How to phase out older stars?

[RBKalle]

As in previous iterations, it looks like plenty of aging stars (or decent players) still get a lot of playing time for their clubs despite their physical stats (and CA) barely justifying it...

I reckon that's due to their high Reputation and Mental attributes, but in real life some of them have been used sparingly or downright sidelined (e.g. Totti at Roma)

How can I try to replicate the drop down the pecking order without resorting to drastic measures, like tampering with Mental attributes that are still accurate?

It's a tricky bit, because they DO still possess decent mental traits and are held in high esteem (at times), and their technical skills can still be top-notch.. It's just they can't perform at that level long enough in a game to make them viable Starting XI choices.

P.S. As a side-question: how can I reflect the failure of a player to take the step to a higher level? E.g. a midfielder playing magnificently at mid-table level but failing to establish himself in a more competitive setup despite possessing the skills to do so?

Low pressure? Low important matches? Low determination?

[Roy Race 9]

you are on to it re later point

re first one pretty difficult in pre game editor as you cant set squad status...ie back up etc

you can with a RTE and this does impact on a players' use if set to back up/not needed etc

[KUBI]

You could edit their fitness level like natural fitness, stamina, strength as this is a major factor for AI managers when it goes to select a player for a match or sub him.