perfect. Being left footed helps in this formation especially when bursting through midfield with his pace. His shooting is underwhelming but square it to Traore or Barton and you'll be fine.
All in all if he had a high defensive work rate and was bigger he'd be a star player but he is terrific nevertheless.  (9/10)

First FUT IF Build

This was the team that started it all off and although it started as a 451 I got Ya Konan and Arango for cheap and so I thought hmmm, why not try a whole IF Bund team even though pace wise it's a bit of a concern.

Sokratis - 13k - Quick, strong but small and likes to be out of position; has a high defensive work rate so does well sitting back and not helping attacks. I like him as he is mobile but he is cumbersome and feels quite small. (7.5/10)

Matip - 11k - Feels huge; strong, quick when he gets going and shoves people with ease. On the turn he is slow and passing/ability on the ball isn't fantastic but he is a defender who stays back and gives good protection. (7.5/10)

Hunt - 14k - Good but not great player even though defensively he isn't the best; good passer, decent on the ball, not brilliant but quite decent running with the ball, better than good passing but not excellent though seems to be involved in everything. (7.5/10)

Meier - 10k - Got him at a bargain as he is usually a CAM but he's an interesting player; sometimes he is amazing and every pass goes straight to his man but other times I cannot believe he is a footballer. Makes important challenges though and is very strong; any short dropping long balls are yours no matter who they have as he is a monster in the air. Don't dribble though; pass away or take a touch and pass as he is very slow and dribbles in stages rather than in motion. Other options I would rather try but I can't afford them and at 10k I really can't complain. Oh and he has a decent long shot but in the box he's terrible because his shots take forever to wind up and even outside it that wind up can see the ball getting stripped. I think I need to change the way I play with him. (7/10...just about)

Ya Konan - 10k - 352 might not suit him in the middle of the pitch but coming back and in the final third he is very useful. He gets tired quickly and is a little slow to control the ball but when released with a bit of space his shot is very dangerous from many angles and his crossing is okay. He has good pace but is caught by the quickest full backs and sometimes he's not making runs when he should be all in all for the price paid he's a bargain with lots of good attributes to make your team tick. (8/10)

De Bruyne - 14k - Great player and a strong attacker with some desire to help in defence. Good long shot and decent finish and his passing will release players even if mine make strange runs. Overall I am very happy with him and he was a great cheap alternative to Holtby who seems like a decent player even though he is expensive. Another one for the future. (9/10)

Arango - 13k - What a player! Shame he has absolutely no pace whatsoever and no skill moves. He certainly does avoid using his weaker foot though his passing and crossing really is a joy. I am still trying to get used to using him in 352 as you just cannot take on a defender with him (well I can't) but his inside passes and balls to strikers are brilliant which does make up for the lack of paace. If only he had high attacking work rates because his pace makes the long shot difficult to get off and it would be useful if I could find him consistently in the final third. Probably better in a 4321 but I will continue to play with him to work it all out. (7/10...just about)

KieBling - 11k - So slow, so every so slow but a bull and when chasing a ball next to a defender and he usually strips them for a chance to shoot. His shooting could be better even though he does have a lot of power, his heading is excellent and his movement quite amazing...don't through ball a chasing ball though he won't make it but he will drag defender which for De Bruyne is a good thing. Involved in everything but up front you have to be clever rather than quick because his touch for a shot can be laboured and he can seem cumbersome. Passing is decent though not amazing. Needs a quick partner and I have Bance....hmmmm....other option was Ibisevic ha. With someone quick near him he could really be useful simple due to those incredible runs and constant movement...gets tired quickly. (7.5/10)

Bance - 17k - Bought him because someone said I should and I am starting to get used to him. He is available for passes in midfield, as KieBling is, but it can be difficult to run away from defences unless you're going to the corner. Quicker that KieBling but his shot isn't quite as good even though it is quicker to get off. He can score with both feet which was a surprise because he is so bad controlling with his left but he plays well with his back to goal and I've found he has a better sidestep than KieBling in the box. Again with a quicker striker I think he could be quite useful because he is strong, absolutely brilliant in the air and will hold the space between the striker and midfield quite well. Again this has been a good way for me to use the quicker De Bruyne because I lack someone out and out quick in my team. (8/10)

Ter Steggen - 13k - At first I really liked him but he is very inconsistent and can make some shocking decisions such as palming the ball to defenders or missing the ball entirely. On occasions he is unstoppable but since I have bought Adler and he is absolutely brilliant. (7.5/10)