Hey folks,

Long post ahead! 

I have played around 120 matches (last year I played 50 for a whole year). I have played only squad battles so far (and a couple of season games). For me this is a great add-on, I don't think I have the wiliness to play online against teens anymore. But who knows. Since I haven't played so long I had trouble winning from semi-prof in the beginning  . But things have moved one and I know played the first two games on World class and the second two on Professional. So far it has been mostly enjoyable, some observations:

- there are some really nice teams builders out there. Although BPL is the dominant theme. I had for instance a squad against me with Dortmund and previous Dortmund players. Kind of Dortmund worshiping team. Clearly they were pacey but I liked the build
- bad chem teams are noticeable worse than good ones: may be because there is no RL player abusing the game-play but there is a difference. It feels like that chem is really working, at least in this game mode.
- after a couple of games in 41212 I am now playing 442 for a long period and it is killing any 433 formation so far. Lucky for me 433 is a formation that is used at least 50% of the time. I am having troubles against 343.
- charged standing tackle is fun and a good add on. It took me time to learn to defend but I am getting better at it.
- Pace is not so dominant offline.

The game can be a **** sometimes, and you can feel when the BS kicks in. But in all fairness 90% of the time it is okay. What I do appreciate it that for some reason they managed to let every team that you face play differently. No idea how they did it. In career at a certain point of time all teams feel the same. But if you take corners, there is a difference per team that you are playing.

Now as for the teams:



Strikers:
Jesus pulled card: AMAZING player. Really really good. 34 goals in 44 games
OTW Morate: pulled this fellow but I am not impressed with him so far. He feels clumsy. 10 out of 21 games

Midfield:
Son pulled card: had to get used to him but since I changed his instruction (get behind the lines)  he is more useful. 13 goals out of 45 games is pretty good in that position
OTW Siggy I was lucky that Siggy got a Hero upgrade, so his OTW has been upgraded too. Pulled the NIF and bought the OTW as I think I will be playing a long period with him. Kind of cult hero. 12 in 35 games
Fernandinho: I think I have played with him every year. All-rounded midfielder. Nice links with Silva and Jesus. 4 goals in 26 but his role in the team is to bridge all the gaps.
Silva: Still unsure about him. 5 goals in 25 games is not great. Some games he can totally be MIA.

Defense
Rose: solid
Keane: underrated CB, has all the right stats
Bailly: pulled card. More than decent for me
Aurier: pulled card:another strong fellow.
Schmeichel: pulled card: does the job

I have worked with IF locadia as super suv but I now have KLaasen on the bench. The stamina of the two midfielders can be an issue. Bringing some fresh legs does help me to get through the last 20 minutes