SixPointer

I think because of my positional style of play I have to let each an every role be fluid to an extent. The idea is to have complete players with subtle differences that give me the edge in certain situations. This of course is easier said than done. For example I would like two wide men that are left footed for my RW Slot. Both as complete as possible. But one more aimed at being direct and lethal while the other aimed more at being creative. Think of it as this for an example. Bernardo silva Vs Mahrez. Both are complete wide men but silva is more of a playmaker type who can thread that killer ball. Where as mahrez is a little more likely to beat his man and smash one in. Both are equally capable but those subtle differences make the difference to the flow. In terms of my thoughts behind the six. If I tuned Edson up to say a regista I don’t doubt he could pull it off as he is complete but Stiller is definitely going to be more suited as he has the PPM’s do unlock the roles full potential. The issue of game time is a tough one to manage but the versatility of both will help, Edson can drop into CB and Stiller can become an 8. I do wish there was some way in the team meeting we could say to a player the reason your not in today is because we are up against a certain player/style and this is why we’ve opted for this line up.

Strikers up next dude

You Can't Stand Still The first league title is in the bag at Ajax, but it would be foolish to rest on our laurels, by adding a more creative number six to the party it could help unlock a whole now aspect to our play. Edson Alvarez registered 0.60 key passes per 90, from more defensive minded roles may i add. His ball playing attributes in FM are of a good standard, however I feel he is still more suited to keeping the team ticking over by winning the ball back and playing sensible passes, mainly due his supreme physical strength and footballing intelligence. I felt in order to give us another weapon in our armoury that it would be wise to bring in someone with a little bit more like a quarterback in that area, dropping the creative hub for when teams sit back and allow us more space in our half to dictate from. This is not to say Eddy would become redundant, in fact the complete opposite. Inter Milan Offered 60 million Euros, as always my stance with this kind of offer is to approach it in the most realistic way I can achieve. Would Ajax refuse 60 million, No, would they not perhaps try to convince Edson that they aspire for greater things and would sweaten his deal, Yes. This is exactly how I handled it and it appears this time Edson likes the idea. This now allows me to find a more creative 6, knowing I have a more disciplined one tied down. The fact I have also opted to sell Gracia and promote Bakker gives Eddy another angle, he is more than capable of being a centre back which gives me more coverage while bleeding my 17 year old starlet at the right times. The German joins his fellow countryman Howedes and should be the perfect foil to Edson going forward. The former Bayern starlet, turn Hoffeinhim captain arrives to make sure we don't stand still (pardon the pun). His 27.5 million release clause activated (a little more expensive of typical real life Ajax) and at 25 years of age he still has the pedigree to grow. Sealing the captain of a fellow porgressive club that is well recognised with a similar model helps round of that Ajax type of signing. The most chances created in the bundesliga, (19), 4th for average rating, a consistent performer, who likes big matches along with 15 direct goal involvements each year for the last two seasons. I really pushed the boat out on the statistical side of this one. The analysts and scouts have done their homework and it's the catalyst for the move, in particular how he compares to Edson in tackling stats, something that I would have expected the Mexican to lead the way. His ppms in contrast to Edson make perfect sense for when the six requires to become a more creative influence on the game, they all point to killer balls much like this example here. Attribute spread further backs up his performance with high level ball playing abilities, with no glaring weaknesses to be really concerned about. As far as Ajax type signings go, this one doesn't really get any closer. Tadic hung up his boots but this Brazilian kid had long been in the pipeline for his replacement. 7.5 million Euros was enough to pluck him away from Cruzeiro, where he impressed in his breakthrough season, before lighting up the division in his second, promotion has seen a period of realisation for the young man but at Ajax i'm positive he will go from strength to strength. PPM's are exciting to see the least and complement his somewhat incredible attributes, (light on the teamwork) great for leading a press from the channel, physically unreal while having an eye for a pass and being able to deliver the ball as well. If I can get him settled in and guide him correctly there is nothing stopping him becoming a superstar.

Interesting to see you adjust the pressing lines, I often use opponent instructions to tailor this. how have you found things since you changed? Is there a noticeable difference? By eye or by numbers?

I plan on a small update on the youth players at the club. Last season was about securing the title at all costs to give me the chance to build. Now I need to make a clear plan for pathways to the first team. So I plan a little coverage on that. First up though will be covering midfield additions. Like I said 12 hour shifts is once again is limiting my time. (Really why I’m so behind in challenge) so it will be small updates till I get going again.

Look forward to it

I love your thoughts on making players more fluid in roles. I’ve tweaked myself tactically this forthcoming season to allow me to counter specific threats and attack in different ways. Something I’m doing through role changes etc. but my recruitment was also tailored to bring different types of players to fulfil these slight tweaks. I never consider training players too much I find it a weakness in my ability in game. Collander was a fine example of this. He looked an ideal fit to be shaped into a wing back from winger but it really went south very quick. So am keen to see how you succeed with this.

This was my exact thoughts (I’ve already played first month of season to deadline) So I decided to keep Luka on as the number one! But I still have concerns so it’s vital I keep tracking options!

Its crazy they still refer to him as a rookie! (played 102 Eredivisie games) his 4th award in a row, carrying on from his performances at sparta. I think he is the most consistent player I've ever had in my whole FM playing life. Ajax feature heavily until he gets on the scene, and although i had a poor first intake in terms of volume i have one player who look like he will join this list in the future (more on him later) My record in this award is pretty special as one of my players has won it every year, starting with Emegha suppose it helps when you have a real gem, like Hasenhutl.

Bolstering The Back More aggressive CB option Two Outgoings Goalkeeper? Mbete would return to City, having not done enough. I'm looking for a more aggressive type of LCB, which will help tackle the aerial issues. Natan had a great first season, it's about providing him with some competition. Three options from my stat search, (80% HDR%) (85% TCK R) (90% Pas%) (AV RAT 7.00) was the criteria along with a max age of 21 and 1000 minutes. Aursand is someone i tracked at Sparta, he signed for PSG before ending up at Standard. Maya was pointed out to me this summer from the scouts and while not everything is on view yet he looks a solid enough option. Nestor i have tracked since January, already an established starter for River Plate. He leads the way statistically, mainly because he is the most balanced across the three and does everything well. I liked what the Analyst had to say and it backed up his case. 7.5 million Euros is enough for River to part with him. While not the most technically gifted (11) for most key ball playing attributes, but he still managed 76 passes at 97% completion with 7 being key, granted in argentina but it's enough for him to get by. His main selling point is his mental ability and mainly his bravery and PPM that he likes to dive into tackles, Ticking the box of a more aggressive option at LCB. At 21 he still has things to learn but he certainly fit the profile of the kind of pedigree I want to add. Two summer signings that failed to impress Benedikt Howedes. Garcia had come to finally live up to his promise having bounced around a few top clubs, it turns out getting caught under the ball was too much of an issue. When Lazio were willing to stump up 5 million euros more than he cost it was a no brainer. Young Bakker (dubbed the new VVD) now has the chance to step up at 17 into the first team squad, already at 17 he has standout attributes in key areas (bravery being one). A move of textbook Ajax ideals, signed as a youth player from Zwolle then given a year in the academy before being brought through. Collander was a deadline day signing last summer, a costly one at that! His failed experiment, I tried to convert him from defensive winger into a IWB/WB and simply put he made too many mistakes as well as costing too many fouls. A loss of 4 four million isn't the end of the world so it was wise to cash in on that now. To provide cover for Hasenhutl i turned to Shurandy Sambo (after main target signed for liverpool) I bought the former PSV academy star back to the Eredivisie after a move to Germany back fired for him. I know he doesn't have the most complete attributes, but his historical stats from his four seasons in the top flight are solid, his last two years being very impressive. 24 years of age he still has a chance to come back and push for the heights he was tipped to reach. Keeper Conundrum, three am looking at. Trubin - Represents the best recommendation but he isn't really a sweeper keeper, he does however offer the best in terms of height and dealing with the corner issues. He also has potential to grow which fits an Ajax profile at 24. He also likes big matches. Vandevoordt - The stat man, he once again comes on my radar, this is definitely his most impressive season stats wise. Far and above the best in Belgium and the best of the three. Very typical Ajax signing but i find his handling a weak point, i think an eye test is required as i really love his stats. Maximenko - Gives us the best attribute spread, but has been distinctly average at Bayer this past season. Doesnt like big matches really puts me off, but is Ajax the place for this man to enter his prime. The problem I had was i didnt feel like there were any huge upgrades on Luka, so for now I'm biding my time on this front.

Hasenhutl - Profile - Progress Mijnans - Profile - Progress Misheouy - Profile - Progress Van Dongen - Profile - Progress I threw in Dongen for you as well, seeing as you played a big part in him getting his chance

Love the detail your now getting into for each individual match. It’s becoming a lot more like my approach. I often spend my days dreaming of stuff like those little details, especially when I can’t get on to play 🤣

Thanks very much. I’m not sure how I do that. But I would. I have a end of season save from my first year with Ajax. (I keep it for stats as they get wiped). I will message next time I am on the computer

Defensive corners are becoming increasingly frustrating, it really made me consider and zone in more on my goalkeepers Strengths in this situation. In my setup I leave space for him to come and collect but I’m finding in this edition it’s happening a lot less than previous editions. Now is this down to ME or is it my keeper. So that will be a part of my recruitment update. European hangover isn’t great, do you fully rotate the team? Or is it a mix of form and fitness you go with?

Certainly agree. Find players to fit the tactical philosophy and recruitment model while still being able to offer something a little different is hard. Its easy to fill the squad with like minded players, but ideally I want smart, technical players across the board but just with slight variation to offer a different tool in the tool box. Wether that be offensive or defensive. This is where I find PPM’s to be a useful asset. The window slammed shut last night in game and the summer business concluded. I’m mostly happy with my business I feel like I ticked most boxes. The goalkeeper area was probably the most fascinating saga of the summer. I’m currently working 7 days 12 hours and probably for the next two weeks. So I’m going to have to do snippets of writing to get the update over.

Wonder if you had anything to do with this?

Lovely introduction and I like the philosophy! Best of luck. Following

He is 21. Not glaring mistakes that come to mind. I really need to dive into his stats and take a real good look before I fully commit to my decision. His save ratio was a far cry from his expected save. Which is a concern as we go long periods of dominance then he may have a that one big save I need from him and it doesn’t come off. I think I may start the season with him first choice and see how he performs. I have watched a lot of Alvarez in real life but his ball playing stats aren’t poor they are pretty reasonable. But I definitely need someone who can really orchestrate from deep when teams sit off us.

I’ll sort these this evening 👍🏻

Summer has been a tricky one! Between working being incredibly busy and my in game plans. I’ve been picking away at the plan but limited time often sees me change my mind. Am trying to add some diversity to the squad to allow me to vary certain things for certain opponents or situations. As it stands am looking for an aggressive LCB, a striker with a different skill set from Esposito, a more creative six. My biggest dilemma is between the posts. I want to give Podlech a chance but am not sure how much I trust him, his mentals worry me. The dilemma is I can’t seem to find a goalkeeper that ticks all my boxes.

I’m hooked on your update style now! It’s always been great but breaking down each game tactically. A man after my own heart 🤣 Good month. And a new laptop is always a welcome sight! I got myself a new one for the release of 22. And while it’s fast. It can make my playing style any quicker as I dwell to much on small details 🤣🤣 Have you done any sort of investigation into why you struggle when going behind? Quite the record of struggling to turn games around? I know your really into squad personalities etc? Do you think this could be having an effect? Do you criticise a lot after these games or during game? Very intrigued when the game throws up these sort of patterns. Feel it’s very realistic as teams do have these sort of issues in real life. Much like my struggling defending set plays and my centre backs often being caught out in headers.

Im so happy to hear your enjoying it. I have always went down the tactical route, it does however consume a lot of time. I actually like how you structure the updates to pack enough punch. (I feel I go on a bit at times) Your recruitment process is second to none and now your coupling it with tactics it’s a formidable force.

Congratulations on the UCL spot! Fantastic recruitment! Gallagher looks epic for the engine room and provides nice balance with Gilmours ball playing ability. As for Sesko, Lucca am team both! I think it’s great how you’ve made I work with two top class strikers keeping both happy. Something I’ll definitely be looking to take to Ajax, providing competition for Esposito is a must. Look forward to Rory’s next recruitment drive. How did the young swede do? Looks exciting

Big Bright was solid for my Sparta side and looks to have continued that as well. Great signing. Tough start is blown out the water the following month! What a September. Lovely start in the UCL. Benjani really is a god on the south coast

to be honest the more i look at Esposito the more i consider going for a out and out poacher, pressing forward, speed demon. Mario Gomez looks the only real target forward i would bring in and am not sure at 29 he is the profile i like