Set Pieces

In a nutshell

Set pieces are the dead ball moments where one player steps up: a penalty during a match, a free kick in a dangerous area, or a kick in a cup shootout. Picking the right player for each role can be the difference between a great chance and a wasted one.

Where to set it

You set all of this from the Set Pieces tab on the Squad page.

Penalty Taker

When the referee points to the spot during a normal match, your designated Penalty Taker steps up. Pick any outfielder from your squad.

Composed players convert noticeably more often. The Set Pieces tab marks them with a tick so they're easy to spot. If you don't pick anyone, the engine falls back to the highest-skill outfield player on the pitch.

Free Kick Taker

When your team wins a free kick in a dangerous area, the Free Kick Taker steps up. Pick any outfielder.

Free Kick specialists are dramatically more likely to score directly, but only when they are your designated taker. The Set Pieces tab marks them with a tick.

Power Shot gives a useful bonus to free kick conversion on top of the Free Kick trait. Put both on the same player and your set pieces become a serious goal threat.

Cup Shootout Order

Penalty shootouts only happen in cup ties that are level after 90 minutes. There is no extra time, the match goes straight to penalties so the bracket can move on.

1

On the Set Pieces tab you can set the exact order players take their kicks. You pick from your projected XI at minute 90 (your starting eleven with any planned substitutions already applied), and your goalkeeper is eligible too if you want them in the order.

2

If a player you picked is no longer on the pitch when the shootout starts (substituted, injured, or sent off), they are quietly skipped and the next eligible taker steps up.

3

Leave the order empty and the engine will pick takers automatically by skill.

Skill and form decide shootout kicks. Your most skilled, in-form outfielders convert more often, and they are facing the opposing goalkeeper, so a strong keeper across the tie works against them. Load the front of your order with your sharpest finishers.

What to do

Pick a Composed player as your penalty taker and a Free Kick specialist (ideally with Power Shot too) as your free kick taker, then set your cup shootout order from the Set Pieces tab, leading with your most skilled, in-form finishers.