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(This is not a moan-athon, just a guy asking for help using examples)
1. I have some very talented fast strikers in Vela, Rooney, Tevez, Delgado and Saha. However as none of them can head a ball they can't deal with the long ball game. When I try to play with short and slow passing and tempo respectively, the opposition defense has aa large amount of time to get back and so therefore does not fear getting skinned by my pacy duo. However, the AI manage to bang balls over the top at every occasion even with a deep Defensive line and the strikers simply run on and smash it home. Not pretty but effective.
Therefore, my question is How can you get the best out of a very fast front duo?
2. My second question is basically the same as number 1, how can I stop the long ball over the stop? I do not have a high defensive line (normal) and neither do I play the offside trap.
3. How can I utilise the Closing Down System effectively? I would like to play like the AI in the sense that every time my midfielder gets the ball they are instantly put under pressure by the opposition forcing them to play a misplaced pass. Plus when ever my strikers are relatively unmarked and receive a pass, someone instantly runs over to them and tackles them. When I have tried to play a high closing down game as the AI appears to do, all that happens is that the AI pass it around me, repeatedly making fools of experienced players. Or, my defenders close down players who are miles away and leave ridiculous gaps all over the place.
My question this time is obviously how to play like the AI: closing down-wise. I play with zonal marking and tight marking, not sure if this makes any difference.
4. This is fairly similar to question 3; How can i make my players lose their markers by moving around etc.
I have heard previously on the forums that a free role can help this and also high creative freedom. However, I am reluctant to try this extensively because it not only contradicts the manual. But also someone from SI, who if I recall correctly said creative freedom is the likelihood that your instruction will be ignored if the player sees fit.
If anybody can help with any of these questions then I would be very thankful,
1. I have some very talented fast strikers in Vela, Rooney, Tevez, Delgado and Saha. However as none of them can head a ball they can't deal with the long ball game. When I try to play with short and slow passing and tempo respectively, the opposition defense has aa large amount of time to get back and so therefore does not fear getting skinned by my pacy duo. However, the AI manage to bang balls over the top at every occasion even with a deep Defensive line and the strikers simply run on and smash it home. Not pretty but effective.
Therefore, my question is How can you get the best out of a very fast front duo? - I would assume that your are playing a 4-4-2? If so I would consider changing the formation. 4-2-3-1 with Rooney/Tevez playing as the AM.
2. My second question is basically the same as number 1, how can I stop the long ball over the stop? I do not have a high defensive line (normal) and neither do I play the offside trap.
I would consider setting the GK to play as more of a keeper/sweeper then you can adjust the D- Line to your preference.
3. How can I utilise the Closing Down System effectively? I would like to play like the AI in the sense that every time my midfielder gets the ball they are instantly put under pressure by the opposition forcing them to play a misplaced pass. Plus when ever my strikers are relatively unmarked and receive a pass, someone instantly runs over to them and tackles them. When I have tried to play a high closing down game as the AI appears to do, all that happens is that the AI pass it around me, repeatedly making fools of experienced players. Or, my defenders close down players who are miles away and leave ridiculous gaps all over the place.
My question this time is obviously how to play like the AI: closing down-wise. I play with zonal marking and tight marking, not sure if this makes any difference. If you play the 4-2-3-1, I would set the Striker and the two wingers to high closing down (16-18). I would also have the wingers set to man-marking. The two mc's should be on zonal marking.
4. This is fairly similar to question 3; How can i make my players lose their markers by moving around etc. Make sure they have creative freedom set to suit their ability.
I would recommend setting all your defenders to very low closing down, as you want them to keep a solid line and not be drawn out of position.
The problem with your quick strikers is that you are at a big club, and most opponents will play a deep defensive line to prevent you getting any space around the back. Try having them on different mentalities and swap position, this may help with losing their markers. Or just sell a couple of them and buy a big, strong target man like Klose!
I would add to crazyscotman and kenco that you should play with high creative freedom given to your strikers. they should roam around and pull DCs out of position. then scholes or whoever is your AMC will penetrate in the middle or shoot from distance. So you need high CD, FWR -often to your SC and AMC. It works great with swapping positions too...
With players like rooney and tevez you should be great at closing down. When I play high CD I like to set my strikers and wingers very high - say 17-18, my MCs a bit lower - say 15, if I play DMC - around 8, full backs 8-10, and DCs I leave to about 6-8, i do not change DCs' CD once I have found the optimal level.
Having very high CD to your wingers and strikers mean they will lose often their position but their zones are not danger zones... MCs and DL/R cover the danger zones, and that is where wingers will go when they lose position - either to the center or back to help full backs and MCs! It normally works great! You will see your team winning the ball much faster.
When you close down you are bound to leave gaps, so be careful when you use this. You will need the right players too. You need aggression, determination, work rate, tackling, decisions, stamina and strength. Rooney and tevez look good for CD though.
I just have a few questions... 
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