Scouting Tips For FM 09

Scouting is fast becoming vitally important in the real world of football. With the somewhat categorical inflation of prices that managers have been experiencing during this summer’s transfer window, the need for scouts to uncover the hidden talents of the beautiful game has never been greater.

Although I’m not here to attempt to justify the desperate need for top quality scouts in football. No, I’m here to attempt to explain how you can assemble the perfect scouting team on FM 09, allowing you to reap the rewards of unearthing that potentially decisive signing.

Knowledge

All non-players on Football Manager will have a certain amount of knowledge relating to specific nations. Be it where they spent most of their professional playing career or perhaps it is their country of birth, knowledge is particularly crucial when deciding where to send your scouts on assignments.

In this sense, if you have a scout who has full knowledge in say Brazil, they will be more comfortable in searching for talent on a Brazilian based assignment. Say for arguments sake they don’t quite have full knowledge of Argentina, but they know more about that particular country than England, you may be best served arranging the scout to scour South America for talent. I hope that made sense!
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Although don’t expect miracles just because a scout has full knowledge of a particular country. This purely means that they will be more likely to work to their full potential in a country that they are familiarised with. The attributes within their profile will have more relevance in their ability to uncover players.

Attributes

You don’t need to be Albert Einstein to work this out but when you are at the stage of appointing a scout for your club, make sure you pay particular attention to the Judging Player Ability and Judging Player Potential attributes. High attribute ratings in these two areas will most likely result in more accurate scouting reports.

Reports and Feedback

When your scout has compiled a report on a particular player, you will be the first to know about it. Depending on the attributes and knowledge of your scout, you will be presented with an accurate and extensive set of details on the player in question that can prove extremely useful in judging whether he is the right signing for your team.

The information at your disposal includes an assessment on the player’s current and potential ability, their personality, strengths and weaknesses and as well as some advice on any potential transfer, your scout will also offer an overall recommendation of the player represented by gold stars.

5 Top Tips

1. If you’re looking for the next generation of top quality talent, be sure to regularly send your scouts to youth competitions such as the European under 19 Championships.
2. When you receive a report on a particular player make sure you consider the transfer information and try and bid as close as possible to the minimum asking price that your scout considers the player to be available for. Should help save you bundles of cash!
3. Don’t always listen to the advice of your scouts, especially if they don’t have decent attributes for Judging Player Potential and Ability.
4. If you’re not totally convinced by the information that one of your scouts has relayed on a player, get a second opinion from another member of your scouting team or even a coach or your assistant manager.
5. Make sure your scouts are always kept busy. If a scout has finished an assignment, you may want to either restart the same assignment or send them on a new assignment. Dated information on a player will get you nowhere!

FM 09 - What makes a good striker?

Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Samuel Eto’o. We can all name them but what is it that makes them rank among the best strikers in the world? Well while I appreciate that different front men bring different qualities to a side, here’s a list of five key attributes that you should definitely take note of when selecting your front line.

5 Key Attributes

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Finishing

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We are all aware that the primary objective of a striker tends to be finding the back of the net so the finishing attribute is clearly of great importance. Those strikers with high finishing will be more efficient in hitting the target and troubling the goalkeeper. Low finishers on the other hand will be more prone to missing the proverbial sitter.

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Composure

While the finishing attribute refers to a player’s ability to hit the target on a consistent basis, composure is all about their knack of keeping a cool head. This is clearly vital when your striker is through on goal with a chance of scoring as a high composure attribute will see them keep their head rather than buckling under the pressure.

Off The Ball

A player’s ability to find space and move off the ball can be just as important as their decisions with the ball at their feet. The ‘Off The Ball’ attribute is associated with a player’s movement which can be vital for a striker that is looking to drag defenders away and create space for themselves and others around them.

Technique

A striker with decent technique is always a good thing. The more technically astute your front man is, the more comfortable he will undoubtedly be with the ball at his feet. A player with high technique will have a better chance of executing that intricate volley or curling shot at goal.

Anticipation

Anticipation refers to how well a player can predict and react to an event. Therefore a striker that can anticipate situations is more likely to be in the right place at the right time to gobble up that goalmouth opportunity. Works particularly well in tandem with the ‘Off The Ball’ attribute.

FM 09 - What makes a good attacking midfielder?

So what exactly makes a good attacking midfielder? Well obviously an abundance of goals, clever through balls and a bucket load of assists wouldn’t be a bad starting point. Although what are the specific attributes you should be looking out for to determine whether player X or Y are capable of being the creative force in your side?

5 Key Attributes

Creativity

If you have an attacking midfielder that is creatively astute, you might just be onto a winner. Creativity is associated with a player’s ability to spot an opening but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be able to execute the telling pass. Combine creativity with decent passing and technique attributes and your attacking midfielder is in a prime position to create chances galore.

Flair

Flair will work well in tandem with creativity and it may be worth giving the attacking midfielder in question a free-role within your team to boot. A flair player will be the type to try the audacious and sometimes outrageous to stamp their authority on a game.

Passing

As I mentioned earlier, if the creative potential of an attacking midfielder is going to be realised, then the passing attribute needs to be similarly elevated. The higher the passing attribute, the easier the player will find it to pick out and execute a range of passes and you may also want to set his passing style to short too.

Long Shots

One of the best things about both football and FM is watching a player cut inside before unleashing a 40-yard effort into the top corner. An attacking midfielder with a high long shots attribute will inevitably attempt more pot shots from range and we all know the age-old cliché that becomes particularly relevant here – ‘if you don’t shoot, you won’t score!’

Technique

Technique is associated with a player’s natural skill and will have a huge bearing on how effectively your attacking midfielder utilises his technical attributes. In this sense, a player with a higher technique attribute will be more capable of executing that tricky, eye of the needle through pass for instance.

FM 09 - What makes a good defensive midfielder?

When it comes to selecting your central midfield pairing it is essential that you consider playing a holding player as well as an attack minded midfielder. Whether he plays as a defensive midfielder with a duty to protect the back four or just simply as a more disciplined central midfielder, you will need a midfield enforcer to help stem the flow of the opposition attacks.

5 Key Attributes

Determination

You’ll no doubt want your whole squad to be a determined bunch but it can be one of the most crucial attributes for a defensive midfielder in particular. The determination attribute refers to a player’s desire to succeed. The higher the rating the more they are absolutely committed to giving their all to the cause. It certainly pays to have a determined individual in that area of the pitch.

Passing

Passing is obviously not the most important weapon in a defensive midfielder’s armoury but it is a useful attribute for them to possess nonetheless. While the traditional role of a holding man is to just get the ball and give it to a perhaps more technically gifted player, some of the best defensive midfielders on FM have proved that they themselves know how to pick a pass.

Work Rate

In most cases, your holding midfielder won’t need to be a box-to-box type player but if they have good work rate they will undoubtedly be able to utilise the attribute through a never-say-die attitude on the pitch. A will to work will result in them never giving up the ghost even if, at times, they are beaten by their opposite number.

Tackling

With a high tackling attribute, your defensive midfielder will be in his element when he is able to get stuck right into a challenge. After all, he is there to protect your back four and the better tackler he is, the more chance he will have of winning possession back for your team.

Stamina

A player that can last the whole 90 minutes game after game is always a positive for you as the manager. When that player is your battling holding midfielder it becomes even more decisive. When the rest of your team may be struggling to find the legs to carry them over the finish line, rest assured that a defensive midfielder with high stamina will keep trudging around the pitch, harassing the opposition for possession.

FM 09 - What makes a good winger?

It’s fair to say that Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the meaning of the word ‘winger’ to a whole new level during the last couple of years. The primary role of the man on the flank was once to create chances for the striker and deliver as many accurate crosses as possible. Ronaldo undoubtedly raised the bar with his flurry of goals from a wide position but the fundamentals still remain the same. If you’re looking to identify some of the attributes you need to be aware of when choosing a winger then you’ve come to just the right place!

5 Key Attributes

Crossing

As much as the role of the conventional winger may have changed over the years, I still like to persist with a winger that has an established crossing attribute. You can be confident that if you have a striker who knows how to find the back of the net, with decent supply from wide positions you can’t go wrong.

Dribbling

Dribbling is evidently key for a winger if you want him to be driving at the opposition full-back whenever possible. A strong dribbling stat will ensure your winger will be apt at travelling with the ball at feet but be sure to combine the dribbling attribute with acceleration, pace, balance and agility if you truly want the best outcome.

Flair

If you’re hoping for flashes of individual brilliance then make sure you have a winger with flair in abundance. The problem with a player that adopts the use of flair is that they will often attempt the outrageous and spectacular rather than just playing the simple five-yard pass. That said, the element of unpredictability should help worry and unsettle opposition defenders.

Technique

If you want to build a successful team at the highest level then you should really have a squad that is littered with technical ability. As a winger, technique is paramount for those at the peak of their game where technically gifted players are able to pull off that difficult threaded pass or extravagant lob over the goalkeeper.

Creativity

You won’t want a winger who is creatively a class apart to be looking to cross the ball at any given opportunity as this will clearly not be executing their full potential. Creative wingers will spot that little opening and attempt to make things happen but technical proficiency is a must for their creativity to have the maximum desired effect.

FM 09 - What makes a good full-back?

Whether you decide to play with full-backs or wing-backs, having two quality players on either side can be vital to your team as a defensive unit. And if you happen to have Cristiano Ronaldo playing on the wing for you, it is clearly imperative that your full-back is a capable defender.

Although there is so much more that a tactical system that utilises two full-back’s can offer you - and particularly as an attacking outlet. In this sense think Dani Alves but while a free-roaming, attack minded full-back is great at times, it is important that your right or left sided defender doesn’t shirk their defensive duties either.

5 Key Attributes

Crossing

As much I have said that it’s essential for a full-back to be defensively conscious as well as more forward thinking, crossing will become crucial for those players that come anywhere near the opposition’s half. Whether you are looking for your full-back to deliver from deep or more towards the byline, the better their crossing attribute the more effective they will be at delivering into the box.

Acceleration/Pace

I believe it is hugely important that your full-backs are both quick off the mark and over a distance too. A right or left sided defender that is slow will clearly struggle to track back effectively in defensive situations and he will lack the speed to beat a man in more advanced positions too.

Tackling

While I appreciate that full-back’s will not be expected to make crunching challenges on a consistent basis, being strong in the tackle will no doubt prove useful. A high tackling attribute will result in it being a much tougher proposition for the opposition wide man to get beyond your full-back which will help prevent your opponent from creating chances at will.

Dribbling

The dribbling attribute can work particularly well with the acceleration/pace and balance and agility rating of your player where dribbling refers to a player’s ability to run with the ball at feet. If you’re hoping to have an attacking full-back who makes plenty of marauding runs forward then you won’t go too far wrong by concentrating on the dribbling attribute.

Stamina
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The chances are that if you are employing a formation that comprises of two full-backs, you’re going to be expecting them to get up and back. This is where the stamina attribute will become fundamentally important as your full-backs attempt to cope with the demands of consistently getting forward and back with little time for recovery.

FM 09 - What makes a good centre-back?

While that tricky winger or decisive striker may steal the headlines for your team, the importance of possessing at least one although ideally two or three strong and decisive centre-backs cannot be ignored.

Centre-backs are charged with the responsibility of nullifying the threat posed primarily by the opposition strikers and if you can form an effective partnership, the job of shutting out your opponent’s will become a whole lot easier.

5 Key Attributes

Tackling

The lifeblood of a centre-back is undoubtedly associated with his ability to go into a challenge and come out with the ball. A centre-back that struggles to put in an effective tackle is of little or no use to you, while those that have a higher tackling rating will not only win their fair share of challenges but they will also concede less fouls.

Marking

It goes without saying but a defender with a high marking attribute will be more suited to a man-marking system. If you want your centre-halves to get nice and tight to the opposition strikers affording them not even an inch of room then look for those players that have between 17-20 for marking.

Heading

While it is not gospel that a centre-back should be commanding in the air, it definitely contributes towards the makings of the very best defenders. Look out for a player’s height and also their ability to jump when focusing specifically on the heading attribute.

Bravery

What you don’t want when looking for a centre-back to sit at the heart of your defence is a player that will shy away from a tackle and not put their foot in where it hurts. With this in mind keep an eye on the bravery attribute and make sure you consider those centre-back’s that will put themselves on the line for their teammates.

Strength

It’s not a difficult task to explain why a centre-back would need strength. When facing up against a tall and imposing striker it will be necessary for your centre-back to be strong enough to mix it up a bit. At the other end of the spectrum, a centre-back with good strength will find it easier to muscle off weaker players, rendering them a serious force to be reckoned with.

FM 09 - What makes a good goalkeeper?

It’s pretty imperative that you possess a decent goalkeeper in FM if you are to have the makings of a successful team. The ‘keeper is always the very last line of defence and knowing that you have a decent stopper between the sticks will improve the confidence you have in your team tenfold.

You obviously don’t need me to tell you that keeping clean sheets will inevitably win you matches but even as manager of a Manchester United or Barcelona, you still need a goalkeeper you can rely on when your usually water tight defence is occasionally breached.

5 Key Attributes

Handling

It’s difficult to pick out the exact attributes that make a good goalkeeper as there are so many but handling is certainly up there with the most essential. Handling on FM refers to how well a goalkeeper holds onto the ball. A low handling rating will see your ‘keeper spill shots which is definitely something you will want to avoid.

Reflexes

A goalkeeper who has decent reflexes is always a positive. With the ability to make reflex saves, your number 1 will react to the unpredictable with more success and he will be more capable of making quick reaction saves.

Aerial Ability

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If a team is looking to play the long-ball system or pepper crosses at your team left, right and centre then a goalkeeper with a high ‘Aerial Ability’ attribute will come in very handy. Whether a strong punch or safe catch is required, a goalkeeper with ability in the air will know exactly what to do.

One On Ones

One on one situations are inevitable in FM. You know, when the opposition striker is clean through on goal and with just your goalkeeper to beat. A low ‘One On Ones’ attribute will mean your goalkeeper is quaking in their boots at such a situation – not good at all. A high ‘One On Ones’ attribute will denote a ‘keeper with presence and the confidence to believe he will come out on top and make the crucial save – now that’s more like it!

Communication

Remember that rock solid Manchester United defence of the 90’s? Well much of their success was undoubtedly attributed to one Peter Schmeichel and he certainly knew how to communicate. The communication attribute on FM is associated with your goalkeeper’s ability to open his mouth and instruct his defence. A goalkeeper who is a good communicator tends to mean that he works well with his defence.

FM 09 Wonderkids XI

Imagine a team that is completely made up of some of the hottest prospects that Football Manager’s virtual world of football has to offer. It would be great wouldn’t it? Well start a game with Manchester City and you’ve more than half a chance of attracting most of the players that fall into the ‘Wonderkid’ category.

But before you go off and do just that, I’ve scoured the shortlists and tried my utmost to come up with a balanced starting eleven that represents the brightest young talents on the game. Who knows, you may even be tempted to replicate this exact team yourself!

Manager:

Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)

What better manager to develop the mercurial talents of these youngsters than Wenger. With so many fruitful years of experience of nurturing potential into brilliance, I’m sure the Frenchman would do a sterling job in bringing through the ‘Wonderkids’ listed below and gelling them as a team.

Goalkeeper:

Hugo Lloris (Lyon)

While Lloris may not to be explicitly listed as a ‘Wonderkid’ in-game, the Lyon goalkeeper is certainly one of the most promising young stoppers around. In real life Lloris has cemented his place as Lyon’s number one this season and on FM he eventually develops into a goalkeeper of world class proportions.

Right Back:

Micah Richards (Manchester City)

Fresh from impressing at the European under 21 Championships, Micah Richards is a fantastic defensive prospect. Comfortable at centre-back or on the right of the defence, the Manchester City youngster possesses solid attributes that result in him being a strong, athletic and quick defender. While he may struggle in more advanced positions on FM, Richards would command a place at the back in almost any side around Europe.

Left Back:

Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Before SI introduced the first patch for FM, you could grab Marcelo on the cheap by activating his release clause of £5.5 million. With the ridiculously high transfer deals that tend to be thrashed out on FM, bargain isn’t a word that does such a deal credible justice. That’s because the Brazilian full-back is a wonderfully gifted footballer and his versatility means that he can play anywhere on the left-hand side of the field.

Centre Back:

Cristian Zapata (Udinese)

Zapata is a commanding centre-half built in the mould of Micah Richards. The Udinese defender is strong in the air, a tough tackler and with pace to burn too. His presence at the back has drawn attention from a variety of Europe’s top clubs and it’s not hard to see why.

Mamadou Sakho (PSG)

Sakho captains his club side PSG in real life and I’m sure he would form a formidable partnership with Cristian Zapata on Football Manager. While I have never paired the two together on my own saved games, at 18-years-old, with a strong left-foot and decent defensive attributes, Sakho always rates highly on my list of potential transfer targets.

Right Midfield:

Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Pace, pace and more pace. Theo Walcott certainly has it in abundance and that alone tends to ensure that he is every left-back’s nightmare. Walcott may not be the finished product in a technical sense but with the huge potential he undoubtedly has, he is a worthy member of the exclusive ‘Wonderkid’ club.

Left Midfield:

Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia)

Mata is a quality player on FM and he has the attributes to prove it. With creativity, flair, dribbling, technique and pace, the 20-year-old Valencia midfielder has sufficient weaponry at his disposal. While Mata likes to be considered an attacking midfielder, his ability with his left-foot means that he will comfortably do a stern job playing left-midfield.

Centre Midfield:

Anderson (Manchester United)

While Manchester United fans haven’t seen anywhere near the best of Anderson as an attacking threat, the potential of the Brazilian is there for all to see. With his technique and passing ability on Football Manager, Anderson will happily spray the ball about and given a prolonged run of games, he will develop into a top class central midfielder.

Marek Hamsik (Napoli)

I always find it’s best to complement an attacking midfielder with a more defensive minded partner in central midfield on FM. There are a few outstanding young players that can play this role but Marek Hamsik beats off stiff competition from the likes of Kuzmanovic and Raul Garcia to win a place in the starting line-up. While Anderson commits to bombing on forward, Hamsik will happily sit in front of the back four and his attributes also state that he can be a useful attacking threat too.

Striker:

Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)

If you can stump up the cash to get hold of Aguero then there’s no question that you should buy him. The Atletico Madrid attacker is drawing attention from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in real life at the moment and he’s certainly a fantastic talent in the virtual world of Football Manager too. The Argentine is pacey, can beat a man and is clinical in front of goal as well. What more could you ask for from a striker?!

Pato (AC Milan)

Nurture Pato in the correct manner by fundamentally giving him plenty of chances to impress and the Brazilian will flourish. With his dribbling, technique and acceleration already near perfection when you first load up the game, Pato is already an attacking threat to be reckoned with. Given a few years of development at the highest level and he begins to rival some of the best striker’s in world football.

11 Good Players To Start FM 09 With

If you’re looking to get a head start with FM 09 and you don’t have a Sheikh/Russian billionaire owner to throw mega amounts of money at you then this is the post for you.

Yes, even if you possess the proverbial shoestring budget, here are 11 relatively cheap players that are available right at the start of the game and could make the difference between success and failure for your team.

Goalkeepers:

Sergio Asenjo (Real Valladolid)

Young Asenjo is starting to get the recognition his fantastic potential deserves in real-life after a string of impressive performances for Spain under-21’s in the recent European Championship’s. The 20-year-old goalkeeper has all the credentials to become a great stopper on FM 09 and the best part? He has an £8.25 million release clause with his current club Valladolid. Activate this clause and agree personal terms and Asenjo should prove to be your number one for many-a-virtual year.

Francisco Guillermo Ochoa (America)

He may be a cross between Gabi Milito and Carlos Puyol in appearance but Ochoa means business when it comes to his goalkeeping abilities. Just like Asenjo, Ochoa has a minimum fee release clause of £8 million and at 22-years-old he is already the more finished product out of the two. If you have the cash and need a ‘keeper, Ochoa won’t let you down.

Defenders:

Petri Pasanen (Werder Bremen)

If you’re looking for a right-back, left-back or centre-back all rolled into one then Finnish star Petri Pasanen will undoubtedly fit the bill. The Werder Bremen full-back possesses decent defensive attributes and is available to buy at just under £10 million. The fact that Pasanen can play anywhere in defence will also mean he offers your squad valuable versatility as well as quality.

Sylvian Distin (Portsmouth)

OK so Distin isn’t the greatest defender in the world, nor is he the youngest but at £8 million what you are getting is value for money. While the Frenchman is getting on at 30-years-old, he will do a stern job at centre-half and he can also be deployed as a right full-back too. Distin certainly represents a wise investment if you are struggling for solid defenders.

Diego Lugano (Fenerbache)

You would be silly not to take a gamble on Lugano if you ask me. At around £3 million you have nothing to lose for a player that possesses all the attributes required to be a successful central defender.

Midfielders:

Ibrahim Afellay (PSV)

Dutch midfielder Afellay brings you vast amounts of versatility as he can play pretty much anywhere across the midfield. His attributes show that he’s a decent attacking proposition and the fact that he can be lured for under £10 million should definitely mean he’s worth a look.

Alex (Internacional)

Those of you that have played FM/CM for as long as I have will remember a player called Alex from a good few years back. He would tend to be an automatic buy in previous versions of the game and while he’s back again on FM 09, this isn’t him. Although his name-sake is just as good, if not better and at a little over £6 million, Alex will provide goals and assists from the left and he won’t break the bank at that price either.

Fernandinho (Shakhtar)

Fernandinho scored one of the goals of the season for Shakhtar in this season’s Champions League and he will cut the mustard for you on Football Manager too. While at the start of the game he can’t be uttered in the same breath as Kaka or Lampard, at 23-years-old, Fernandinho has all the credentials to become a top class attacking midfielder. If your budget allows, I urge you to take a plunge at around £9 million.

Steven Defour (Standard)

Defour has the potential to be a real quality player at the start on FM 09 and you would be silly not to try and pursue his signature when he’s available for a measly £4 million. While he clearly needs time to develop his massive potential, Defour would definitely prove to be a useful purchase at the very start of the game.

Strikers:

Rodrigo Palacio (Boca)

While Palacio isn’t the truly greatest finisher you will ever set your eyes on, his tremendous pace off the mark will ensure he gets in behind on more than enough occasions to test opposition goalkeepers. The added bonus is that you should be able to snap him up for under £10 million and there’s noticeable room for development too.

Alexis Sanchez (Udinese)

I can tell you now that Alexis Sanchez will go on to develop into one of the best strikers on the game in time. I would advise you to snap him up as soon as possible and while he’s with Italian club Udinese, it will probably be your best chance to grab him for under £10 million. Although act fast…his talents will attract attention the more your game develops!

FIFA 09 vs PES 2009 – The Showdown

Football is full of bitter rivalries. Liverpool vs Manchester United, Inter vs AC Milan and Barcelona vs Real Madrid to name but a few. Although arguably of even more intensity is a rivalry that stems away from the pitch and onto a video game console. It separates millions around the world and the mere mention of one or the other will either bring a smile to your face or make your blood boil depending on your allegiance. It is, of course, FIFA vs PES.

For many years Pro Evolution Soccer was widely considered the top dog when it came to football games. Yes FIFA was aesthetically spot on but when it came down to gameplay and overall customer satisfaction there was only one winner.

Up until last year, the folks at Konami could bask in the limelight of eclipsing their fierce rivals over at EA Sports but after a disastrous PES 2008, FIFA had arguably edged in front. So with expectations at an all-time high for PES supporters, could Konami deliver with PES 2009 and wrestle the title back from EA’s clutches?

Ok so first and foremost let’s get a discussion about graphics and licenses out of the way. While PES has undoubtedly improved its look, where players and stadiums appear increasingly life-like, FIFA still takes some beating for me. Although when it comes down to licenses there is absolutely no competition whatsoever. With PES we still have to accept the likes of West Midland Village and Yorkshire Orange while FIFA can boast the latest kits, stadiums and club badges with up to date transfers to boot. Until Konami challenge FIFA for the rights for the licensing rights, PES will always come out second best in this particular battle.

In terms of arguably the most important aspect, gameplay, I certainly get the impression that FIFA feels like more of a challenge where you get a sense of accomplishment simply by putting together a move and getting that shot off at goal. In all fairness it does depend on personal taste but FIFA’s gameplay certainly offers that element of realism as opposed to the swifter, free-flowing and almost arcade like PES. Needless to say, if you are the hardcore football gamer that wants realism epitomised then FIFA is the way forward for you.

What about the sound on offer? Well again it’s a FIFA victory for me. The commentary on PES, while a marked improvement on previous versions, still falls well short of FIFA’s duo of Andy Gray and Martin Tyler. Not just on a personnel level either, the conversations between Tyler and Gray seem natural and relevant, mimicking exactly what is unfolding on the pitch. While the PES commentary team of Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson by no means represents a disastrous pairing, the scripts they follow are frankly awful and the same one-liners become an incredible annoyance. Throw in pretty pathetic crowd chanting and it sounds like a pretty ominous defeat for Konami.

When the focus switches to online play, there’s absolutely no contest. Konami still haven’t learnt any lessons from a woeful 2008 showing and the same problems are evident in PES 2009. If you manage to stay focused enough to persevere past the laborious process of actually logging on and finding a match room then you will most likely be faced with persistent lag in the game itself. In stark contrast FIFA 09 consumers can expect limited amounts of lag and EA can throw-in the added bonus of a 10 vs 10 online mode. PES simply can’t compete with that.

So what of the modes on offer? Well you may think that Konami have stolen the march by introducing two brand spanking new modes including ‘Become A Legend’ and the UEFA Champions League competition. While the Champions League mode is an excellent addition (bar the lack of a complete license covering all the teams competing in this year’s competition), Become A Legend is simply a disappointing replica of FIFA’s ‘Be A Pro’ mode that lacks any sort of depth or innovation. With the Adidas Live Season and Manager Mode, FIFA has taken strides to raise the bar and PES clearly has a lot of catching up to do.

So there you have it. As if you need it spelt out for you, FIFA takes the title hands down this year for me. As much as it saddens me to say this, the PES titles have been on a downward spiral for a good couple of years now and if last year wasn’t a wake-up call for Konami then this year has been an outright smack in the face.

I’ve been a loyal follower of the PES series’ since its inception on the PS2 but if Konami fail to deliver with PES 2010 then it may well be time that FIFA was vacated a spot on my gaming shelf.

PES 2010 - Top 5 Wish List

I’m sure you will all agree with me when I pronounce that the last two versions of Pro Evolution Soccer have failed to live up to expectations. EA Sports stepped up the game with FIFA 08 and 09 and arguably stole the mantle of the leading football game on the market right from under Konami’s grasp.

I produced a similar wish list for Football Manager 2010 and incase Mr Takatsuka is struggling for some inspiration for PES 2010, here’s a list of improvements I’d like to see in the forthcoming PES.

1. Improve online mode

Would it be harsh to say PES 2009’s online mode was utterly shambolic? To be honest I don’t believe it would be. I personally own a PS3 version of the game and what with the build up of lag, an inability to play with two players over the internet and also the laborious process of actually getting to a match room, there was certainly much to be desired. It got to the extent that I just gave up with playing online but if Konami can iron out a few of the said issues I would be happy to return to the lobby, as it were.

2. More licenses

It was great to have the new Champions League mode incorporated into PES 2009 but what happened to the licenses? We still had to play with the likes of London FC which is incredibly annoying especially as, dare I say it, FIFA has that inexhaustible array of fully licensed teams to tempt our allegiance. Hopefully atleast the crème de la crème of European football will again be licensed this time around but while EA holds the rights to these various licenses, expect to be playing at the Bristol Mary Stadium as North London take on Vall Violeta (that’s Arsenal vs Villarreal to you and I).

3. Make defending corners…defendable!

I don’t know about you but I am almost always left to rue conceding a corner as the resulting delivery either inevitably ends up in the back of the net or atleast ends up with the opposition having an attempt at goal. No matter what I do I can’t seem to stem the tide and nine times out of ten I come out defeated in any aerial duel. That’s not because I am woeful at defending either and I hope I will have support on this one. Although that point aside, if I do manage to atleast half clear my lines, the ball will always end up at the feet of an opponent who is free to drive towards my 18-yard-box and get a shot in. Surely this needs addressing Konami!

4. Better goalkeepers

In my opinion the goalkeepers in PES 2009 are shocking! They parry near enough every shot on goal and the rebound usually falls to an attacker who is left with a simple finish. Most of the efforts on goal are pretty tame too and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got Buffon or Casillas between the sticks, they will inevitably look for the camera save.

5. Better Commentary

Now I’ve got no problem with Mark Lawrenson and Jon Champion, ofcourse they will struggle to rival FIFA’s duo of Andy Gray and Martin Tyler, but if I hear ‘this will end in disappointment for one party, an inner party for the other’ at the kick-off one more time I swear I’m going to snap the disk! The repetitive nature of the commentary really is terrible and hopefully Konami will be aware of this and adapt their scripts accordingly.

PES 2009 Master League Guide

Are you finding it tough to get to grips with the limited playing abilities of the likes of Espimas, Valeny, Ivarov and Castolo? Left wondering when, where and how your next Master League victory is going to happen? Well fear not as this guide is designed to help you overcome your Master League nightmares, instructing you on the steps that can be taken to propel you up the Division 2 table and achieve promotion to the promised land.

Who knows, with a few slight tweaks to your Master League game plan, you could soon be dreaming of trips to the Bernabeu and San Siro, tackling Europe’s best in the European Championship! But alas, let’s take things one step at a time eh!

Playing the transfer market

If you want to develop your side into promotion contenders rather than just mid-table makeweights then it is going to be vitally important that you make the right moves in the transfer market. I always find it difficult to accumulate enough cash during the first season to make an assault on the market but if you are fortunate enough to be able to acquire a player in the first transfer window then I would strongly advise it.

My first suggestion would be to sign either a striker or attacking midfielder as goals bring you wins which in turn earns you money to spend on potential new signings! It’s always a good bet to search for players according to their openness to negotiation as this way you will filter out any targets that are simply uninterested in a move. Another good ploy is to search for players by future potential as buying a youngster with the ability to develop over a few years will certainly stand you in good stead for the future.

Ok so you’ve picked out the player you want and now it’s time to nail the negotiation process. I tend to test the resolve of the selling club in question by offering a lower amount to start with, gradually increasing the transfer fee as the weeks develop. Obviously you have to be careful not to exceed the negotiation period but this way you won’t be getting your pants pulled down over a ludicrous price. I would also add that you should be wary of your overall budget as working outside of your financial means could result in a game over if you don’t accumulate enough victories and goals.

If you are struggling to raise enough points to spend on transfers then your best bet is to arrange an abundance of pre-season friendlies. At the end of the season play as many as you possibly can to ensure that you receive enough cash to spend on that potentially decisive new recruit.
Pace, pace and more pace!

If the sub-title wasn’t a giveaway, the key to Master League success for me is attributed to a team that possesses considerable speed throughout. I would recommend that you have atleast one striker that has pace in abundance and equally important would be having two wide players who have the acceleration to test the often sluggish Division 2 full-backs.

When you are in advanced positions with a player who has decent stats for dribbling and speed/acceleration, don’t be frightened to test the opposition by running at them and weaving in and out. If you manage to beat the full-back with your winger this can afford you the luxury of cutting inside and having a shot or even laying the ball off to your striker’s who may be better placed in the box.

As important as it is to have pace to burn in attacking situations, a quick back four will ensure you rarely get undone by that frustratingly simple through ball into space and for me, speed and acceleration are equally, if not more, crucial attributes for a defender as tackling is. In addition a centre-back with good speed could prove vital in making up for the mistakes that the likes of Ruskin, Giersen, Stremer and the like will inevitably make.

Play the passing game

It doesn’t need a rocket scientist to tell you that a decent passing game will stand you in good stead for success in the Master League. Although keeping possession in the lower echelons of Division 2 really can be the difference between success and failure.

In this sense it is vital that you don’t just panic and hoof it forward whenever you have the ball in defence. Other than when you are under extreme pressure, try your best to calmly play the ball out and get your strongest attacking player’s on the ball whenever possible.

Get your formation right!

There is no sure fire formation that will guarantee success for your team but I always find that a solid 4-4-2 is the best way forward. In my experiences a team that plays 4-4-2 with three attack minded midfielders and one defensive midfielder playing the Mascherano/Essien role sets a solid foundation.

Obviously at times you will need to adapt your formation to preserve a lead or chase a victory. For instance, say you need to grab a couple of goals, a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 system would probably be the most sensible approach. Similarly if you need to park the proverbial bus in front of your goal to stem the flow of your opponents then a 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 formation will provide you with that extra defensive cover.

Squad rotation

While I’m not telling you to be as vigorous in your squad rotation policy as Rafa Benitez, possessing a decent size squad and utilising each member can prove an effective approach in the Master League.

Unlike real life, form doesn’t really count for anything on Pro Evolution Soccer whereas fatigue can be a detrimental stumbling block to your progress that needs to be addressed. I would suggest that before each and every match you should check the fatigue levels of your players on the formation screen and remove from your starting line-up any players that are struggling.

Similar to fatigue is the condition arrows that must be taken into account if you are to be triumphant in Master League mode. Try to play as many players who have red or yellow up arrows as possible as the arrows specify just how quick off the mark or sluggish a player will prove to be. Be aware that you are taking a risk by playing those that have blue or even worse, grey arrows as they will be significantly slower to react during the match.

On a final note, while a game is progressing make sure you keep an eye on the stamina bar below the player’s name and don’t hesitate to make a change if one or more of your players are struggling to keep up with the pace of the game.

PES 2009 Tips and Tricks

If you’re almost the finished article when it comes to your playing abilities on PES 2009 or even if you’re simply terrible at the game and need some advice on little moves that may help you improve then this article is definitely for you.

While I can’t promise to make you a better PES player, these hints and tips should get you firmly on the road to success and with constant practice you’ll have them mastered in no time.

The Cut Back

Cut backs are generally frowned upon in multiplayer/online play but there’s no question it’s a useful attacking ploy to utilise and is often undefendable. The cut back can be particularly useful if you are a side that doesn’t possess the strongest of attacking line-ups or merely if you are struggling to find goals from open play.

Explaining the cut back couldn’t be an easier task. Basically when you are charging through anywhere near the opponent’s 18-yard-box, instead of opting to take the shot on yourself, try simply squaring the ball to a team mate using the pass button and you tend to find they are left with a tap in.

Obviously this tactic relies on getting support for the front line, so it may be worth incorporating a system that includes an attacking midfielder or two. Good luck and let’s hope you see the net rippling on regular occasions!

The Check

One of my personal favourite moves when it comes to PES 2009 is, as I like to call it, the check. In fairness I probably over use it but there’s no doubting its ability to tie the AI opposition defenders in knots.

While you’re dribbling with the ball (I tend to find it most effective when moving diagonally towards the opponents goal) release the directional button and press R2 instructing your player to stop the ball dead. Immediately after dribble the ball away from the defender, preferably in an alternate direction, and you should evade any sort of challenge with ease. Try it out and see what happens!

The Marseille Roulette

This isn’t really a trick that I use too often but it can be extremely useful if carried out in the right areas. Obviously you don’t want to be doing it in your own six-yard-box but in the opposition’s half it can be a lethal weapon.

When dribbling with the ball at your feet rotate the directional button a full 360 degrees and hey presto. Bear in mind, however, that only a select few players can perform the trick. Sorry Titus!

The Flip Flap or Elastico

We’ve all had a laugh at our mate’s expense when he tries Ronaldinho’s signature move at the local park only to end up on his backside, looking like a complete plonker in the process. Ok so that’s me trying to pass the buck as I’ve had my fair share of embarrassments too but while the flip flap really is a difficult move to master, with PES 2009 you will have it down to a tee.

All you need to do is push the directional button to the opposite side of the player’s stronger foot and then back the opposite way while dribbling. So if you’re in possession with Cristiano Ronaldo for instance, you’ll be pressing the left directional button then the right one almost simultaneously. Give it a go!

The Step Over

While you might not prove to be as trigger happy as a certain Portuguese winger, throwing a few step over’s during a pulsating attacking run can unsettle an opposition defender. While I’ve never really noticed the step over throwing a defender completely off course, the occasional use of the move is certainly pleasing on the eye!

When running with the ball tap R1 or L2 twice and watch your player perform as many mesmerising step overs as you so please!

The Dive

I find it quite humorous that a football game is condoning what is widely considered one of the more ugly sides of the sport. Then again this is only a game and getting away with a dive would probably fill you with much self satisfaction. To be honest I don’t try them very often as I would rather just smash the ball in the net and I can safely say that I’ve never pulled off a dive and got away with it.

If you do fancy testing the resolve of the man in the middle then press L1, R1 and R2 at the same time when you’ve got the ball. Be careful though, get it wrong and you can have no complaints about having to head off down the tunnel for an early bath!

Super Cancel

While all of the aforementioned tricks and tips tend to be performed in attacking situations, this next one could be the difference between you keeping a clean sheet and conceding a hatful of goals. Positioning and positional awareness is certainly considered an influential part of the makeup of a decent defender in real life and it’s no different in PES either.

By pressing R1 and R2 together when defending you can manually move your player wherever you want him to go instead of relying on the AI. This way you can cut out that dangerous through pass or even double up with the computer (by pressing the shoot button when defending) to thwart an attacking move.

Your days of frustration are over too as super cancel can also save you needlessly conceding throw-ins and corners as you can avoid making any contact with the ball when it’s aimlessly floating out of play just short of the touch line.

Shot Feint

It’s a pretty basic move there’s no question about it but the shot feint can prove decisive in tricking an opponent and working enough space to carve out a clear cut opportunity. If done at the right time, the shot feint will leave defenders in a tangle but beware it doesn’t always come off!

To execute the shot feint you just have to press the pass button as the shot power bar begins to fill. Having consulted the PES game manual, I’m reliably informed that the feint will differ according to the directional button input prior to pressing the pass button.

The Dummy

Not only does a dummy look and feel fantastic if you get it right but in an attacking position it can help relinquish a player in a better position and give them the freedom to go on and have a shot at goal.

To carry out a dummy, just before the ball reaches you press and hold R1 to step over the ball. Although make sure you have a player behind you when leaving the ball because if you get it wrong, as well as looking rather like a dummy yourself you can be susceptible to a quick fire break from the opposition.

The Drag Back

A fancy if not spectacular trick, the drag back can be the perfect way to humiliate a mate and prove your credentials as the ultimate freestyle king of PES 2009.

Performing a drag back is pretty difficult and explaining it is even harder but here goes. Hold the R2 button from a stationary position and press the directional button in the opposite direction of that of the player’s run and then immediately press the directional button in a 45 degree angle diagonally towards the player’s strongest foot. Sounds complicated right? Well while it may take a few attempts to pull it off, don’t fret as I’m sure you’ll have it mastered in no time!

PES 2009 Reviewed

I was expecting big things from PES 2009 from the very moment I loaded up its predecessor - and not because I was mesmerised by the 2008 version.

Oh no, unfortunately PES 2008 was a massive disappointment on so many levels for me and for the majority of PES supporters too, I’m sure. Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka and his team of techno geeks at Konami certainly had their work cut out to win back the rapport of PES fantastics, some already tempted by the aesthetic allure of Pro Evo’s evil twin brother, FIFA 09. PES 2008 didn’t require minor tweaks, it needed a major overhaul.

So has PES 2009 delivered and improved on something of a catastrophic 2008 attempt? Well in a way it has to the extent that PES 2009 offers an exciting and enjoyable football gaming experience but, to Konami’s detriment, some of the old flaws still remain.

Let’s get down to basics. One of the fundamental problems with PES 2008 was slowdown. You know, when the screen literally appears to...well slow down and ‘lag’ whenever the ball was anywhere near the 18-yard-box. OK so that’s a little harsh, it didn’t happen all the time but it was certainly a niggling problem, somewhat akin to Owen Hargreaves’ knees, that fortunately has been ironed out.

Infact the gameplay in PES 2009 is something of a marked improvement. No longer will shots end up ballooned into row Z at the slightest tap of the shoot button when you’re clean through with Fernando Torres. There’s even the ability to place shots, just to make sure on that crucial one on one situation. Players feel much more reactive and realistic with their movements and there’s no more running through the post as you strive to get on the end of a searching deep cross as players bump into objects and, indeed, eachother.

With regards to graphics PES 2009 has certainly come on leaps and bounds for me. OK so for the most part you still have to put up with makeshift kits and Not So Real Madrid in terms of team names but player appearances and the general look and feel of a matchday are much better, certainly if you’ve moved on from the now rather archaic PS2 version.

A fantastic addition to the game has been the introduction of the UEFA Champions League mode. Konami have fought to obtain the licenses for the majority of clubs competing in the 2008/09 Champions League and with the signature music and intro video to boot, guiding your team to European glory has never felt so good!

Another new mode to have made its introduction on PES 2009 is the ‘Become A Legend’ mode. Not too dissimilar to FIFA’s ‘Be A Pro’, unfortunately it doesn’t have the same impact as the aforementioned Champions League feature and having given it a go on a few occasions now, I still haven’t found myself getting into it whatsoever.

On the face of it, ‘Become A Legend’ mode seems like a brilliant idea. Being able to create yourself and then line-up alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi as you take control of your destiny on and off the pitch seems a tempting proposition. Then again what PES doesn’t tell you at the start is that you have to be willing to put in hours of laborious effort in training situations to claim your rightful spot in the first team and nudge out the likes of Drogba and Fabregas. With pretty woeful stats to start with, that task becomes all the more difficult and to be perfectly honest I found it a painstakingly gruelling ordeal that really isn’t worth the effort.

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While the ‘Become A Legend’ part of the game is pretty woeful, one of my fundamental gripes with PES 2009 is associated with the AI. Yes it’s more like artificial stupidity if truth be told as goalkeepers still parry shots that they should be holding in their sleep and the movements of your computer team mates are considerably static and motionless.

Throw in the extremely annoying repetitiveness of the in-game commentary, seriously laggy online play, coupled with the inability to go online with a mate and challenge the world, and you have a summary of the various aspects that some would say deems PES 2009 an overriding failure.

So what’s the verdict? Well if you’re looking for free-flowing, almost arcade like football then PES 2009 is the game for you. While Konami have to admit that their product is far from perfect, there are enough plus points to keep you entertained for days on end. I know I have been! So onto the school report card and while PES 2009 is clearly a vast improvement on last year, there is definitely room for improvement. Over to you Seabass and here's to hoping that PES 2010 hits all the right notes.

Football Manager 2010 - Top 10 Wish List!

After much deliberation and forum consulting, in no particular order I have produced a comprehensive list of ten necessities that Sports Interactive must consider for Football Manager 2010. You will no doubt disagree with many of my choices so please feel free to use the comments section below to outline exactly what you would incorporate into FM 2010 ready for its autumn/winter release.

1. Testimonials

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to acknowledge that dying breed of the one club man by arranging a testimonial fixture for their services to your club? A glamour tie against a Manchester United, Real Madrid or AC Milan would bring the fans flooding in and would add an extra dimension to the fixture planning and media/player interaction side of the game.

2. Bring back the fun of the game!

We are all undoubtedly split in our dedication and affinity to FM. To some it is their life, to others a pass time for the weekend. Although at the end of the day FM is just a game and I want it to feel more like a game. The complexities surrounding things like training and tactics at times require far too much perseverance. I want to be able to send out a strong Manchester United team in a basic 4-4-2 formation and expect to beat a relegation threatened side at home without having to tweak my tactics at numerous intervals during the match.

3. Overhaul Press Conferences

Don’t tell me I’m the only one who sends my assistant to every perceivable Press Conference (bar the very important ones!). FM Press Conferences mean as much to me as the BBC does to Sir Alex Ferguson. The answers become mandatory and I believe this area of the game needs to be developed further as it can clearly has the potential to work.

4. 3D Match Engine

I don’t know about you but I turned off 3D after only a couple of games of trying it. It just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe I’m too old fashioned and completely susceptible to change but I really haven’t seen the need, as of yet, to switch from the classic 2D blobs that still manage to fit the bill. The 3D match engine is clearly still in its early stages but unless it’s improved drastically, I won’t be interested in using it again for another season of FM at least.

5. Match day Experience

The match day experience should really be the lifeblood for FM and I don’t feel like Sports Interactive can safely say they have delivered with decent results. The AI of both human and computer players is at times shocking where on field reactions and movements can often be likened to that of an intoxicated Titus Bramble ice skating on one leg.

6. Tactical Sliders

Arguably my biggest gripe with FM and I am sure it is being addressed but I just can’t comprehend the need and point for the sheer amount of tactical sliders. Why can't I send out Lionel Messi and tell him to be creative and express himself rather than have to nudge a slider seven ticks to the right hand side to get the desired effect. At the moment it’s just not realistic.

7. Chairmen Interference

Chairmen don’t really do a great deal on FM 09. They don’t have any personality and rarely have any involvement in the game. Yes, it’s Football Manager not Football Chairman but wouldn’t it be a nice addition to have your billionaire Sheikh demanding that you sign big name players or he will take matters into his own hands? I seem to remember this sort of thing happening on a previous version of the game and I’m all for bringing it back for FM 2010! Why not throw in Directors of Football too?

8. Realistic expectations

Ok so you’ve just achieved the proverbial miracle of breaking into the Champions League with West Brom in your first season in the big time. Your fans love it, your chairman loves it but you know deep down that it was a one off. The following season you finish tenth in the league and get knocked out of Europe by Barcelona. Jeremy Peace shows you the exit door as a result of underachievement. I’ve seen it happen and it needs to be addressed.

9. Penalty takers (See who wants one!)

I, for one, hate having to rely on attributes when it comes down to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out. Because that’s exactly what it is. A lottery! You’re bustling centre-half may not be Francesco Totti from 12 yards out but if he’s got the balls to step up to the plate I want to know about it.

10. Make sure the game is ready for release

The problems with activation were well documented with the launch of FM 09 and I’m sure the guys over at SI don’t need me to tell them to do everything in their power to avoid a similar predicament. Although the main problem I find and it happens every year, is that the game is never really completely playable until a patch is released a couple of months after the game becomes available on the shelves. I know it’s difficult but if SI can deliver a first release that is relatively bug free and we don’t have to wait for a patch, then everyone will go home extremely happy, I'm sure of it!

I hope you enjoyed reading my suggestions and I look forward to hearing yours!

As featured on Soccerlens