The foot defense, “Saves with feet” trait in English, was extremely strong in the last Ultimate Team season. It made goalkeepers like De Gea or Fährmann the preferred choice for esports players, even over Manuel Neuer. But what about foot saves in FIFA 19?
Since the play event at the Allianz Arena, the info about FIFA 19’s gameplay has not stopped, but there is still comparatively little news about the individual game modes.
At least EA Gameplay Producer Samuel Rivera has now given an answer to the question, as reported to the Kicker, whether the foot defense will still decide the choice of keeper in FUT 19.
Traits should be balanced
The foot defense has been nerfed. According to Rivera, EA aims to make the traits, also known as “traits”, significantly more balanced in FIFA 19.
They are aware that many players preferred Manchester United’s David De Gea over Bayern’s Manuel Neuer in FIFA 18. EA also knows that the foot defense trait was the reason for this preference. For FIFA 19, they have adjusted the “Foot Trait” to make the goalkeepers more balanced again.
“Low Drivens” should still be countered. Despite the nerfing of the foot defense, Rivera does not want to make the trait completely useless. The Foot Trait will still be a good and functional means against low driven shots, just like in real football. However, finding the right balance will be challenging, especially with the new shooting system.
EA wants to observe players. To achieve this balancing, EA needs time. Mechanisms that are too strong only become apparent after many games. Therefore, EA also wants to rely on FIFA professionals for this.
The esports players are to be observed while playing. This is to help EA determine which traits and attributes are too strong or too weak. If EA notices mechanisms that are “overpowered”, they plan to fix this with patches throughout the year.
Why is the Foot Trait so strong in FIFA 18?
Low driven shots are the preferred means. The “Low Driven Shots”, a flat, powerful shot to the far corner, is the favorite finish of most stronger FIFA players. Most keepers are way too slow on the ground to save the shot.
Foot defense as a counter. Against this finish helps the “Saves with Feet” trait. Instead of diving with their hands, goalkeepers with this trait just extend their foot. Since the low driven shot has been executed most frequently online, many FUT players saw the greatest benefit in keepers with the Foot Trait.
That’s why Ralf Fährmann was stronger than Manuel Neuer in FIFA 18
Fährmann stronger than Neuer? The foot defense led to David De Gea being by far the best goalkeeper in FIFA 18. Many even preferred Ralf Fährmann (rating 84) over the actually highest-rated keeper Manuel Neuer (92).
Conclusion: Just because the low driven shot seems to be weaker in FIFA 19, the foot defense is nerfed. If EA also intervenes by making “normal” goalkeepers dive faster, it may well be that in FIFA 19 Ultimate Team, we will see Manuel Neuer between the posts more often again.
