Subject: Changes in engine and tactics

In NT friendly matches starting Saturday December 6, 2008 we will test the following engine modifications:
- Players will more often try to play short passing combinations, instead of opting for long passes.
- Players when passing now consider if pass recipient is offsides (the correctness of this judgment will be based on playmaking).
- Players will less often tackle from behind. Instead, they will try to move in front of the player in possession and look for a more favorable angle.
- Experienced defenders near the goal may be able to clear the ball immediately if a tackle was not effective.
- Players will now determine dribbling direction somewhat more effectively, instead of proceeding directly towards the goal in most cases.
- It will be harder to pass an opponent in the way of an attacker. A good defender will be able to either block or at least slow the attacker somewhat.

Any changes to this new engine will be assessed during NT friendlies and club friendlies, with this version of the engine being official starting next season. Playoff games will still use the current version of the match engine.

Changes in NT matches. Anyone thinks there's a need to change tactics for league?

This is what could happen if the changes were made...

-Offside traps are not going to work that effectively now since defenders cannot make up to tackle from the back.
-Playing with a tactic of narrow width could actually keep possession
-Old defenders with the experience will be better?
-Dribbling not as predictable as before. 5-3-2 could be the best to keep out attacks? (Shucks, I was thinking of playing WB towards center since strikers tend to run diagonal inwards if they're free)

Comments?

My strikers will be ineffective now! Sob... ;(

SO BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

look the NT match with the new engine.... :(((((


p.s. only the move of defenders are a good thing