Set Pieces in FC 25: A Missed Opportunity

In FC 25, set piece mechanics are minimal. Players can:

Choose a set piece taker.

Adjust general player positions.FC 26 Coins

Pick vague tactics like near-post or  far-post delivery.

But that’s where the control ends. You can’t dictate specific runs, movements, blocking strategies, or who attacks which zones. Scoring from corners or free kicks feels like a random event rather than the result of thoughtful planning. This leaves a gap between how real football works and how it's simulated in FC 25.
How Football Manager Raises the Bar

Football Manager 2024 allows full customization of both attacking and defensive set pieces. Managers can:

Design corner routines with specific players attacking different zones.

Assign players to screen the goalkeeper, take short options, or pull defenders wide.

Create free kick strategies for both direct and indirect situations.

Customize defensive positioning to counter aerial threats or second-ball danger.

This freedom makes set pieces another tactical layer rather than a glorified coin toss. Each match becomes an opportunity to outsmart the opposition, not just outplay them.

What FC 26’s Set Piece Creator Should Include

To match—or even surpass—Football Manager, EA should design a robust, intuitive, and rewarding Set Piece Creator for FC 26 that includes the following key features:

Custom Player Movement & Roles

Allow managers to assign specific instructions for each player during a set piece. For example:

Near Post Runner

Back Post Target

Edge of Box for Rebounds

Short Option

Blocker or Screen

Each instruction would help create unique routines based on your squad’s skill sets.

Save & Load Set Piece Routines

Let players build and save multiple routines for different situations, such as:

Default Corners

Trailing Late in the Game

Free Kicks from the Left Side

Defensive Setups When Leading

This encourages experimentation and buy FC 26 Coins tactical diversity, just like in real football.