-
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
AD Alcorcon - '21-'22 Season
Academy Products - Player Profile
Victor Jimenez
Spoiler
Without a doubt AD Alcorcon is one of the hottest new soccer clubs in Europe and their rise to success has undoubtedly been aided by their ability to find young talent at a young age and develop it through their system. The best team in La Liga today has a starting XI that has been regularly lauded as one of the strongest in Europe, and three of the players in it (Salawu, Miguel, Farago) are career-long members of the club having been signed as teenagers, while five of the seven regular members of the club's bench are also graduates from the club's youth academy.
None of the players who have come out of Alcorcon's academy may have arrived readier to make a significant impact than Victor Jimenez. The Spaniard was a star in the youth squad from the moment that he arrived in November of 2019 and by the end of the '19-'20 season he was already the top rated player on the squad. Regardless of that he showed maturity beyond his years by sticking in the academy for another full season, aiming to become a contributor for the club right away instead of becoming a loaner for another club like so many kids that get promoted from the academy. When the '20-'21 season ended the club rewarded Jimenez for his loyalty in the academy by promoting him to the senior squad - but that wasn't enough. The kid had worked tirelessly on his game during his near two years in the academy and several coaches and executives believed he was ready to become a part of the team's bench right away, avoiding being placed with the reserves. Many believe this is the reason Dani Barrera, another academy product who had been with the team since the '15-'16 season, was sold this past summer to Celta Vigo. As a 21-year old Barrera (79 OVR) was mainly used as the main backup for Angel Correa after struggling to play as a wide midfielder. Jimenez projects as a midfielder who can play in any spot of Alcorcon's diamond midfield (except CDM) and the fact that his game is continuing to improve explains why the team would be willing to risk some short-term production for the long-term development of its next brightest star.
Jimenez promptly gave the team a reason to smile by scoring on his first appearance in pre-season, just six minutes into the game against FC Koln. He has only played in two games this season but is a candidate to be called upon in any game and a sure mainstay in the B squad. At just 17-years old Jimenez shows outstanding awareness when attacking as well as superb ball control and dribbling. He has developed excellent shooting from long range and also possesses above average touch on most of his shots. It is only a matter of time until he becomes a can't-keep-off-the-field player for the Potters, which means his first goal in an official game will be coming soon. Stay posted.vrabbit
______________________________
Currently playing: FIFA 19 on XB1
SpoilerComment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
FC St. Pauli
FIFA 15 - Season 3
Die Freibeuter der Liga
November 2016
Europa League Group Stages
FC St. Pauli 2 - FC Twente 0
STP - Sobiech 67', Werner 85'
MOTM: Werner
Werner sent in a corner to the middle of the box where Sobiech separated from the defense and headed up and over the keeper for the opener. Çiftçi played the ball over the van Nieff who sent it up the field for Werner running past the defense to line it up and place into the top right corner and put the score out of reach.
FC St. Pauli 3 - Werder Bremen 2
STP - Rubin 17', 83', Werner 54'
WER - Junuzovic 6', Lacen 45'
MOTM: Rubin
Di Santo had his shot blocked by the defense but right into the path of Junuzovic for the easy tap in from in front of goal. Rubin answered back with his own tap in off a deflection from Hallberg's volley at the top of the box. Lacen then got free with an unmarked back post run before taking a touch left and placing it to the right post. Werner showed superb skill with a run from midfield with the ball and taking a touch around a defender to go through on goal and hit to the far post. Storm got the ball down the left wing and sent a cross into the box that Rubin was able to out-jump the defender for and loop a header up and over the keeper for the winning goal.
World Cup Qualifying
Germany 4 - Czech Republic 4
GER - Reus 11', Muller 17' (Pen), Gotze 63', Gomez 90'
CZE - Dockal 26', Kolar 45', 85', Necid 83'
MOTM: Cech
Reus stepped up to convert a free kick from the left side perfectly into the top left corner. Muller then converted from the penalty spot to double the lead. Dockal attacked the box and worked his way left before firing back to the right to cut the lead in half. Darida laid the ball off to Kolar on the right side of the goal for a first time strike to the left post. Muller played the ball to the middle of the box for Gotze to collect and place past the keeper. Vydra moved right before cutting it back left and playing it to Necid to place past Neuer. Vydra's shot was saved and fell to Kolar who hit it perfectly into the top left corner from the top of the box for the lead late in the match. With time almost out Trasch sent a cross into the box that Gomez beat the defender to for a header into the top left corner of the goal.
World Cup Qualifying
Ireland 2 - Czech Republic 2
IRL - Garvan 26', McGeady 40'
CZE - Vydra 18', Kaderabek 86'
MOTM: Darida
Kolar's shot from the right side was saved by the keeper directly into the path of Vydra for an easy header into the net. Long laid the ball off from the right side of the goal into the middle for Garvan to tap into the empty net. McCarthy threaded a perfect ball through for McGeady on the right side of the goal for a first time hit just inside the near post. Late in the match Darida played the ball across the top of the box for Kaderabek to run on to and hit a strong shot to the far left post for a beautiful equalizer.
FC Schalke 1 - FC St. Pauli 2
S04 - Choupo-Moting 64'
STP - Buchtmann 60', 71'
MOTM: Buchtmann
Storm played the ball to Buchtmann from the right wing and he dribbled to the middle of the box before hitting it strong with his left foot into the top netting. Choupo-Moting answered quickly with a quick finish off a good cross from Aogo in front of goal. Gießelman then laid it off to Buchtmann at the top of the box who attacked right before firing it back across to the far left post to complete his brace and win the match.
FC St. Pauli 1 - Bor. Dortmund 2
STP - Çiftçi 73'
BVB - Reus 14', Sahin 68'
MOTM: Buchtmann
Mkhitaryan got free down the right wing and sent a cross into the box that was flicked on by Jovetic for Reus to volley home. Sahin doubled the lead after settling in a gap in the defense before receiving the ball to turn and shoot to the bottom right corner of the goal. Michal Mak made his way down the left wing before playing the ball into the middle of the box for Çiftçi to track down and direct to the bottom right corner of the goal.
League Table
Europa League Group Table
Youth Academy
Joel Lorenzen (Germany) - GK, 15 yrs old, 44-52 OVR 70-82 POT (Goalkeeper)
Julian Madlung (Germany) - GK, 16 yrs old, 44-52 OVR 68-80 POT (Goalkeeper)
Lukas Lecjaks (Czech Republic) - ST, 16 yrs old, 42-50 OVR 66-80 POT (Winger)
Matthias Soylemezgiller (Germany) - RM, 17 years old, 50-54 OVR 73-79 POT (Winger)
Niklas Lechleiter (Germany) - RW, 17 yrs old, 68-72 OVR 80-86 POT (Attacker)
Rouwen Beck (Germany) - CF, 17 yrs old, 54-58 OVR 65-69 POT (Winger)
Stefan Kalas (Czech Republic) - ST, 17 yrs old, 56-60 OVR 73-79 POT (Physically Strong)
Timo Steenvoorden (Netherlands) - LB, 16 yrs old, 53-57 OVR 71-75 POT (Defensive Minded)
St. Pauli Player of the Month
Christopher Buchtmann
The captain is the one who distinguished himself this month with several great performances in the midfield. It appears the armband has really elevated his game and Buchtmann has been a true box-to-box midfielder with his work rate to get back and make tackles as well as get forward in the attack. His brace against Schalke is the highlight of the month as he led St. Pauli to victory in that match.
Press Conference
Q: A short month worth of league matches, but you have fallen in the table despite winning 2 of the 3. What do you think about the competition at the top of the table right now?
A: The level if competition in this league is truly something to behold. I feel we have been in good form lately, and only lost the one match against a great team in Dortmund this month, yet we fell in the standings. It motivates me to want to be better, and I know the players want to be better as well. Still, we are only 3 points out of 3rd right now, and I think we are in a good position right now.
Q: A great win in the Europa League over FC Twente has you in a spot to advance with two matches left to play for the group stages. Will you be able to hold on to that spot and move to the knock out stages?
A: I wouldn't be here if I thought that we couldn't. We have the talent, and we have the spot in the table right now. There's no reason for us to miss out on this. We have to be sure to execute and take care of business over these last two matches. No team is easy in this competition, but I know we are good enough.
Q: Christopher Buchtmann has really taken to his new captain's role well. He is putting in inspired performances, and making his presence felt all over the pitch. What can you say about the play of your captain right now?
A: Heading into the season it was a tough choice between Buchtmann and Buballa as to who would be wearing the armband this year. Buballa had the advantage of being on the back line, giving him the ability to observe all aspects of the game as it is going. My gut told me that Buchtmann was ready for it though, and he hasn't let me down. He has been instrumental for us this season, and I don't know where we would be without his leadership out there.
Comment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
Cruzer - not sure if you've noticed but at Dagenham I bought Toral from Arsenal. Decent at CAM and can work at CDM if needed for a while but not really good out wide. Hope he develops for you. Unfortunate loss in the F.A. Cup
but good to see you bounce back from that and the Southampton loss to remain in the fight for first place!
Moose - couldn't see the whole video, and I still don't have audio in the office, but nice goal with Carroll in Portugal
Indi - don't think I ever said it so congrats on getting promoted to the PL! That was a rough September so I hope October is kinder to you. I also LOVE the Mackay-Steven signing and look forward to what he'll do for Sheffield this season.
Simp - nice to see you go back to Verona, why did you sim the Bologna game? Great job elsewhere though as I see you're on top of Serie A, and also happy to see Dybala is paying off for you. He's very very good. FACT: I hate the pants on Rulli, hate seeing him wear them when I play with Argentina in the Alcorcon CM. CONGRATS on an unbelievable run in the World Cup with Bulgaria to win it all, I can only imagine how proud you felt! And finally also congrats on sealing off the career at Man U in style
Jamie - quite an eventful month most recently at Newcastle: couple of wins in the EPL to stay ahead of the pack, a nerve-wrecking dismissal of Real in the Champions but then a brutal loss in the first leg against Dortmund, and a last-minute draw against Chelsea to force a replay in the F.A. Your CM seems full of excitement right now!
tex - WHAT IS IT ABOUT DENMARK THAT GIVES EVERYONE TROUBLE? OK, all that aside, that was a really nice win over Leverkusen though I see it's still a struggle out there in Bundesliga. KEEP GRINDING. Oh, and I hope Lechleiter does the right thing and stays in your academy for the rest of the season, could be something special for you next season.
keano - I see you going for that treble bro. TAKE IT! IT'S YOURS. Ok enough with the caps. You are doing extremely well with this squad and I hope you accomplish everything you set out for now coming down these final games. Good luck!
chico - well that was rude of Elche, wasn't it? BASTARDS! You'll remember Villareal gave me trouble for the longest time, I think you'll do fine in La Liga this season. That's a manageable group in Europa too, think you have a chance to move on to the next stage but it'll take hard work.
************
If I missed anyone I'm sorry have to go now!vrabbit
______________________________
Currently playing: FIFA 19 on XB1
SpoilerComment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
The Wednesday: October '15
October 4, Hillsborough Stadium
Barclays PL: Matchday 8
SHW 2-1 NOR
Gary Mackay-Steven netted his first goal of the season to give Sheffield Wednesday the lead going into halftime, but Jonny Howson restored parity for the visitors soon after play resumed, guiding a first-time shot past a flailing Alex Smithies. The game looked like ending 1-1, but with less than 10 minutes until the final whistles, Caolan Lavery placed a low cross into the box. Stevie May slid in past his marker to poke the ball home and secure all three points.
"Today was a great example of how we can bounce back from setbacks, which is going to be crucial in this division. Norwich had us on the ropes for long periods, and it felt at times as though we were seconds from conceding, so our defensive display has to be commended. Both our goals were the result of not just patience, but a drive and hunger to achieve as much success as possible."
October 17, Etihad Stadium
Barclays PL: Matchday 8
MCI 2-1 SHW
Sheffield Wednesday displayed resolution against Manchester City, and the Premier League giants struggled to break them down for the first 45 minutes. Only a lapse in concentration allowed Christian Benteke to net in the 53rd minute. A similar loss of focus allowed Yaya Toure to score a penalty 11 minutes later. Joe Mattock scored a consolation in the 76th minute as he cut in from the left, embarking on a surging run, and placing the ball into the corner.
"The first half was proof that while we aren't yet ready to impose ourselves on teams of this quality, we can definitely dominate the game through ball retention. I wouldn't say we were poor in the second half, but we definitely made a couple of mistakes, and you can't afford to do that against such a good team. We struggled a bit with their physicality and direct approach, but that is also something we have to cope with."
October 24, Hillsborough Stadium
Barclays PL: Matchday 9
SHW 2-2 SWA
Alex Smithies made a mistake coming out with Wilfried Bony through on goal, and the Ivorian capitalised on that to give Swansea the lead. Joe Mattock equalised just before the break in a repeat of his goal against Manchester City. Sheffield Wednesday started the second half poorly, allowing Ki Sung-yueng to drive through their defence and net Swansea's second of the night. Late substitute Diafra Sakho proved decisive, rescuing a point with a well-placed shot in the 80th minute.
"We started the first half very well, but we made a couple of mistakes. Swansea made us pay for that, but we showed excellent resolve to restore parity before halftime. I can't say we had a good start to the second half, and it was only because of a change in our approach to the final stretch that we came away with a point. Coming into the game, we fancied ourselves to knuckle down and pick up a win, but on the balance of play over 90 minutes, a draw seems to be a fair result."
October 31, White Hart Lane
Barclays PL: Matchday 10
TOT 2-0 SHW
Frenetic and fast-paced, Sheffield Wednesday's trip to Tottenham was one of the most exciting games in the league so far. Nacer Chadli gave the hosts an early lead, hitting a rebound onto the post and into the net. Wednesday then put Spurs to the sword, driving forward with conviction, though unable to create any end product from their several chances. Christian Eriksen sealed the win in the 71st minute, turning in Aaron Lennon's cross from a tight angle.
"I think we were sucker-punched today. That's not a criticism of Tottenham, but I truly believe that they enjoyed a bit more fortune than we did. They weren't significantly better than us, but they have some very good players who know how to finish a chance, and they had a bit of luck pushing their way. We created so many opportunities but couldn't generate end product, and that cost us. On another day, we could have won by five or six goals, and on another day, we will."
November Preview
A win, a draw, and two losses in October see us drop to eighth on the table, which is still a fantastic place for us to be after our first 10 games. If we can pick up another 14-16 points from our next 10 games, we'll have set ourselves up to deal with much less pressure come the run-in. I go into November quite happy, because if we continue to play as we did at Tottenham, we have every chance of a highly successful season.
November is going to be absolute torture. Our first game will be against Manchester United at home, where we hope to pick up a point against a team with two of the three most prolific players in the Premier League. We then face off at Southampton, and given our previous displays against Newcastle and West Brom, there's no reason we shouldn't fancy a win if we do everything right. Our third game of the month will be against Arsenal, who are top of the table by two points; we don't expect to get anything out of it. November ends with a fixture against Everton, who are in poor shape after Tim Howard's retirement and Romelu Lukaku's big transfer to Juventus.
The optimist in me sees us getting 7/12 points, but realistically and on the basis of our form, picking up 4-6 would be a considerable achievement. We have moved back to the diamond since our failed experiment with the 3-4-1-2, and while the 4-2-3-1 proved useful against Tottenham, we simply don't have the right players to make it work the way it really should. I also prefer having two strikers to prevent the bulk of the goalscoring burden falling on either Stevie May or Caolan Lavery, neither of whom function particularly well without a partner to prevent them from getting isolated.
Comment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
@Tex Man, that is a rough month. You played well, won 2 games, and still you went down in standing. As you said, it speaks volumes about the quality around you! Looks like you've found a great captain to lead your team, which is interesting considering I may be moving mine on at the end of this season.
@Moose That is some goal. Sir Andrew is proving to be quite the player for you. I'm curious to see if you get any offers for him in January. And yeah, I think I'm just getting used to the first touch error. You really can't just fly past opponents with the setting that high, not unless you have someone like Jarvis or Ox or Hazard. Especially in the diamond, you really need to play patiently and wait for the right chance to hit the sprint button. I may move up to 15 minutes to reduce the pressure. And I'm also actually quite happy now to pick up a win every 3-4 games and finish mid-table.
@Cruzerr I was wondering why you would let go of Gibbs, and then I read about him forcing his way out. Shame, because I think he is the best left back in the game after Baines (among PL players). He just feels very smooth and agile, even for his high ratings in physicality and movement. At least you got an equal replacement!
@Sportsfreak Not sure I'm going to use the takeover, but yeah, youth scouts are usually one of the things I upgrade/buy when I use one. I haven't used any of my takeovers so far this year, and I might just save them for another career later on.
Cheers. GMS has been really good for me so far, very much in the Riquelme mould. He can play, and while he doesn't generate much end product, he is absolutely crucial in helping me break down stubborn defences. Unfortunately, while all my other players have either gone up in OVR or attributes, GMS is still stuck on the default stats with which he came. I hope this a minor blip, that he starts picking up on growth later this season. And Jimenez looks a treat all around, except a couple of physical stats. Dat stamina.Comment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
I have noticed, he looks like he is going to be good player in the future, which is why I don't want to get rid of him. The F.A Cup game was really disappointing but eh, there is always next season. The fight for first place is certainly intense.Cruzerr* - not sure if you've noticed but at Dagenham I bought Toral from Arsenal. Decent at CAM and can work at CDM if needed for a while but not really good out wide. Hope he develops for you. Unfortunate loss in the F.A. Cup but good to see you bounce back from that and the Southampton loss to remain in the fight for first place!
Exactly, I love Gibbs, so I am really sad to get rid of him. He is a fantastic player and he has developed well. Hopefully Alex Sandro will be a really good replacement. But we will see how it plays out.
@Tex - It seems like Reus got his revenge. You had some really difficult games, yet you didn't perform badly at all. Hopefully you can still push into those Europa league spots.
@Indiblue - Those are some tough, tough games. Being 8th after ten games is fantastic, but looking at your next month matchups, I wonder if you will stay there. I see you picking up 6 points unless you get a tie against Manu/Arsenal.
@vrabbit - Your team is full of gems and Jimenez seems to be like one of them. Another good writeup, keep it up!Comment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
@Indi: August was a great start to the season. Really couldn't have asked for a better start to the Premier League. Especially impressive considering you conceded first in both the West Brom and the Burnley game, but kept your team composed to battle back and win. The good form continued against Leicester, but then things went downhill fast starting with the Stoke match. Really rough to go out against Bournemouth in that stretch as well. Rantie is so dangerous with his pace, usually the fastest guy in the pitch in most games. I could tell October would be a tough month just looking at the schedule. Tottenham and City are obviously both some of the more dangerous clubs in the league, and Swansea can really give anyone a challenge. Good to see you grabbed a win against Norwich though.
@Jamie: Amazing job to win such a tough Champions League draw in the round of 16 against Real. Usually you just have to hope you don't get them 'til later on, but you took care of business. Tough to go down a goal in the first leg against Dortmund though. Similar situation to the Real Madrid match up the round before, but you have to work harder to get this without that away goal advantage this time.
@Simppu: Back-to-back Juventus matches to stat a month isn't idea, but you did well to force a draw in each. Scoring that away goal in the cup against them could be useful in the second leg. Great job against Hamburger SV, seems like they didn't give you much trouble at all. Good to see Choupo-Moting doing well for you. He always seems to score on me when I play Schalke!
@Moose: Surprisingly tough match against Leicester, but good to see you move on with that Wickham goal. Adrian certainly got tested against Nacional, but he was up for the challenge. Your aerial threats continue to come through for you, having both Carroll and Wickham is huge for what they can do with crosses and corners.
@Cruzerr: Solid move replacing Gibbs with Sandro. He can be a rock on the left side of your defense for a long time, and has the ability to get forward in the attack too. Alderweireld is a good singing as well. Good to see you addressing defense unlike the actual Arsenal! Tough match against Southampton, and really surprised to see you bow out of the FA cup against Bolton. Good results otherwise though, and you remain atop the table, although Chelsea is right there with you on points.
@Kenny: Great start to league play for this season. The game against Arsenal was an especially good win. Tough decisions to make once Dier comes back, but those are the kind of decisions a manager wants, rather than not having enough quality players
Comment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
Thanks, fair play yeah I would like to keep Potts the most of the 3 of them, if only because I have the least depth in the fullback position and if I have a few injuries I will definitely need him. Jarvis would fetch me the most money, so I'm trying to hash out any thing that I might be able to accomplish in the window. Thanks about the name haha, yeah I do love getting to say it so often as well with all of his goals this season!
As for yourself, it really is a shame that you had to sell Gibbs, if I didn't have Cresswell I would honestly be in for him because I rate him highly. Up front, Welbeck has been an absolute menace for you. It's interesting how little of an impact it seems that Sanchez has made (or maybe that's just me) but it seems like every win you pick up has a few goals from Dat Guy Welbz.
Big Andy hasn't progressed in ratings so much (I think he's still stuck at 77) so if we do get any offers in it will be interesting to see how much they do come in for, obviously at this point I would like to keep him at almost any cost.
For the FT control, yeah I agree, it is definitely a lot harder to just skip past defenders which I think makes it more fun as opposed to some of the goals scored where you just can skip past the entire defense with almost any player. It actually turns FIFA into much more of a tactical battle if you don't have those types of speed burner players, which really tests your manager ability and gives the game something it had been lacking when it was pace-first, because with the sliders even pace is no guarantee to beat the defense all the time. And also, I am a big proponent of the 15 minute halves (if you have the time for it, depending on your time constraints) because then you don't feel the pressure to move up the field so quickly because you know you have a bit more time to try and score a goal. It gives you the freedom to play on the counter when you want, but also to play a possession based style and not feel rushed by the game clock.
Tough month for you update wise, but definitely improving. Held City in check for the most part and picked up a tough win over Norwich while giving Tottenham all they could handle from what I could tell. Definitely seems like the season will be a challenge but from the strong start it seems it will be relatively comfortable for you to stay up and give you a strong chance to reinforce for season 3.
Tex: Great results, picking up a big win over Schalke (though not an upset as I see they are struggling in the table) and also in the Europa League, though your bogey team Dortmund was able to get the upper hand. Seems like you have had a lot of different players step up with another different Player of the Month! As for Europe, that will be huge foryou to get out of the group because you will get another couple million to spend in January should you progress.
Vrabbit: Love the player profiles again, it really adds another layer of depth to this career and keeps the blood pumping when you are so deep in it in terms of years. Those updates must take forever when going back and finding all of the player's history!Check out my Pitt Panthers Dynasty (NCAA Football 14)
Subscribe to my YouTube channel moose141DM!
Pittsburgh Penguins - Pittsburgh Panthers - Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh Pirates - West Ham United
University of Pittsburgh Ice HockeyComment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
Agreed, it was a lot tighter than I was expecting in both games, though they both did have the home crowd to buoy their performances. Adrian is very inconsistent at times, but he does produce the goods more often than not.
As for Big Andy and Wickham, obviously, as a possession type manager I love scoring beautiful goals along the floor that really show off the passing approach (like the goal against QPR in Episode 42
), but it really is a blessing that when I know I need to go more direct late in games I have some top quality physical specimens who can win balls in the air and put them in the back of the net!
Check out my Pitt Panthers Dynasty (NCAA Football 14)
Subscribe to my YouTube channel moose141DM!
Pittsburgh Penguins - Pittsburgh Panthers - Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh Pirates - West Ham United
University of Pittsburgh Ice HockeyComment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
I was wondering the same thing as I was playing that game against Denmark! I'm hoping Lechleiter will stay as well, but I know he will turn 18 before May so I have to be careful since I think in past FIFA's once a player turned 18 in your academy they could leave without giving you a notice (I'm not sure if that still can happen).
It's actually interesting with Buchtmann stepping up. Last season he had started to get pushed to the bench more often than not with both Rani Khedira and Yoell van Nieff getting the majority of the time. He started stepping up at the end of the season, and I gave him more chances to start this season, splitting the armband between him and Buballa since they had been with the club the longest. He just kept performing though, and eventually it was Khedira getting pushed to the bench.
Yep, Reus hurt me in two different competitions this month. He's always dangerous when I have to play against him and he scores more often than not. I always try to keep an eye on him now haha.
I was surprised by Schalke's spot in the table too when I noticed it after this month. Dortmund gives me so much trouble since they have an insane amount of top tier attackers. The team has been pretty rounded this year and I am happy with that. I'm not having to lean heavily on just one player like past seasons. It will make it interesting to pick a player of the season at the end of this year though! I'm definitely hoping to get my hands on that European money before heading into January! Got some plans for the window already, but what I do all depends on what I have available of course.Comment
-
How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
September 2015 - Season 2
FIFA 15 (PS4)
Malaga CF 2 - 2 CA Osasuna
MCF: Tissone 42' Ferreira 90'
OSA: Torres 60' Ferreiro 66'
Similar to Osasuna's match against Villarreal last month, Malaga scored the first goal when Osasuna was at their most dangerous. Osasuna didn't put their heads down though and pushed forward, bombarding Malaga's goal with shots but the Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was refusing to let anything get through. Ochoa was blocking everything left, right, and center until Osasuna finally managed to get through him. At the hour mark, Ochoa blocked a header from Guillermo but the ball made it's way to the edge of the box where Cuevas took a first time shot on goal but Ochoa's reflexes allowed him to block the rebound. The shot went right under the top crossbar but Ochoa managed to jump high enough to get his glove on it even though he was out of position from Guillermo's header, but his jump left him out of position again only this time inside his own net. The ball had rebounded off his glove and hit the top crossbar which then sent the ball high in the air. When the ball finally came down, Roberto Torres calmly brought it down with his foot inside the goalkeeper's box, and took his shot on goal with the Ochoa still trying to get back up inside his own net and Osasuna equalized!
Ochoa had done an amazing job at blocking two back to back shots, but without help from his defenders there's only so much he can do. Only 6 minutes later David Ferreiro would be sent a lobbed through pass which allowed him to sprint past his man, receive the pass, and continue to run into the box forcing Ochoa to come out. Ferreiro had taken a heavy touch and it looked like the goalkeeper would get to it first, but Ferreiro managed to stretch as far as possible and get his toe on the ball to knock it past Ochoa! In only six minutes, Osasuna had flipped the scoreline! Los Rojillos controlled the rest of the match, but just in the final minute of the match the home team was able to equalize, taking the 3 points away from Osasuna. It seems the Reds just can't catch a break this season.
Europa League - Group Stage
Napoli 2 - 3 CA Osasuna (B-Team)
NAP: Higuain 4' 45'
OSA: Onwu 10' 23' 41'
Napoli vs Osasuna? More like Gonzalo Higuain vs Manuel Onwu! The two strikers picked up their respective teams and put them on their shoulders as they both did everything they could to give their team the lead. Higuain struck first in barely the 4th minute as he beat his marker for a cross and headed the ball past the debuting Osasuna goalkeeper Jose Antonio Rodriguez. Not a good start for Osasuna's first showing in Europe since 2006 either, but six minutes later Manuel Onwu grabbed an early goal himself also through a header. Thirteen minutes later Onwu scored his second goal and the away fans went wild! The Spaniard wasn't done though, and in the 41st minute he completed his hat trick to give Osasuna a shocking 3-1 lead over the Italian club. However right before the half Gonzalo Higuain achieved a brace with an incredible long shot, an absolute screamer, from approximately 30 yards out that flew into the top corner; impossible for Rodriguez to reach. The stands were mostly quiet for the second half, with the away fans worried that their club could lose the lead at any minute against a superior club like Napoli, and the home fans surprisingly not trying to motivate their club to get back in the game. The second half ended without any more goals but very balanced with the underdogs able to maintain their lead. Onwu defeated Higuain, but we must say that Onwu had much more support from his teammates than Higuain did, as Osasuna won the midfield battle as well as the match.
CA Osasuna 2 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
OSA: Cuevas 11' 50'
ATB: Muniain 30'
Another surprise from Osasuna, as this time they managed to defeat their Basque rivals Bilbao in the local derby. Miguel De Las Cuevas scored the first goal for Osasuna pretty early on, as Ivan overlapped from the back and dribbled all the way to the corner flag until he was taken down by Susaeta who had tracked back with his mark. The Bilbao players argued that Susaeta used his body to put Ivan off the ball, but the referee persisted that it was a foul. The Bilbao players were only aggravated more when the resulting free kick led to De Las Cuevas heading the ball into the net past the Basque goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has surprisingly taken the starting role over Gorka Iraizoz this season. The home fans were extremely loud and jeered every time De Marcos had the ball, overpowering the away fans as their team were defeating their rivals but on the field, it was a different story. Chavez chose to try Camarasa at CDM and move Darder to RCM, and it was not working out. Osasuna had the most control of the ball, but getting the ball past midfield was incredibly difficult as Bilbao executed a tight man-marking strategy. With no hurry to push forward though, Osasuna calmly circulated the ball as they looked for an opening. Chavez's comfort came to an end in the 30th minute though, as the Basque future star Iker Muniain took a soft, but well placed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box that Asier Riesgo wasn't able to reach. The first half ended with both sides even on the scoreline, but with Bilbao looking much more dangerous in attack and more solid in defense as well. Five minutes into the second half De Las Cuevas put together his brace though, with a shot from outside the box that deflected off of Bilbao captain Iturraspe, changing the course of the ball and flying into the net. Kepa made a fantastic diving effort to reach the ball, but the deflection forced a second of hesitation and that's why the ball was able to get past him. Osasuna looked a lot better in attack now but both sides were still very balanced, Bilbao being the most dangerous of course since they have several players that could score at any minute. It looked like Bilbao would have a breakthrough in the 68th minute as Iker Muniain dribbled past Victor Camarasa, but knowing how dangerous Muniain is in front of goal Camarasa went with a "tactical foul" as some call it, and took him down at the edge of the box before he could shoot.
The Bilbao players were enraged when they saw the referee only gave Camarasa a yellow card, as they felt a red card was more appropriate. Looking at the replay, seeing how the Osasuna centre backs were too stretched out to be able to get to Muniain had he not been fouled by Camarasa, and seeing that Muniain was in a clear and inevitable scoring opportunity, the red card was definitely deserved. Even Chavez looked relieved from the bench when he saw the yellow come out. Bilbao still had a scoring opportunity as they had a free kick in a great position, but fortunately Ibai Gomez' shot went over and wide. Camarasa was still receiving plenty of stick from the Bilbao players, so Chavez took him out of the match and replaced him with Oier, moving Darder from RCM to CDM. Even though Darder had disappointed in recent matches at CDM, he truly changed the midfield and launched many counter attacks as Bilbao tried to get back into the game by switching to a 3-4-3. Osasuna's counter attacks were lethal but Kepa was able to block everything that came at him. The underdogs took the win and celebrated it with their home fans. This match was an important one for the former Bilbao youth graduate Guillermo as he not only returned to La Liga but also faced the club he grew up with. The Basque striker hasn't been in the same scoring form he was in Liga Adelante, but he's still one of the hardest working players on the field and contributes plenty.
Real Sociedad 1 - 0 CA Osasuna (B-Team)
RSO: Castro 18'
Up next for Osasuna was another Basque rivalry, but this time they were shut out by Real Sociedad. The B team had a difficult time on the field as Sociedad controlled midfield and always threatened to score with dangerous players up front. In the 18th minute, Castro resolved a corner by heading the ball past Rodriguez who was too crowded to get his arms up when he tried to intercept the corner. Castro beat his marker and only had to head the ball into the open net. Osasuna tried to push forward and get back in the game, but the B team's target man Manuel Onwu was having one of his worst matches. The player that produced the most dangerous up front was the passionate Osasuna fan and player Jose Garcia, but sometimes you need a little more than heart as the taller and stronger Sociedad defenders pushed him around with ease whenever he dribbled too close. Garcia adapted though, and began to shoot at every opportunity but Sociedad's goalkeeper Rulli was able to stop everything that went at him. Osasuna were dangerous but not dangerous enough, and to make things worse a penalty was called against them after Julian Luque slid in from behind to take Mexican winger Carlos Vela down inside the box. Vela stepped up to take the penalty himself against Osasuna's goalkeeper Jose Antonio Rodriguez, both former Guadalajara youth academy players. Vela shot to the bottom left, but Rodriguez saved it! Toño Rodriguez was keeping his team in the fight, getting back up and shouting to motivate his teammates but unfortunately the B team didn't have enough up front and the match ended as Real Sociedad killed the clock by holding the ball by the corner flag. The match was very disappointing for Osasuna as they really looked out of ideas up front tonight.
CA Osasuna 2 - 0 Atletico Madrid
OSA: Guillermo 45' 87'
Huge surprise tonight in Pamplona, as the clear underdogs actually bested Los Colchoneros. Atletico were tied with the league leaders Real Madrid on the league table, but this loss has created a 3 point gap between the top teams from the capital. From the beginning we knew that Osasuna's 3-man midfield would be able to find spaces against Atletico's 2-man midfield and we were correct, but Atletico's 4-2-2-2 also allowed them to find spaces in Osasuna's back line as everyone had a man to mark. Atletico came extremely close to scoring very early on through a crowded corner kick, right away showing how dangerous they are. There were too many players in the goalkeeper's box which prevented Riesgo from getting his arms up to intercept the corner and an Atletico player was able to beat his marker and head the ball towards the wide open net. It looked like a clear goal and some of the players already had their hands up to celebrate, but the first post man Sisi surprised us all by sliding in to just barely stop the ball from getting past the line. Unbelievable!
Both teams delivered an exciting first half but right before halftime Osasuna opened the scoring with the Liga Adelante star Guillermo! Guillermo was tightly marked by Anderweild but he managed to get a low shot past him from outside the box. The ball floated towards the goal and Atletico's keeper was able to get his foot on it, but it was not enough and the ball still made it into the net! Cheers all around as Guillermo was able to shake off what would have been a goalless month for him and scored his 2nd goal of the season. Both teams continued to battle it out in the second half indicating that this match would not end 1-0. Diego Simeone changed formations to a regular 4-3-3, and now with three against three in midfield Atletico looked much better, but still couldn't finish their plays. Osasuna ended it in the 87th minute with a quick counter attack with brilliant one touch passes that ended up finding Guillermo one on one against the keeper and the Basque striker finished the play with an inside foot shot that made it into the net! Atletico weren't as intense after that, no doubt seeing that all hope for a possible comeback was lost.
CA Osasuna Player of The Month
CDM - Sergi Darder (Spain) (72 OVR 21yrs)
The summer signing from Malaga had a tough time adjusting to his new teammates and the different style of play, making several bad tackles earning himself three yellows in three matches, but Chavez was patient. One thing Darder had shown since his debut was his amazing chemistry with Victor Camarasa in midfield, swapping positions with ease to attack from different angles. After the match against Athletic Bilbao, Chavez decided to give Darder another chance at CDM since Osasuna's midfield improved in the final minutes of the match when Darder was brought back to his natural position, and it looks like the player has finally adjusted. It really surprised us when we saw lobbed through balls coming from midfield to the wings against Atletico. We watched the replay and saw that it was Darder who had been getting the attacks going, while simultaneously holding the midfield with great interceptions and tackles. It is believed Chavez had a serious talk with Darder about his weekly yellows last month, and now that he's not making any rushed tackles he's playing loads better. Darder showed great devotion and determination to improve this month, earning himself the POTM award.
Liga BBVA League Table
1. Real Madrid - 19 points
2. FC Barcelona - 17 points
3. Atletico Madrid - 16 points
4. Sevilla FC - 15 points
5. Valencia CF - 13 points
6. Villarreal CF - 11 points
----------
8. Real Sociedad - 10 points
9. CA Osasuna - 10 points
10. Real Valladolid - 9 points
----------
18. SD Eibar - 7 points
19. Levante UD - 6 points
20. Rayo Vallecano - 2 points
Liga BBVA Top Scorer
1. Suarez (Barcelona) - 6 Goals
2. Dos Santos (Villarreal) - 5 Goals
Modric (Real Madrid) - 5 Goals
Mandzukic (Atletico) - 5 Goals
Osasuna Top Scorer
1. Roberto Torres - 4 Goals
2. Guillermo - 3 Goals
Miguel De Las Cuevas - 3 Goals
Manuel Onwu - 3 Goals
Europa League - Group L
1. CA Osasuna - 3 points (+1)
2. Aberdeen - 3 points (+1)
3. Napoli - 0 points (-1)
4. 1899 Hoffenheim (-1)
Youth Academy
Spoiler
September Headlines
Is He Back!?
The player that stood out the most last season for Osasuna was arguably Guillermo, who went against all odds and became the league's and club's top scorer. He's had a slow start this year, with many beginning to wonder if he truly has what it takes to start in La Liga or if Osasuna should begin to look at strikers in January. His only goal in this season had been against relegation candidates Rayo Vallecano, which impressed no one given the opponent. It looked like he was looking at a scoreless month, but he came back in the final match and finally impressed with two goals against the powerful Atletico Madrid. This is exactly what any striker in a dry run needs and Guillermo has already proven to exceed under pressure. If the young striker has finally found his way back to the net, then watch out for Osasuna.
Julian Luque: Getting Comfortable?
Luque was a an important player for Osasuna last season, being the B-Team's brain and whenever you saw him coming from the bench with the first team you knew Chavez was going for the bench. The Spanish midfielder did so well that Osasuna signed him permanently for this season, but now that the player is no longer on loan and he has a reliable contract he's been in poor form. He hasn't offered much from the left wing with the B-Team, and whenever he comes on for the first team he seems to disappear. This is not the Luque we saw last season, and the only thing we can think of is that he's getting too comfortable with his surroundings now. Some might say that perhaps it's a superstitious thing, as in last season he did well with the #7 on his back and now that he has the #18 he doesn't feel the same. It is normal for players to have superstitious habits and rituals of sorts, so it wouldn't be too crazy to believe that the jersey number is what is causing him to have less confidence on the field. Chavez has been patient with him and offers him several opportunities each week, but Chavez isn't one who gives infinite chances and always like to dig into the reserves, where he might find the hunger and passion that Luque lacks at the moment.
Conclusion
I was extremely surprised to see the B-Team defeat Napoli and I'm starting to believe we might have a fighting chance in the Europa. My plan will stay the same though, and the Europa will be played only by the B-Team. Also, whatever prize money I earn from the competition will be used solely on contract renewals, and the youth academy. At the moment I'm broke, and I mean broke. If I remember correctly I have less than $100k in transfers and less than $1k in wages. Guillermo asked for a new contract and I can't afford it. I also have De Las Cuevas with a contract expiring, and in order to renew it I need to raise his wage to $60,000 which of course I can't afford. I can't recall if his current wage is $25,000 or $35,000. So yeah, I'm hurting for money but I refuse to use a financial takeover. No offense Indi lol. I like the struggle haha. Speaking of financial takeovers, according to one of my sources (my CM news feed), Villarreal are working on a financial takeover. Great, as if they aren't hard enough to play against already.
Not sure if this is just me, but I feel like corners are more difficult to defend against this year. It's not like the glitch I encountered in my Wimbledon career though, it's just that with the game's corner plays some are harder to defend against; in particular the "Crowd The Keeper" one. I don't know if it's because I don't really have a world class 'keeper, but whenever the opponent crowds the box they prevent my goalie from getting his fist or gloves up, creating an extremely easy goal if they beat my defenders to the header. Anyone else feel this way or do I just suck at defending corners? By the way Jamie, if we ever play a match online now you know how to score. Unless you're not reading this, in which case you'll be none the wiser and you'll never know my weakness! Haha yes! Good, very good...
That's all for this month gents,
Thanks For Reading!Last edited by _ChicoBass; 02-12-2015, 07:17 PM.Comment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
Agreed haha those jerks actually won their first three consecutive matches if I remember correctly so I guess it wasn't too bad but still what the hell. I was confident going into the Villarreal match since I knocked them out of the cup last season, but they felt like a completely different monster now that I faced them in the league. I can see exactly what you were talking about. I usually see them sell Dos Santos though, so once they do it should be a little easier unless the CPU actually makes logical choices in the transfer window and replace him with someone better.Comment
-
How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
Northampton Town have done It!! They Knock off Derby County in a game nobody expected us to have a chance. Darren Carter scores a fantastic goal off a volley in the 35'.
Our GK Duke kept us in this game and showed that he can hang with the Big Dogs as he helps us acheive a 1-0 Victory over Derby County!!
Currently Playing:
FIFA 15 Manager Mode with Real Betis
NCAA 13 Dynasty with Arkansas State
NCAA 13 Dynasty with Texas StateComment
-
Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?
Northampton Town have done It!! They Knock off Derby County in a game nobody expected us to have a chance. Darren Carter scores a fantastic goal off a volley in the 35'.
Our GK Duke kept us in this game and showed that he can hang with the Big Dogs as he helps us acheive a 1-0 Victory over Derby County!!
Man those matches are the most annoying when the shoe is on the other foot, but congratulations! Great match, I hope this is the beginning of an epic cup run!Comment
Comment