Chat with EA Reps about Autobuyers and search issues

Unfortunately I did something rather stupid by listing an IF Cabaye for 5.3k and not 53k...so the IF team will have to wait till a Benatia sells, but I did have a word with EA Customer Support about their stance on autobuyers.

Here's that conversation!

It worked for Pele and us XboxCC guys, perhaps EA simply need more external pressure

 

SahilThanks for contacting EA Customer Experience, my name is Sahil. How may I assist you today?

 

youHello there , I have a general question about Ultimate Team

youwhat are EA doing to tackle autobuyers?

 

SahilYes please go ahead

 

youyesterday the webapp had a little wobble and I accidentally listed my IF Cabaye for 5.3k instead of 53k, my fault as I know by now not to trust the terrible webapp until it settles, but today someone else had this lag problem which caused them to list a player without a 0.

youIn both cases our cards were bought within 5 seconds, ABdul (auto buyer strikes again)

youI didn't have time to log into my brothers account and trade the card, because of the autobuyer, but without it I would have saved my card.

youAs with the Pele issue, where he is still not in packs (false advertising) I siply wanted to know what EA's stance was on this issue.

yousimply^

 

SahilI understand what you are trying to say and First of all I apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.

 

youthat's okay, as I said I've done enough listing to know I must wait until the webapp settles

 

SahilAnd I would like to tell you that we are well known of this issue and our terms or service is currently investigating the accounts of suspected players and everyday our team is banning accounts of large number of suspected players.

SahilI know that better because I am facing so many customers everyday whose accounts are getting Banned.

 

youWell that's good; EA has always kept quiet about their existence, it is good to see them tackling the issue with force.

 

SahilIt takes time to investigate these kind of issues

SahilAnd I make you assure that this issue will get resolved very soon.

 

youI guess investigating and identifying are two different things (only 2 of the top 100 traders have played any games). Well that's good to know from you, thanks.

youI did wonder though are these autobuyers affecting the search issues, because I find it's a real pig to search at the moment....worse than ever in fact.

youI'll show you an example

 

SahilI would really appreciate if you help us by complaining against any player of this kind you came across by following the below link: http://help.ea.com/article/how-to-report-cheating

youI will do

 

SahilThat is much appreciated

SahilIs there anything else I can assist you with?

 

youhttp://ultimatebuilds.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/fifa-ultimate-team-search-on-webapp.html This is my FIFA blog, I have a few blogs, but it clearly shows how broken the searching it

youis^ not it

 

SahilThanks for providing it I would surely forward it to the concerned department.

 

youI noticed this is occuring especially when a number of cards are put up at a high price, so if the IF card is 20k and many put non IF cards up at 15k, it is difficult to search for the 20k card...if that makes sense

youI have always been one for helping out the smaller guys, I just hope this great concept of a game can be fixed...sometime in my lifetime

 

SahilI understand that

 

youat least it's keeping you all in jobs!

 

SahilIt would get fixxed very soon, trust me.

 

SahilIs there anything else I can assist you with?

 

youokay, well I didn't come to complain or anything, I just wanted to make these issues known. I don't need any hep with anything else unless you can unfreeze my FIFA 13 Ultimate Team items! ha; just kidding, I have written to EA head office about them.

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.

FIFA 14 - High pressure, unbalanced

I'm a football fan; the expression and creativity that can be achieved in the game make it a worldwide phenomenon and is mirrored by the popularity in football games.

In FIFA 13 it was clear that team-mate press was dominating the opposition and was made more effective by auto-tackle; FIFA said in 14 auto-tackle would be barely noticeable (and it is less of a feature) but when you face an opponent that uses high pressure auto-tackle is twice what is was in FIFA13 and more annoying due to the different dribbling in this edition.

I personally like the new dribbling motion, it's more realistic, but high pressure make games a real chore and for the vast majority of players a ridiculous feature to play against.

If you have one of those games where you simply can't get past the opposition, especially in the middle of the pitch, and need to put together 20 or 30 passes, or many switch of plays just to work your way up the park you're probably playing someone using a custom tactic of high pressure and aggression.

Basically this custom tactic tells his computer controlled players to get in your face, and if you've ever played single player mode on Legendary or Ultimate difficulty you'll realise how excellent the CPU AI is at closing down play and getting the ball.

If by this point you're shouting 'bloody hell yes, what's up with those games?' you're probably losing them to counter goals that usually finish with a lobbed ball, this is the other problem with high pressure, it is a constant counter creator. Mix those facts with how awful change player is and you're getting a raw deal from the game.

For those of us who don't contain defend this is even more frustrating as we struggle to change to the correct man, who is usually lying down on the floor after a barge from the opposition.

So what can be done? Well throughout FIFA13 I was present on the EA FIFA forums and continually made the point to the community manager Robb (decent guy actually) that one idea would be to drain the containing or pressuring players stamina by huge amounts.
Or to reduce their concentration stat/increase their error rates. In real life when players pressure highly they do lose concentration, do get tired and do make mistakes yet EA and FIFA haven't seemed to realise this.

So what are FIFA/EA's options?

1. Highly drain the stamina of containing and/or high pressuring players.

2. Reduce concentration/increase error rates.

3. Remove auto-tackle entirely thus an onrushing player is useless unless selected.

4. Make every high pressure player miss the tackle entirely unless selected

5. Remove the high pressure option

6. Remove custom tactics

I have listed them in preference order, personally I'd destroy the concentration and stamina of those people using high pressure and contain and I'd also continue punishing contain until it became the same as defending by selecting a player. Some AI is fine, but all AI is dictating how the game should be played and creativity is the beauty of our beloved game.

FIFA needs to change, the football is dwindling and we've been left with a gamers game, if Konami are around perhaps it's not just about licensing; someone needs to put the football back into football games.

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.

Bundesliga/Serie A IF's

I spent a little bit more on this team but felt Campagnaro was a good purchase for future teams, especially as Garay got an IF.
Three of these players have been reviewed in the first IF team and you can find those reviews here, happy to transfer them here though.

Sorrentino - 13k - Good keeper but not spectacular, have been beaten from silly angles which is annoying but he is a decent stopped who rarely costs me the game and has also kept great clean sheets. Good Italian keeper for cheap chemistry but it doesn't matter too much in this formation. (8/10)

Cannavaro - 10k - The legend has found himself a position that suits him, his heading is excellent despite his height, his defending fantastic and his desire to stay back admirable  I would pull him back as much as possible because it's rare anyone will skill/turn past you. Give up a yard and it feels like 10, but he's great and nostalgia put him here...that and cost. (8.5/10)

Campagnaro - 39k - I spent big but he is decent. His work rates do find him coming forward and he isn't the quickest but he also isn't the slowest and with good positioning and use of the barge he will strip the ball from anyone. His passing is decent, and control average so I have no real problems with him. I have used him at 4atb too and he's quality. He doesn't struggle with 3atb and does a good job for me. (8/10)

Inler - 13k - Feels slightly slow and cumbersome but when you take that on board he is a quality defensive player. His tackling is fantastic, passing more than adequate and positioning brilliant. This is very useful as Hunt isn't the best defensively. His shooting is decent and strength when shrugging off a man great which makes him dangerous on the edge of the opposition box. He doesn't comeinto the final third a massive amount but he'll make an intelligent run if you 1-2. In 352 he's brilliant, bit quicker and he'd be epic; I'll try the 2IF at some point. (8.5/10)

Bonaventura - 9k - Great winger with a good cross. What more do you want from a LM! He is quick, strong enough, decent in the tackle and has an okay shot. His passing is absolutely fine considering his rating and adds a solid left side to this team. (8/10)

Arnautovic - 13k - He was a striker as a NIF and he feels like one, his strength and pace allow him to cover the right well for me and defensively he is solid but I find him difficult to run with and his touch feels laboured and more suited to inside the box. When you get the ball under control he is very strong, and has some decent skills and attributes including shooting and crossing. Passing wise he could be better as through balls are not that effective for me but when in the box it's worth have a crack; and he will try and get forward. (7.5/10, but I feel I am the problem not him)

Montolivio - 39k - I bought him and sold him after 10 games due to cost. He has a great pass, great cross, brilliant shot, good positioning but you'll notice his lack of pace. When the ball is being moved to him he is very good but I find when it's being played around my players he can be difficult to find. When you do find him he links play very well and has a tidy touch, but it feels tidy and not incredible. I plan on purchasing him again because it can take time to get used to players but he didn't wow me like others have done. (7/10)

Pazzini - 11k - Initially I used him in 451 and it didn't work very well for me, in 352 he is a lot better and available in the right positions. His strength is great but it feels like he is barging rather than using his shoulders to muscles past; his shooting is good and he will find the back of the net from tight angles but at times I find it difficult to slot the ball into the corner. His touch isn't incredible but he'll take it down easily enough and give you a chance at passing or shooting. His crossing is okay but not anything special; but when he's in the box his heading is noticeable and his movement very good. He isn't prolific for me but others rate him very highly (8/10)

Gomez - 28k - I managed to get him cheaper during a happy hour and I used him in a variety of roles before deciding on this one. I wanted Ibarbo but the cost was ridiculous and Gomez has that high attacking work rate the cheaper Serie A IF's don't have. Gomez has a great cross, good touch but doesn't always feel blisteringly quick as his stat suggests. His turning and shooting in the box is very useful and I find his right foot great. I have used him on the left wing in the past and he is great here, this is why I chose to play him as a striker in a 352 and Pazzini's head/scoring rate is now benefiting.
Short and long passing is better than average, but he's rarely a pass master, skills are strong and ability to chase down the ball strong; unlike him.
I have tried him as a CF but he didn't quite work that well for me, perhaps I'll try again in the future but as a 352 striker he is an effective player and you don't notice the lack of strength too much. (8.5/10)