FIFA 21 was released in October of last year, with the game featuring plenty of improvements from its precedessor.
The game introduced several new features, including an ‘Agile Dribbling’ system and the ability for players to make more intelligent runs forward.
In terms of Ultimate Team, FIFA 21 has seen the debut of ‘Live FUT Friendlies’, whilst EA decided to ditch the fitness system that had been present in the game mode since its launch back in FIFA 10.
Whilst the game has made a number of steps forward, there are a number of areas in which tweaks could be made.
Here’s five things that we’d like to see improved in FIFA 21:
Attainability of Prime Icon Moments
One major gripe amongst the FIFA community is the situation surrounding Prime Icon Moments cards.
Moments cards are a level above from the Prime Icon cards that are in-game, with each Icon receiving a stats boost based on a particularly key moment during their careers.
For instance, Sol Campbell’s 90-rated Moments card is based on his solitary goal for England against Sweden in the 2002 World Cup.
The issue with these cards is that too many of them are almost impossible to obtain. Most of the ‘high-end’ players, such as Ronaldo, Pele or Ruud Gullit, are very rarely seen on the transfer market.
Others, such as Paolo Maldini, come in at over 10 million coins. Although these cards should be priced at a premium as they are the most sought-after items in the game, it would be good to see those elite tier items become more freely available.
‘Team Press’
The quick tactic ‘Team Press’ is one of the most used in FIFA 21.
It allows teams to press and win the ball back quickly, which is handy against any team that likes to retain possession or whose style relies on space and passing lines being available.
The issue with this is that, even for the most highly-skilled players, it is exceptionally difficult to hold onto the ball and create chances in offensive areas.
EA did tweak the tactic back in November by reducing the amount of time it remained active for in-game.
Driven crosses
If you’ve ever played Pro Clubs on FIFA 21, you’ll know that the use of driven crosses is a common tactic.
Generally, if your crosser is in the right position, you can deliver an inch-perfect ball that splits the defence completely and presents a one-on-one opportunity.
Whilst, of course, this happens often in real-life, it does seem slightly too easy to score goals this way. Perhaps the tactic could be tweaked to make it less effective.
Women’s mode improvements
This is perhaps more of a change needed for future versions of FIFA, rather than the current game, but is still worth noting.
Women’s national teams were included in a FIFA game for the first time in the series in FIFA 16.
There was a cup competition that you could play in, as well as online friendly matches.
And in FIFA 19, the Women’s World Cup was available as a playable tournament.
Six years on from the original inclusion, however, and there has been little to no change to the mode. It would be welcome to see licensed club sides included in the near future, which would then open the door to new possibilities, such as a dedicated women’s career mode.
Practice Arena
We may be in the minority here, but the practice arena is an area that could perhaps do with some attention.
In past iterations, FIFA players were able to organise practice matches, ranging from 11v11 to having a full team of attackers against one goalkeeper.
It was perfect for practicing and developing your skills in a non-competitive environment, although the feature has not been present in the last few games.
Featured Image Credit: EA Sports
