I play on manual and I don't have any generic way up exposing the defense in the last third. It is possible to do it using realistic footballing techniques i.e dragging the defense out of position, perfectly timed runs, exposing a weakness, or more spectacular ways such as beating one or two defenders on the dribble, long shots, or inch perfect passes and countless other ways. All of those possibilities considered, while trying to apply a manual version of personality plus is quite a bit for the mind to compute and makes a damn good game. For me it's an extremely satisfying challenge and it takes work, but for most it seems that a realistic football game means to watch a game and then be able to turn on your console and do it in the game effortlessly.
How often do we hear commentators say it's going to take that exceptional moment or piece of skill to break down a team that is defending deeply. If you can't produce that extraordinary moment then you shouldn't be keeping possession. Sit back and invite the other team to come which in turn will give you much more space in their half when you are attacking. Incidentally, it will give the CPU possession which so many complain about the absence of. It's not a stunt, it's a formidable tactical decision. One that seems many are clearly falling victim to themselves! Teams that are not good enough do just that, not because they have to, but because they know that is their best chance of winning. They just don't have the technique and team chemistry it takes to be outnumbered and still break through the opposition. Either do what they do (to whatever balance you deem necessary) or else learn how to break down the other team, and their are countless ways you can do that.
Anyone who has learned anything worthwhile knows you have to put in a lot of effort, and go through plateaus and moments where you think their is no light at the end of the tunnel, but if you persist you overcome. I have no problems with the defensive intensity and I still consider my self a novice at best. I'm at a point where I feel very little pressure on the ball. When I'm in my stride, one on one, I feel as though the defender is vulnerable, and two on one I still feel comfortable enough and composed enough to keep possession, protect the ball, make a safe pass, wait for a runner, or even take on both defenders. Every couple sessions I grow in composure.
what makes this game that much sweeter is that I go through spells, their are times when my brain simply crashes and I lose focus and lose the plot. I notice I am starting to pass the ball aimlessly without intent or foresight. When this happens I know to be more direct offensively (relying on star player, long balls, early crosses, etc.) or against a better team I go defensive. When clarity returns and I start to get into a rhythm again, I pick up the offensive pressure. This is the only football game where I have ever felt the need to do that and it adds another dimension of realism.
Another thing I have realized is that only in an organized system can creativity shine through. Creativity is not to just go into a game without a system or game-plan and play off of impulse. Creativity usually comes into effect when you have a system in place (with roles clearly defined offensively and defensively) and then break or alter that system temporarily, at times deliberately and at times spontaneously.
By the way in case anyone hasn't figured it out yet, when trying to take the ball on your chest with your back to goal hold the sprint button without any direction as if to shield the ball. This prevents the defender from barging through you. Bin doing this for weeks so its tried and tested.
