Winter Break
The next three months pass uneventfully. I hope you're well-rested, because there's a lot to do. Players need your direction and instructions. We've got a new transfer list, and some funding in case there are any transactions you wish to have done. And, as happens twice a year at the beginning of each transfer window, we also have a new player from the 'youth academy'. I think what that means is the 'staff member who we connived into getting plastered enough to sign up their kid'. Much like 'stadium' clearly means 'rented space in a public park', with the volleyball net/closthesline thing at one end, and bikes and clothes strewn all over at the other.
Classes
We've already met the first bit here, but just for review:
Zero-class(?) -- All the players started out here at Level 1. Can move 1 tile with or without the ball. -50% to all attributes when in goal. Equally poor in any role, understanding only the basic rules of the game. Cannot do any skill training.
All of our starters have now progressed to an Amateur Class. All of these can learn one Level 1 skill.
Amateur Goaleeper(G) -- +10% to Control and Defence when in goal. Can learn one Level 1 skill. There's no reason to ever play them anywhere but in goal.
Amateur Defender(D) -- Can intercept shots on adjacent tiles.
Amateur Midfielder(M) -- Can move twice as far without the ball(2 tiles)
Amateur Forward(F) -- Motivation lasts one action longer(7). Can still take actions if any are left following a failed shot attempt.
The Amateur Classes are all helpful and an important step. Goalkeepr and Defender ones are particularly essential. Going to the next level though, things get more interesting. There are two types of advanced classes:
Univeral -- Universal classes allow a player to learn two different skills eventually. They can operate with equal effectiveness anywhere on the pitch, unless they are a goalkeeper. This versatility comes with the limitations that they are not as good at a specific role, and can never be crosstrained. No matter where they are, their specialization gains will always be in the same universal class.
Specialized -- All amateur classes other than keepers will have a choice in how they develop further. The specialized classes can only learn one skill and have a limited area on the pitch in which they can operate, but within that role they have powerful strengths.
UNIVERSAL CLASSES
Goalkeeper(GK) -- +50% Control and Defence when in goal. All keepers will eventually become this, there is no branching off for them.
Universal Defender(DF) -- They can intercept not only shots but also passes on adjacent tiles.
Universal Midfielder(MF) -- Can move 2 tiles with the ball; before they could only move 2 without it.
Universal Forward(FW) -- Movement without the ball increased to 2 tiles, and Control is 30% higher during the opponent's turn, giving them a better chance to retain possession.
SPECIALIZED CLASSES
There are a lot more of these. This diagram is quite useful:
In order to gain more specialization experience in their class, they must stay in these areas. They can still sometimes operate outside of them with no ill effects, but upgrading the SL will be affected. For example, a LD can go anywhere up and down the left wing and still retain their LD abilities. If they move into the middle or right-side sections though, they will not be as effective. If they wander forward, they'll be gaining LM or LF experience instead of LD. This is helpful for cross-training, but there will be times you don't want that.
Sweeper(SW) - Whenever the ball is on the defensive side of the field, the sweeper will automatically move to match it without costing an action. This enables them to block any shot on goal that's not at close range.
Central Defender(CD) -- Tackles any player who comes into an adjacent tile automatically. However, they lose the Amateur Defender's ability to intercept shots on adjacent tiles. Their role is to try to prevent physical penetration of the defensive line.
Full Back(LD/RD) -- Reduces the maximum role for skills by adjacent players by 5, limiting the use of them significantly in their vicinity. Can move 3 tiles with/without the ball on the flanks.
Defending Midfielder(DM) -- Intercepts any passes within 2 tiles; 100% bonus on intercepting any that go through the tile they are on; +1 level of intercept talent(counters Long Pass/Layoff Pass)
Central Midfielder(CM) -- +20% to passing; Pressing does not cost an action.
Wing Midfielder(LM/RM) -- Pressing does not cost an action; can move 4 tiles with/without the ball on the flank. The most mobile class in the game.
Attacking Midfielder(AM) -- 60% penalty to defence for opponents intercepting their passes. That makes an AM ideal for penetrating a defensive formation in that fashion to set up forwards closer to the goal. Also, the range penalty for shooting from distance is halved, which makes them the best option for sniper duty. Finally, they can do the False Kick, which can pull a defender out of position towards them.
Central Forward(CF) -- Automatically moves one tile closer to the goal if there is space in the defensive line, without costing an action. Also gains +1 level of Head Play talent, for battling in the air for the ball including scoring via headers.
Wing Forward(LF/RF) -- From the deep corners on their respective flanks, uses the Break-In maneuver which doesn't cost an action. That allows them to get into the box next to the keeper, and any automatic tackles are given a 50% penalty. This will wreak havoc on any defense without a properly positioned fullback. They also can move 2 tiles with/without the ball.