Many managers agree that the goalkeeper is the most important player on the Freekick field. When your midfielders fail to stop a pass, and then the defenders don't do their job closing down the attacker, the goalkeeper is the last line of defense. If you start losing matches, then you might go to the transfer list to buy 3 or 4 centre backs and flank backs (spending lots of money) when your club's real problem is the goalkeeper. This guide will help you choose what to buy.
RE (Reflexes)
You have read a lot of advice that you need well-rounded players to be successful. Goalkeepers have 5 skills, but Reflexes is definitely the most important skill to have. It is always the primary skill for you to look for on the transfer list, so you should search for the highest RE skill you can get. Do this, and you'll instantly improve your defense. Simply, this skill makes the save against the attacker's shot. Some managers see the 4 other goalkeeper skills as just a bonus or luxury.
- A goalkeeper with high Reflexes skill means that he has good hands, has good handling, can parry shots and he can jump and stretch to get to the ball.
Before Reflexes can even be used, the goalkeeper must be positioned well. Nevertheless, this is the goalkeeper's second primary skill. RE and GP should be the main skills that you look for when buying a goalkeeper. This skill attempts to compare the attacker's positioning with the goalkeeper's knowledge about where he should be in the penalty box.
- A goalkeeper with high Goalkeeper Positioning skill means that he has good game vision to read what the attacker will do next and can defend against Long Shots.
There are two parts to this skill. If you have defenders with low Aerial ability, then you should find a goalkeeper with IN skill to defend against high passes and corner kicks. You will also need a high IN goalkeeper if your defenders have low DP (Defensive Positioning) compared to the opponent's OP (Offensive Positioning) because the goalkeeper can choose to come off his line and rush out to cut off the scoring angles of the attacker. If the goalkeeper times his interception badly in either of these situations, then he will be out of position.
- A goalkeeper with high Interceptions skill means that he is tall, can jump high, can make good challenges in the air and has good speed to close down unmarked attackers that have the ball.
After the goalkeeper has saved a shot, he will use CT to control, protect and keep possession of the ball. He can also successfully save a shot by tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick if he feels there is need to do so. If the attacker uses the Power Shot tactic, then the goalkeeper will fumble or drop the ball if his CT skill is low. In that situation, RE and the defender's DP will be compared to the opponent's OP to see who is first to get to the rebound. Some managers think that if CT is high enough, a save can create a counter-attack, as the goalkeeper can throw the ball quickly to a teammate.
- A goalkeeper with high Control skill means that he can safely catch, collect and protect the ball.
Corner kicks and freekicks will not be a problem for a team that has a goalkeeper that has good skills in organasation. He can positively motivate his club's defense. His orders orders are understood and, more importantly, followed by his teammates.
- A goalkeeper with high Organisation skill means that he can boss his troops around during set pieces and freekicks.
Type of attacker: Long shot midfielder/forward
Goalkeeper skill needed: GP very important, OR (Organisation) for when they get a freekick
Type of attacker: OP forward with high SC low BC
Goalkeeper skill needed: high IN, high CT
Type of attacker: OP forward with high BC low SC
Goalkeeper skill needed: high RE/GP, high CT
Type of attacker: BC forward
Goalkeeper skill needed: high RE/GP
Type of attacker: AE forward
Goalkeeper skill needed: high IN
Cafa talking to suzukii regarding Goalkeepers Orders:
You set goalkeepers orders it based on where you expect the majority of danger to come from.
For example, if I put defensive players in central midfield and offensive players on the flanks, obviously my opponent will pass through my flanks easily. Therefore, I set the goalie to Flanks.
But if you know you'll stop him on the flanks and not so sure you'll stop him at the centre, use Centre.
The majority of attacks goes through centre midfield (50%) if the opponent doesn't use winger(s).
Also, take note that MOST managers don't touch the default goalie order and leave it at Centre. Meaning, it's wiser for you to direct your attacks through flanks because then, most likely, you won't be facing the goalie focus.
Same thing goes for set pieces and long shots. Opponents don't expect them and therefore don't give the correct goalie order.
Arbetaren talking about Goalkeeper Orders:
You should not look so much at your goalies weaknesses but more on how your opponent usually plays. Look in previous match reports to see where the opponent places his strongest offensive midfielders (in the centre or the flanks) and focus on that kind of attack. One of these two is the standard Goalkeeper Order choice for me.
The other two options are less common. Long shot should only be used if the opponent has strong long shot players, which many teams do not have. Again, look in previous match reports to see if they have used the option before.
Set pieces could be used if the opponent uses strikers/forwards with strong aerial and ball control skills.
