What slider settings are you using? I'm playing with Malaga and I have no options what so ever. All I do is pass the ball sideways since no one is making a run.
And how are you finding tactical defending, any tips for not getting insane while trying to cope with it?
Lately I've been using 65 for Run Frequency, though I may try higher. But take note, teams play quite differently this year and I've had some teams feel too static and some very impressive with their movement.
Also, player individuality is great this year. In my CM in the second Bundesliga division with Frankfurt, I switched out a CM for a lesser rated CDM, and this young and lesser CDM has proven to have just the best runs into the box from deep. Out of no where he's become one of my stars.
Last year I felt that it hardly mattered what players I would play as long as their OVRs were similar, but this year is a entirely new game when it comes to individuality. So test different players.
Also, when it comes to your teammates movement, it's critical to not out-run your teammates, so lay off the sprint button and only play fast in attack when counter-attacking makes sense. I find that the more I allow for players to make runs, the more they happen. This game really rewards patient play. Maybe too much but that's another discussion.
Tactical Defending is all about unlearning what you know. Start on lower difficulties and don't worry about it - I've been playing the full release for a week now and my ability to defend is massively better now, it's like night and day. I've gone from conceding 5 goals on Professional to keeping clean sheets 50 percent of the time on World Class. Also, it may help to turn down the CPU acceleration slider by one or two while you become used to the new system - this can come in handy when you're giving away a lot of goals to attackers that just rip you apart in your penalty box.
Just be cautious, focus on trying to force the other team into either making a mistake or playing a pass that you're ready to intercept, and learn how to time your challenges near your own goal - probably the hardest part of the new defensive system. If at all possible, only go in for a tackle in your penalty box with a CB or a very good tackler.
Also, individuality matters a lot when it comes to TD. I've now learned in my CM who are my ball winners, who I can rely on to make a slide tackle, and who are just to be used for closing down players and slowing up the opposition's attack. Unlike in 11, when all players could tackle effectively, this year I've learned to value certain players for their ball winning abilities.
For example, I used to not like playing with CDMs, since any midfielder could tackle in 11, but this year I have one CDM who has become extremely valuable for me, a great protector of my CBs, and a really good ball winner in midfield. He's crap going forward but is getting playing time because of his defense. This type of stuff is a first occurrence for FIFA.
The most important thing to do when defending this year is to do the complete opposite of what you would've done in 11 - when first transitioning into defense, immediately move your defender toward your own goal rather than forward into a tackle. Be cautious, not aggressive, at least not until you learn the new system. It's imperative that you allow your teammates to regain and keep their shape, so your number one priority should be to slow down the attack, not necessarily stop it, unless they're in striking distance of course.
Give it time and I guarantee it'll come to you.
