Again, I warn that these things could change soon, so ill try to talk about long run permanent gameplay changes, though anything could happen - we all know Konami 😂

🥱💤💤 TLDR 1.Dribbing - harder (Maybe even worse) but still very workable, takes skill

2.Defending - great, easier, but every player feels like 90 tackling

3.Positioning - more balanced, especially offline

4.Shooting - still very good

5.Passing - meh, but smooth as hell

6.Crossing/Heading - AMAZING 👏 🤩

The main buffs (⬆️) and nerfs (⬇️) that can be noted/seen in gameplay are:

•Dribbling⬇️ Touches for players seem to feel looser, leading to the possesion of players not feeling as 'tight' or contained as before. However, the nerf seems to deal with AIs tendency to have INSANE ball control, as they are easier to tackle, even in higher difficulties 🎉🎉

Dribbling is still possible and effective, definitely, with the likes of Messi, Neymar, Maradona, and others.

It seems to just takes more accurate timing, more effort and thought (considering also the defenders are harder to beat). You can't just effortlessly clear defenders like before with Neymar 💀

•Defending(Match Up)⬆️ This buff makes defending against AI (AND IN GENERAL) more of a joy. Combined with the dribbling nerf, they take much less struggling to tackle than before (W again 🎉)

Online is the same story, defenders match up and tackle a lot more effectively and lock on to their men. The common '🥴' moment is still there but overall defensive is far more solid

too solid for some players???

•Positioning: Positioning feels good. Attack wise, runs are being made often. It seems balanced with defending so attacking plays happen often so the chances of scoring are the same given the harsher defending

The 'your player hiding behind opponent' seems to still be an issue, but it's just a matter of waiting for a clear passing option - nothing too serious

Classic no. 10 now making runs is an automatic W 🗿. Maradona, Del Piero, Zico have all entered the chat 💯

•Shooting⬇️ [Not by a lot] People complain that shots feel weaker and slower. And also I have seen shots hit post more. Imo there is not enough of a difference for this to be a problem.

Defending makes getting a shot away more work but with good placement, like before, you can still score bangers

First goal I scored in the update was a banger with Maradona just outside the box, top bins, hit post and in. Shooting is OK.

•Passing(Normal/Lofted/Through)⬆️ [Not by a lot] Through passes in general seem to have made a tiny bit of a comeback with the change to them. At least they aren't 90% intercepted like before, they have a good chance of getting to your attackers now.

BUT Players ignoring passes and rigged through passing power still plagues this game 😂😂

Still, passing animations feel better with every update and are now extremely smooth and natural - clear of any other games in the market 🌚

•Crossing/Heading⬆️ One of the besy buffs imo. Heading is back to how it was back in '21. Strong, powerful, accurate. Tall and physical players are winning aerial battles as they should be. Crosses are also nice. Not broken, but balanced 💯