Blog – Page 2 – FIFA Career Mode Tips

January 2, 2019

Welcome. Today we’re going to show you how to edit your squad or kit numbers in FIFA 19 career mode.

Whenever you sign new players or promote players from your youth academy, the game will automatically assign them a number. Unfortunately, this system is less than perfect. Often you’ll get players receiving numbers that wouldn’t be given to a player of that position, or a 16 year old gets given the number 7 shirt for example. This just ruins the look of those shiny new FIFA 19 kits.

To remedy this, we’re going to show you how to change kit numbers quickly and easily.

How to Change Kit Numbers in FIFA 19

1. Open Career Mode

Go into career mode and load (or start) the save you want to change kit numbers in.

2. Go to Squad tab

Switch to the squad tab.

3. Open the Squad Hub

You should see a tile near the middle of your screen that says Squad Hub, select it.

4. Select Player

Find the player in your squad whose number you would like to change. From the small menu that opens up, select ‘Change Kit Number’.

Change Kit Number in FIFA 19 Career Mode

5. Change Kit Number

Using the left analogue stick, scroll through the numbers. If you hover over a number that is already occupied by another squad player, it will show which number they will be pushed onto. Otherwise, find the number you’d like for that player and select it.

6. Save

Don’t forget to save when you’re done or you’ll have to redo it all again.

How to Change Kit Numbers for an International Team

In previous years, you weren’t able to change the squad numbers for your international team. This was a huge frustration. However, FIFA 19 gives you the option. Simply switch to your international team in the squad tab and follow the instructions from step three above.

Traditional Squad Numbers

As a rough guide, here are the ‘traditional’ squad numbers. Obviously this doesn’t work as well if you’re using an alternative formation with a back 3 for example.

GK = 1
RB = 2
CB = 4
CB = 5
LB = 3
CDM = 6
CM = 8
RW = 7
CAM = 10
LW = 11
ST = 9

Underrated Strikers in FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 31, 2018

We know that ratings are a dicey subject every year. Most fans disagree with the ratings given to their favourite players and some players even disagree with their own ratings.

We’re not going to add more fuel to the fire by offering up opinions, but we can take a scientific approach to the matter. The way that players are rated in career mode means that certain stats won’t affect a player’s overall rating. This means that the number everyone obsesses over doesn’t tell the whole story. So we wanted to show you some underrated strikers from FIFA 19 that have more going for them than their ratings suggest.

Underrated Strikers in FIFA 19

Here’s a selection of the best underrated strikers in FIFA 19.

15. Cristhian Stuani

The 6’1″ Uruguayan is currently playing for Girona. He’s 80 overall but unlikely to grow beyond that given the fact that he’s 32 years old. Has plenty going for him including good stamina, short passing and penalties.

14. Santi Mina

Also rated 80 overall but the 23 year old has the benefit of having 85 potential. He’s a hard worker with decent stamina, pace and agility. Currently playing for Valencia CF in La Liga.

13. Vincent Aboubakar

A striker with five star skill moves will always come in handy. He’s pacey, got good stamina and his vision and short passing stats mean he’s useful for pass and move styles. Currently rated 80 overall but has 82 potential.

12. Mario Mandzukic

Mandzukic is a good example of a highly rated player that can still be ‘underrated’, he’s 84 overall. If you want reasons aside from his aerial threat, he’s a good passer and crosser of the ball and is reliable from the penalty spot. He also only just misses out on the engine speciality, which is impressive for a 32 year old.

11. Alassane Plea

Aside from his 81 rating and 83 potential, there are plenty of reasons why Borussia Monchengladbach purchased him in the summer. Pace and solid stamina are key for aggressive, pressing styles. He’s very well rounded across the board in fact. Crossing, free kicks, shooting from distance and short range passing are all well within his abilities.

10. Jamie Vardy

The man who led the line for Leicester during their fairytale Premier League winning season still has plenty to offer despite being 31. Aggressive and hard-working, he’s more than worthy of the engine speciality. Still deadly in front of goal with an 82 rating but his main strength is his blistering pace.

9. Mariano

The Real Madrid striker has an impressive 85 potential, but only an 80 rating at present. Worth a look if you value pace, stamina, free kicks and long shots. He’s also got four star weak foot ability.

8. Wissam Ben Yedder

The 81 rated Sevilla hitman has plenty going for him. Four star skill moves and five star weak foot to start with. Not the tallest at 5’7″ but makes up for it with great jumping and agility. Quick of the mark, can get involved in build up play and deliver accurate crosses.

7. Richarlison

We consider him underrated at 79 overall and he probably still will be when he fulfils his 86 potential. Possesses decent pace and isn’t far off earning the engine speciality badge. Very well rounded with solid passing ability. He also has four star skill moves and five star weak foot.

6. Kevin Gameiro

A great option if you just want a regular forward, but he’s still an underrated striker in our books. 31 years old but still has an 81 rating and hasn’t lost much of his pace. Useful in quick build up play and always reliable from the penalty spot.

5. Marko Arnautovic

Again, it might seem strange to suggest it but we definitely think 82 rated Arnautovic belongs among the underrated strikers. Not slow by any means, solid range of passing and can whip dangerous crosses into the box. Four star weak foot and skill moves prove he’s not just a target man.

4. Kevin Volland

If you don’t mind a striker that isn’t particularly strong in the air, 81 rated Volland could be a great buy. Other than that there are no real weak spots in his game, he’s a good distance shooter, free kick taker and an excellent passer. High work rates and high stamina mean he’s considered an engine too. He’s still only 26 so can comfortably reach his 83 potential.

3. Alex Teixeira

He’s 28 years old and is unlikely to grow beyond his 79 rating, but we’re going to convince you he’d be a great addition to your squad. Four star skill moves and weak foot to get you started. Beyond that he’s comfortable with distance shooting, penalty kicks and short passing. He’s also got solid stamina but best of all is his incredible pace.

2. Elkeson

Also likely to stick at his 79 rating and has four stars for skill moves and weak foot. An excellent penalty taker, rapid acceleration and great free kick ability are all good reasons to buy him.

1. Wayne Rooney

Perhaps controversial but Rooney had to make our list of underrated strikers. His rating has been cut to 80 overall now that he’s playing in the MLS and his pace has gone, but he still possesses all the technical ability that served him well at Manchester United. Four star skill moves and weak foot as you would expect. Good with penalties and can score from distance, deadly from free kicks and has an excellent range of passing.

Agree? Disagree? Got other players you think are underrated? Let us know in the comments!

How to Edit Players in FIFA 19 Career Mode

FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 29, 2018

How to Edit Players in FIFA 19 Career Mode

We never really saw the point of editing a player’s appearance but then we discovered two key uses for it. Firstly, it gives you the ability to edit players that have just transferred to your team. Nothing is more annoying than a player wearing an accessory that don’t match your club’s colour palette. Secondly, it’s useful for styling youth players, so they aren’t stuck with bad boots and turtlenecks.

How to Edit Players and their Appearance in FIFA 19 Career Mode

1. Load up Career Mode

Start a new game or load the existing one you’d like to edit players in.

2. Open the EASFC Catalogue

Press R3/Right Analogue stick (whatever you call it) to open the EASFC catalogue. This is where you’ll find other items like Scout Future Star or International Manager Offer.

3. Locate ‘Edit Players in Career’

Scroll down to Level 15 and you should see the Edit Players in Career item. There’s only one as it unlocks the ability for every career mode you’ll play.

4. Open the Menu in Career Mode

Scroll to the squad tab in career mode and the Edit Player tile in the bottom right should now be accessible. Select this option.

Tottenham Hotspur Career Mode in FIFA 19

5. Select a Player

From your squad of players, select one that you’d like to make changes to.

6. Make your Desired Changes

Change whatever you like about the player in question. We’ve included a list below detailing all the possible options that are available to you.

7. Save!

When you’re done and want to back out, make sure you select ‘Save and Exit’.

What can you change when you Edit Players?

Boots

Here’s the complete list of boots available in career mode to start with, there are also over 80 styles of boots that can be unlocked in FIFA 19.

adidas

JOMA

Propulsion Lite – Blue/Lime

LOTTO

MAESTRO 200

Mizuno

Morelia Neo II Japan
Rebula 2 V1 Japan

New Balance

FURON 4

Nike

Hypervenom Phantom Elite DF
Magista Obra Elite DF
Mercurial Superfly Elite
Mercurial Vapor Elite
Tiempo Legend Elite

Pirma

Pirma Imperio Magno

PUMA

FUTURE 2.1 NETFIT
ONE 18.1 ‘IL’

Under Armour

UA MAGNETICO PRO

Umbro

Medusae II
UX Accuro II
Velocita 3

Standard

Black
Black w/ stripes (Green, Red, White or Yellow)
Blue w/ White stripes
Gold
Green
Grey
Light Blue
Maroon
Neon Green
Orange
Pink
Purple
Red
Red w/ stripes (Black or White)
White
White w/ stripes (Black, Blue or Red)
Yellow
Default (the player’s existing choice)

Ankle Tape

Yes or No. It’s available in Black, White and Grey.

Waist Style

Determines whether the player’s shirt is tucked into his waistband or hangs over it.

Kit Fit

Normal, Tight or the Team’s Default option.

Sleeves

Short sleeves, Long sleeves, Undershirt only or Undershirt and Turtleneck.

Gloves

Yes or no. Available in black, white, light blue, blue, navy, red, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, brown and burgundy.

Wrists

Gives you the ability to add Sweat bands, Bracelets, Tape or Boxing tape. Available for either or both wrists in the following colours: black, white, light blue, blue, navy, red, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, brown and burgundy.

Sock Height

Gives you the option of choosing between Normal sock height, High socks or Low socks (like Jack Grealish).

How to Unlock Career Rematch Ability in FIFA 19

FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 27, 2018

Here’s a few scenarios for you, at least one of them will sound familiar to you. You’ve got a routine league game against relegation fodder after convincingly beating your title challengers. You’re in good form and rotate slightly for the match. The opposition will then put in a performance that peak Barcelona would be proud of, despite the absence of any players with an 80 rating. You’re left shell shocked at the defeat and wondering how they did it.

Perhaps its the time your defender decided to give away a penalty in added time, or the time a 68 rated midfielder fired past your goalkeeper from 35 yards. We’ve all been there, feeling like the game hasn’t exactly been fair to us. Fortunately, you can have a rematch straight after a game like this.

How to Unlock Career Rematch Ability

1. Start or open an existing career mode

It’s probably self explanatory but you’ve probably got career mode open already.

2. Open the EASFC catalogue

Just like you have for other EASFC unlockables (like financial takeover or scout a future star), you need to open up the EASFC catalogue by pressing the right analogue stick.

3. Locate the ‘Career Rematch Ability’ item

Career Rematch Ability in the EASFC Catalogue in FIFA 19 Career Mode

There’s only one item to find and it’s one of the first on the list. At level 5 you should see the ‘Career Rematch Ability’ item as shown above.

4. Redeem

Providing you have reached level 5 in the EASFC catalogue and have a spare 2000 fcc, you can go ahead and redeem the item. There is only one career rematch ability unlockable in the catalogue, but it grants you access to do it in every save.

5. Use it

From now on, you’ll see the career rematch option available at the end of a match in career mode. If you’ve had a particularly frustrating game, having a rematch is preferable to smashing your controller.

How to get an International Manager Offer in FIFA 19

FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 25, 2018

How to get an International Manager Offer in FIFA 19

International management in FIFA career mode seems to divide opinion. Some people love the additional challenge it provides, but many feel its just a distraction from club football. If you’re reading this, you’re obviously in the former camp and want to get hired by a national team.

This can be done organically. As you progress through the game you will regularly get offered jobs, providing you’re somewhat successful. For a while at least, every international manager offer you receive will likely be from a low ranked nation. This is realistic but many players don’t like the constant emails.

If however, you’ve got no interest in waiting and want to manage your home nation, we can help you with that. Follow the steps below and you’ll be in the hotseat in no time.

How to get an International Manager Offer

1. Start or load a career save

Either load an existing save or create a new one. We can’t stress enough that the international manager offer you will receive will be from your home country. So if you dream of managing Germany, your manager will need to be German!

2. EASFC Catalogue

Using the right analogue stick, open the EASFC Catalogue. Make sure you’re viewing the ‘Career’ items. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see items such as scout future star and financial takeover.

3. Find ‘International Manager Offer’

It’s a level 15 item and should be easy enough to find.

4. Redeem

Once you’ve found it, select it and redeem. There’s only one of these in FIFA 19 so don’t waste it!

5. Load or Advance

This step depends on whether you’re in your save or not. Either way, load up the save or advance a few days and you should receive the offer in your inbox. Enjoy international management.

FIFA 19 Giant Throw-In Players

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 24, 2018

If you’ve already read our guide on traits you’ll know that they are special abilities that aren’t affected by a player’s stats. One of the most useful ones is the giant throw-in, giving you the ability to throw the ball halfway across the pitch – or directly into the opponent’s box.

FIFA 19 Giant Throw-In Players

Without further ado, here are all 57 FIFA 19 Giant Throw-In players. Make sure you read through the entire list. Many of the players on here can play in additional positions.

The players improve in quality the further you go down each list and we’ve put their ratings and potential in bold for your convenience.

Defenders

It’s always to helpful to have a defender with the giant throw-in trait when you’re forced to take a throw-in inside your own half. Here are the 39 FIFA 19 Giant Throw-In defenders.

Right Backs (RB/RWB)

Ryan Jackson – 64 rated 27 year old at Colchester United. Also plays at RWB.
Florian Dick – 66 rated 33 year old at FC Kaiserslautern.
Christian Schwegler – 66 rated 34 year old at FC Luzern. Also plays at LB.
Sheanon Williams – 66 rated 28 year old at LA Galaxy. Also plays at LB.
Martin Galmarini – 66 rated 36 year old at Club Atlético Tigre. Also plays at RM.
Jordan McCrary – 63 rated 24 year old with 68 potential at Seattle Sounders. Also plays at RM.
Yaseen Omar Barnawi – 65 rated 24 year old with 69 potential at Al Qadisiyah
Kelvin Leerdam – 70 rated 28 year old at Seattle Sounders. Also plays at LB.
Ryan Shotton – 72 rated 29 year old at Middlesbrough. Also plays CB and RWB.
Patrick De Oliveira Vieira – 71 rated 27 year old with 72 potential at Santa Clara. Also plays at LB.
Paul Aguilar – 74 rated 32 year old at Club América
Gökhan Gönül – 76 rated 33 year old at Beşiktaş.
Maximiliano Pereira – 77 rated 33 year old at FC Porto.

Left Backs (LB/LWB)

Tommy Spurr – 66 rated 30 year old at Fleetwood town that also plays at CB.
Seth Sinovic – 66 rated 31 year old at Sporting Kansas City.
Bart van Hintum – 67 rated 31 year old at Heracles Almelo.
Mariano Bíttolo – 67 rated 28 year old at Newell’s Old Boys that can also play LWB.
Pablo Álvarez – 70 rated 34 year old at Club Atlético Huracán.
Sim Sang Min – 66 rated 25 year old with 70 potential. At FC Seoul and can also play RB.
Luisinho Conradi – 71 rated 30 year old at Atlético Mineiro.
Jonas Knudsen – 70 rated 25 year old at Ipswich Town. Has 73 potential and can also play LWB and CB.
Jamilu Collins – 68 rated 23 year old with 73 potential. Plays for SC Paderborn and can also slot in at LM.
Christian Fuchs – 75 rated 32 year old at Leicester City.
Jack Robinson – 70 rated 24 year old with 75 potential. Plays for Nottingham Forest and can also cover CB.
Gazzolisco – 77 rated 30 year old at Internacional. Can also play at LM.
Jetro Willems – 76 rated 24 year old with 79 potential. Plays for Eintrack Frankfurt and can also operate at LWB and LM.
Faouzi Ghoulam – 81 rated 27 year old with 82 potential at Napoli.

Centre Backs (CB)

Brad Evans – 64 rated 33 year old at Sporting Kansas City. Can also play at RB, CDM and CM.
Jalil Anibaba – 67 rated 29 year old at New England Revolution. Can also play at LB and RB.
Daniel O’Shaughnessy – 60 rated 23 year old with 67 potential. Plays for HJK Helsinki.
Rodrigo Noya – 67 rated 28 year old that plays for Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz.
Christopher Handke – 67 rated 29 year old at FC Magdeburg.
Adolphe Teikeu – 69 rated 28 year old with 71 potential. Plays for Ohod Club.
Marc Roberts – 69 rated 27 year old with 71 potential that plays for Birmingham City.
Kian Hansen – 73 rated 29 year old at FC Midtjylland.
Matt Besler – 74 rated 31 year old at Sporting Kansas City.
Luís Hernández – 75 rated 29 year old at Málaga CF that can also play at RB.
Mads Bech Sorensen – 60 rated 19 year old with 75 potential. Plays for Brentford and can also slot in at LB.
Hörður Magnússon – 73 rated 25 year old with 78 potential. Currently at CSKA Moscow and can also play at LB.

Midfielders

Here are the 17 FIFA 19 Giant Throw-In midfielders. Most people will be interested in wingers, for taking huge throw-ins inside the opponents half.

Defensive Midfielders (CDM)

Ben Tozer – 57 rated 28 year old at Cheltenham Town.
Osmar Ibañez Barba – 71 rated 30 year old at Cerezo Osaka. Can also play at CB and CM.
Aron Gunnarsson – 73 rated 29 year old who plays for Cardiff City. Also able to play at CM.
Federico Lértora – 72 rated 27 year old with 73 potential. Currently plays for Belgrano de Córdoba.
Rodney Kongolo – 64 rated 20 year old with 75 potential. Plays for SC Heerenveen and is comfortable playing in the CM position.

Central Midfielders (CM)

Rasmus Elm – 73 rated 30 year old who plays for Kalmar FF.
Samúel Kári Friðjónsson – 62 rated 22 year old with 73 potential. Currently at Vålerenga Fotball and can also play in the more advanced CAM position.
Claudemir Domingues de Souza – 75 rated 30 year old at SC Braga. He’s also able to play at CDM.
Callum Paterson – 71 rated 23 year old with 77 potential. Currently plays for Cardiff City and can also do a job at RB and even ST.
Weston McKennie – 74 rated 19 year old with 86 potential. Arguably the best option of all FIFA 19 giant throw-in players. He plays for FC Schalke and can also cover the CDM position.

Attacking Midfielders (CAM)

Kristoffer Andersen – 66 rated 32 year old that plays for SC Fortuna Köln and can also play back at CM.
Nabil Aankour – 65 rated 24 year old with 68 potential. Currently playing for Arka Gdynia and is versatile enough to play at RM.

Right Midfielders and Right Wingers (RM/RW)

Michail Antonio – 76 rated 28 year old at West Ham United. Can play on the opposite wing at LM or even as a striker.
Eduardo Salvio – 81 rated 27 year old at SL Benfica.

Left Midfielders and Left Wingers (LM/LW)

Mikkel Mena Qvist – 61 rated 25 year old with 64 potential. Plays for AC Horsens and is quite versatile, being able to also play at LB or ST.
Christopher Antwi-Adjej – 68 rated 24 year old with 73 potential. Currently playing for SC Paderborn 07 and can also play as a RM or CAM.
Javier Aquino – 77 rated 28 year old currently playing for Tigres U.A.N.L.

Attackers

That there is only one striker in the game with the giant throw-in trait isn’t that surprising. Here’s your only FIFA 19 giant throw-in striker.

Strikers (ST/CF)

Jay-Roy Grot – 66 rated 20 year old with 75 potential. Currently at Dutch club VVV-Venlo and can also play in the LW and RW positions.

Best Free Kick Takers in FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 22, 2018

While it might take a bit of luck to win a free kick within scoring distance, when you get one, you won’t want to mess it up. With that in mind we’ve ranked the best free kick takers in the game based on their relevant stats. Fifty players to choose from means you’re sure to find someone you like, regardless of your budget or preferred position.

Top 50 Best Free Kick Takers in FIFA 19

The following list was put together using a custom ranking metric. Keep an eye out for five players in this list that have great growth potential.

50. David Alaba

Kicking off our list of the best free kick takers in FIFA 19 is the Austrian left back. Left footed with 84 free kick accuracy, 78 curve and 83 shot power.

49. Josip Iličić

Although they both have 84 FKA and Iličić has 77 curve, his 87 shot power nudges him ahead. He’s a left footed centre forward.

48. Miralem Sulejmani

Also has a respectable 84 accuracy but is one of a handful of players here with 82 curve. Another left footer that plays at LM, his shot power is 75.

47. Fernando

Right footed CDM with 84 free kick accuracy, 82 curve and 76 shot power.

46. Ricardo Rodriguez

Left sided full back with 84 free kick accuracy, 82 curve but a slightly improved 78 shot power.

45. Romulo Otero

Otero is ahead of the rest so far thanks to his 85 shot power. The right footed LM also has 84 FKA and 82 curve.

44. Balazs Dzsudzak

The 31 year old still has nicely balanced free kick stats. Free kick accuracy of 84 and 83 for both curve and shot power. It’s worth noting that the Hungarian is left footed.

43. Simone Verdi

Yet another left footer, Verdi has 84 FKA, 84 curve and 81 shot power.

42. Aketxe

The first player on this list that deserves a special mention for having good growth potential, meaning his free kicks could still improve. The left footed CAM doesn’t have great shot power (75) but 85 accuracy and 84 curve is great.

41. Caner Erkin

This Turkish left back has just hit 30 but his 84 accuracy and curve makes him more than reliable, 82 shot power is useful too.

40. Selcuk Inan

Right footed but a few years older than Erkin. Inan has 85 FKA, 83 curve and 78 shot power.

39. Leigh Griffiths

The left footed Celtic striker has 85 accuracy, 82 curve and 81 shot power.

38. Kengo Nakamura

At 38, he’s no spring chicken. However, 85 accuracy and curve is impressive for a 73 rated player. 74 shot power is a bit of a let down.

37. Yasuhito Endo

Also 38, but edges Nakamura because of his superior 86 accuracy. Slightly lower curve at 82 and his shot power is 75.

36. Robert Lewandowski

Free kick accuracy (86) and shot power (88) are where his strengths lie. His 77 curve isn’t all that great, but you can console yourself with the fact that he is one of the best strikers in FIFA 19.

35. Benat

Nicely balanced stats but you’ll buy Benat if you prefer a driven free kick. 87 shot power, 84 free kick accuracy and 83 curve.

34. Juan Mata

A good option if you prefer a curled free kick from a left footer. 86 accuracy, 84 curve but only 75 shot power.

33. Daniel Wass

Right footed, with 85 free kick accuracy, 86 shot power and 83 curve.

32. Jose Sosa

A right footed curve specialist with 85 accuracy, 86 curve and 79 shot power.

31. Luis Suarez

His FKA (84) is slightly lower than Sosa’s but he has and 86 rating for both curve and shot power.

30. Hernanes

The Brazilian CM has nicely rounded stats. 85 FKA, 84 curve and 85 shot power.

29. Toni Kroos

After that goal in the World Cup, he was bound to be one of the best free kick takers in FIFA 19. His highest stat is his 87 shot power, but with 84 free kick accuracy and 86 curve, you won’t need to blast it.

28. Ivan Rakitic

84 accuracy and shot power is good enough, the 88 curve stat just tops it off. Unfortunately for him there’s a few other names in the Barca ranks that are just as deadly from a set piece.

27. Yaya Toure

The ex-City man still has it. 86 free kick accuracy, 82 curve and 86 shot power.

26. Dimitri Payet

With 90 curve, Payet can deceive even the best goalkeepers. 84 free kick accuracy and 80 shot power isn’t bad either.

25. Xherdan Shaqiri

The Liverpool man’s stats are seriously impressive. Free kick accuracy of 84 is a good start, but 87 shot power and 88 curve are a wonderful combination.

24. Pedro Leon

Right footed, with nicely balanced FK stats. 85 accuracy, 87 curve and 84 shot power.

23. Lasse Schöne

Although most people are raving about Ajax’s young talent, the 32 year old is still the boss when it comes to free kicks. 86 FKA, 85 curve and 83 shot power.

22. Marcos Alonso

Fantastic free kick ability for a left back. 86 free kick accuracy, 85 curve and 84 shot power.

21. Marco Reus

A favourite of ours when it comes to the best free kick takers in FIFA 19. Power or placement? You decide. 84 accuracy, 89 curve and 88 shot power.

20. Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Icelandic CAM has shown time and time again he’s more than comfortable standing over a free kick. He has 86 FKA, 87 curve and 83 power.

19. Aleksandar Kolarov

A great choice if you like to beat a keeper with power (91). 86 accuracy and 85 curve is very handy too.

18. Keisuke Honda

Synonymous with free kicks for years. Despite his age he still has 86 free kick accuracy, an impressive 88 curve and 84 shot power.

17. Ruslan Malinovskyi

The Genk CM might fly under the radar as a relatively unknown player, but his stats speak for themselves. 87 FKA, 84 curve and 88 power.

16. Anderson Talisca

Let’s start by saying his stats are already impressive. 87 free kick accuracy, 86 curve and 84 shot power will have most goalkeepers sweating. He’s another player we wanted to highlight because of his growth potential, he can reach 90 overall. If that happens he’ll climb our list of best free kick takers rapidly.

15. Christian Eriksen

The great Dane is ever reliable from set pieces. 84 shot power isn’t bad at all, but he really excels at placed free kicks considering his 87 accuracy and 86 curve.

14. Neymar

Not ideal if you’re looking for a cheap option but he’s still one of the best free kick takers in the game. 87 free kick accuracy and 88 curve should beat any wall with ease, his 80 shot power is somewhat disappointing.

13. James Rodriguez

What’s not to like? 86 FKA, 89 curve and 86 shot power. Maybe when he finishes his loan at Bayern Munich you’ll consider buying him.

12. Shunsuke Nakamura

The oldest player here at 40 years old, but he’s still one of the best free kick takers in FIFA 19. With 79 shot power he’s all about placement. 88 free kick accuracy and 87 curve is spectacular in a 72 rated CAM.

11. Coutinho

86 free kick accuracy and 83 shot power, so why is the diminutive Brazilian so high amongst the best free kick takers? That’ll be because of his 91 curve ability.

10. Memphis Depay

Into the top ten best free kick takers now and things really start to get interesting. Gained admirers with his powerful free kicks during his time in the Eredivisie. His 88 accuracy, 85 curve and 87 shot power reflect that fact. His career seems to be back on track at Lyon and the game actually lists him as a striker. We like Depay because he still has a good amount of growth potential.

9. Paulo Dybala

Another player worth highlighting because of his growth potential, Don’t bother unless you have significant transfer funds though, Dybala is set to be one of the best strikers in the world. Even as things stand he’s rated 88 for accuracy and curve, 82 shot power is by no means poor.

8. Marvin Plattenhardt

Unreal stats for a left back. 89 FKA, 87 curve but only 79 shot power.

7. Gareth Bale

A bump in the Welshman’s stats means he climbs the list from last year. 87 free kick accuracy and 90 curve is enough to get excited about. As it stands his 92 shot power is the highest among the best free kick takers in FIFA 19.

6. Parejo

If you’re looking for a powerful right foot, Parejo isn’t it – his shot power is only 78. However, 90 free kick accuracy and 89 curve is incredible.

5. Miralem Pjanic

Another player who isn’t known for his driven free kicks (78 shot power). He’s fifth among the best free kick takers for a reason though. 86 curve and an eye-watering 92 free kick accuracy.

4. Enis Bardhi

Number four is impressive enough, but Bardhi is probably our choice pick of the best free kick takers. Bear in mind he’s only 77 overall currently, 91 accuracy and 89 curve is unbelievable – without even factoring in 85 shot power. His growth potential is what makes us such a big fan of his, those stats should have improved by the time he reaches 83 overall.

3. Hakan Calhanoglu

Topped last year’s list but falls to #3 in FIFA 19. His stats have been trimmed slightly, but 90 FKA, 92 curve and 86 shot power is still plenty.

2. Sebastian Giovinco

FIFA has a habit of destroying player’s attributes once they hit 30 but Giovinco has climbed 7 places since last year. Most people won’t care about his 80 shot power when they realise his 93 accuracy and 90 curve.

1. Lionel Messi

Only #4 last year, but Messi really is the best free kick taker in FIFA 19. His shot power stays at 85 but he possesses 93 curve and the highest free kick accuracy in the game at 94.

-1 Rating Glitch

FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 17, 2018

UPDATE: As of 29th January 2019, EA have finally released a patch that fixes the -1 Rating Glitch. Please note, this will only correct the issue on new career mode saves, existing saves will continue to be affected.

While many career mode players have complaints about EA’s reluctance to make any improvements to the mode, there aren’t too many significant bugs or glitches. Some glitches are good and some others might actually be a feature rather than a bug.

However, players have noticed a new glitch recently in FIFA 19 that is definitely not beneficial. We’re going to call it the -1 Rating Glitch.

What is the -1 Rating Glitch?

As an experienced career mode player, you’ll know that player’s attributes can go up and down. For most of their career they will increase, and cause the player’s overall rating to move towards their potential. In the later stages of their career or during a long injury, attributes may decrease, which will bring their overall rating down.

However, whats happening currently is when a players attributes increase enough to cause their overall rating to increase, it actually goes down by one point. Hence why we’re calling it the -1 Rating Glitch.

For clarity, this happens whether or not you train your players.

Take a look at the screenshot below. This will happen to multiple squad players at the start of a career. It’s not just ageing players either, young players with no injuries are declining despite their attributes going up.

What Can We Do About It?

In the game, there’s very little you can do about the -1 Rating Glitch. It’s going to happen to every player in your squad eventually. Our advice is to play through it. Yes, your players overall will decrease initially, but the next time their attributes increase, their overall will increase by one. From this point on, their overall ratings should increase as normal. It’s just frustrating that you have to take a hit initially.

What Are EA Doing About It?

It’s unclear at this stage. EA are not the most transparent company when it comes to upcoming features or bug fixes. As well as being mentioned on Twitter and Reddit, it has also been posted on the EA FIFA Forums. Fingers crossed EA fix it and get a new release out quickly.

How to Make Career Mode More Challenging

Tips

FIFA Career Mode Tips

December 13, 2018

How to Make Career Mode More Challenging

Make Career Mode More Challenging: Our Rules

Despite its many flaws, we come back to career mode every year. One thing has always bugged us though and that’s how easy the game is. We’re not just talking about the gameplay, but the actual club management. It’s really not difficult to turn a mediocre club with limited funds into Champions League winners within a few seasons. So we’ve compiled all the ways we’ve tried to make career mode more challenging.

It’s really up to you which ones you pick, read through the list first and then decide. Don’t forget that these can be combined with any of our career mode challenges.

Team Selection

Start small – choose a team with a low transfer budget.

Gameplay

Up the difficulty – If you’re not already playing on the highest difficulty setting, go up a level. It might be difficult or frustrating at first, but you will adapt eventually.
Alternate between difficulties – If you already play on the higher difficulties, try constantly alternating between them. Most people adapt quickly to playing against the play style used by each difficulty, rotating between them will keep you on your toes. For example you would pick Legendary difficulty when starting your career, but every second game switch the difficulty to Ultimate.

Finances

This is one of the key areas you should focus on if you’re serious about making career mode more challenging.

Limit your transfer budget – This one depends on how restrictive you want it to be. You’ll need to decide on two percentages. Percentage of starting budget and percentage of player sales. We’ve created a budget calculator to make this easy for you.
Implement a wage cap – Decide on a realistic weekly figure that you’re not willing to pay more than. New and existing player contracts must not be above this figure.
Implement wage bands – Similar to the wage cap idea but with more structure. This would effectively create wage caps for different squad player roles.
Limit wage growth – If you aren’t using a wage cap or you’re well below it, limit wage growth to say 20%. That means if your highest earning player at the start of a season is on £100k a week, any players signed during that season can’t be offered more than £120k.

Squad Management

Realistic squad lists – Abide by the rules for Premier League and Champions League by having a fixed squad list that is a certain size and contains a certain number of ‘homegrown’ players.

Tactics

Use an unfamiliar formation – Don’t stick with your tried and tested 4-2-3-1. Pick something random that you’ve never used before and stick with it.

Transfers

Another important area of the game to manage carefully. Put some of these restrictions in place and things should be more challenging for you.

Realistic transfers – If you’re familiar with the club you’re managing you should have an idea of the names they’re being linked with currently and the ‘level’ of player they’d realistically sign. If you’re not that familiar with the club, look online for transfer rumours.
Don’t cheat – We love putting together the wonderkid lists for you, but it’s far too easy to have an overpowered team very quickly.
Scouted players only – You can only sign players that have turned up in your global transfer network reports.
Limit transfers – Set a number for ins and outs. Say a maximum of 3 players in and 5 out (less in the January window).
No superstars – Make a note of your highest rated player at the very start of the season. You can only sign players that are (no more than) two overall points above your highest rated player. For example, if your highest rated player is 79 overall at the start of the season, you can’t purchase players with an overall higher than 81.
No pre-contract agreements – The further into the seasons you get, the more these pop up. When it starts happening to the best players in the world, it makes things unrealistic and too easy.
Sell players at value – Set a rule for yourself, either at value or value + a percentage. If a transfer offer comes in that matches or exceeds this amount, you have to accept it – no negotiating to squeeze more money out of the deal.

Youth Scouting

Scout locally – Only send a youth scout to the country that your club is based in.
Scouting ladders – Prevents you from instantly scouting the ‘best’ countries, use our scouting ladders framework.
Scout where you’re playing – This works well in conjunction with the ‘scout locally’ rule. You’re allowed one 3 month scouting trip for each country your team travels to play in. This includes pre-season tournaments and european competition.
Limit youth scouting – No more than 3 youth academy players in your senior squad at one time.
Keep it realistic – No signing youth players whose lower potential value is higher than that average overall of your starting XI. For example, if the average overall of your starting XI is 75 you shouldn’t sign a youth player whose potential is 76-84.

Training

Don’t train players – It’s considered overpowered by many and makes it too easy to grow players quickly.
Manual training sessions only – If you do choose to train players, you must play the sessions yourself.

Career Mode Improvements

FIFA 19

FIFA Career Mode Tips

November 27, 2018

Career Mode Improvements

It’s not unfair to say that in the last few years, EA has really neglected career mode players. There have been very few career mode improvements, most of those are purely aesthetics. Before you say “Ultimate Team makes a lot of money for EA”, career mode players have still paid £50+ each year. What does this get you? Updated squads and a new colour palette.

If it wasn’t for the licensing deals they have, EA would have lost significantly more players to PES years ago. But, they can still turn it around. This post details a number of career mode improvements we’d like to see. It’s unrealistic to think that they would all be made, let alone in one go. But if they started to listen to their players and implement these ideas slowly, they would have a much happier fanbase.

Let me know your thoughts (or any ideas you’d like to see) in the comments below.

FIFA

Rolling updates – waiting a year for minor updates is painful, and wholly unnecessary in this day and age. Look at what Epic Games are doing with Fortnite as a good example.
Subscription – change how you deliver updates and a subscription model is an option. Having to pay upwards of £50 in one go is difficult for many players. A monthly subscription for a few pounds would be better, and won’t create such a backlash – career mode players are tired of paying £50 and seeing no career mode improvements.

Career Mode

Challenges/Scenarios – Not everyone wants to begin an actual career. A new scenario based challenge each week would keep players active all year round, and would justify a subscription model. Survive a tough run of fixtures with an injury crisis or help your new club to avoid relegation. Until this happens, we are forced to create our own challenges.
More Save Slots – Only having four in FIFA 19 was apparently a bug, but still ridiculous.
Fixture Scheduling – How has this not been fixed? Yes it’s more common if you’re competing in four competitions, but that can still be planned for. Two games in two days should never happen. Two games in three days can happen in real life, but shouldn’t be happening if there’s a big fixture gap either side. The scheduling AI should be given greater flexibility.

Club

Commercial – Not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those that want it adding the ability to improve the club’s commercial revenues would make the game more realistic.
Stadium & Facilities – This really causes a problem with road to glory saves. Why would a team still be playing in a <5,000 seater stadium in the Premier League or Champions League? Maybe stadiums that can be upgraded would offer more realism in this regard?
Staff – The game already allows you to buy better quality scouts, why not physios or coaches? The former could help manage fitness and reduce injury times, the latter could give better chances of player growth.
Feeder Club – This would be a great way of getting promising youth players out on loan.
Youth League – More realistic and would keep your youth players happy, rather than just pretending they only train until they’re good enough to play matches.
Kit Editor – Dynamic league badges are a good start, but seeing the same kits every year for a 15 year career is tiring.

Managers

Create a Manager – Why can’t we fully edit a manager’s appearance? Instead we have to choose from a boring (and frankly, not very diverse) list of pre-made faces.
Fill in their History – At the start of every career mode you’re a complete unknown, with no history, potentially walking straight into one of the biggest clubs in the world. This is annoyingly unrealistic.
More Visibility – You’re forced to choose a face for your manager, but it will barely be seen. Instead most news items have a stock photo behind them.
Switch Jobs – As it stands, you’re the only manager who ever changes jobs in the game. Why wouldn’t managers get sacked for a string of bad results or poached by a larger club?
Holiday Mode or International only – A holiday mode would allow you to take an extended break if there were no available jobs you were interested in. Also what if you only want to manage at international level? Why are you forced to manage a club side?
Turn Off International Offers – International management can be fun but the ability to switch off international job offers is one of the most requested career mode improvements.
More Realistic International Offers – If you would rather have them left on, at least keep them realistic. A good run of games in League One shouldn’t be enough to draw job offers from national sides all over the world.
Press Conferences with Cut Scenes – Again, what’s the point of having a manager avatar? Use a conversation cut scene system like the one utilised in transfer negotiations.
Play as a Real Manager – Why can’t you step into the shoes of a real manager? If I choose to manage Manchester City, I have to take over as a complete rookie. Not only that, but Pep Guardiola simply disappears from the world of football.
Managerial Style – Give managers an individual style. What formation and tactics do they tend to use? Do they only sign big players or prefer to develop youngsters?

Performance

Stat Tracking – Also one of the most frequently requested career mode improvements.

Players

Face Scans – More players please.
Haircuts – Either do face scans more frequently, or give us the ability to change a player’s hairstyle.
Regens – As discussed in our guide on regens and pregens, new players are needed to balance the game. Why can’t they be more random though? By all means make it more likely that certain countries are more likely to produce better talent, but why should Argentina and Portugal be guaranteed to have the worlds best players again in a few years?
Attribute Profiles – Mix these up more when generating new players. Why don’t we ever see Centre Backs with great free kick accuracy or strikers with exceptional passing?

Transfers

Selling Top Players – Why are clubs so content to constantly sell their best players?
Replacing Top Players – As a follow up, if they do sell their best players – why do they not replace them adequately?
Squad Balance – Why do some teams sign five strikers but no goalkeepers? They should understand how many players they need in each position.

Tactics/Gameplay

Team Selections – Why do AI managers consistently fail to pick their best players when you come up against them?

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