Strikers struggling and players regressing- yet top of the league at midway stage.

[Pelz]

I’ll try and keep this as brief as possible considering the info I want to discuss..

Not long started a new wave with Monaco after fancying managing in a league I’ve not previously tried.

Just coming in to January and on the face of it all is rosy in the garden.. two clear of PSG (drew 1-1 with them recently) at top of league after 16, couple key signings have settled in well, training and youth facilities are to be upgraded and of course at Monaco money isn’t going to be an issue.

However, delve a little deeper and things just seem bizarre to me and not really something I’ve experienced before. Wissam Ben Yedder, star striker with all the attributes to be a class AF/F9 at this level has 4 in 15 games and three of those were penalties. He even hit the post four times (wish I was making it up but I’m truly not) in one game against Nimes, it became almost laughable. Kevin Volland had two all season, Jovetic is yet to score whilst Guebbels has one from the bench. My wingers seem to be popping up with hatricks here and there (3 separate ones have them this season), my 2 CM’s will randomly bang them in from 30 yards despite not really having that capability or tactical instructions and vast majority of my assists come from Ballo-Toure at LB. Praising, criticising, slowing down tempo, reassuring - tried the lot and just can’t seem to get anyone scoring with regularity. 

Used the same three tactics over multiple saves (with minor tweaks to suit team etc) and always had 20+ goals a season strikers, so cant put my finger on what exactly is happening here. Tactical familiarity is maxed in my main formation too. 

likewise with player development - well versed with training, coaches are all decent enough personality and ability wise, facilities are great, young players are getting game time yet barring the odd exception as seeing drop offs in ability in large swathes of players, regardless of their potential and playing time.

Anyone ever experienced a save like this, where everything looks good on the face of it but really is a bit of a frustrating mess? 

Edited May 4, 2021 by Pelz