FC 27 Gameplay Feedback – Attacking Players Defending Like Elite Defenders

EA, you keep saying defending is manual, so explain this **bleep**.

I just played a match where Raphinha and Akliouche, two attacking players, were performing defensively like elite defenders. Raphinha received a **9.3 defending rating**, while Akliouche received a **10.0 defending rating**.

Here are their actual defensive stats from the match:

**Raphinha**

- 4 interceptions

- 5 tackles, winning 2

- 9.3 defending match rating

**Akliouche**

- 2 interceptions

- 6 tackles, winning 5

- 10.0 defending match rating

How does this make any sense? These are attacking players, yet they're getting near-perfect defending ratings and winning tackles like dedicated defensive players.

You keep telling us that defending is manual, but if attackers can consistently get into defensive situations, intercept passes, make tackles and perform at this level, then what exactly is manual defending supposed to mean? Where is the difference between a player with poor defending stats and an actual defensive specialist?

I'm not saying attackers should be completely useless defensively. I'm saying there should be a meaningful difference between players based on their defensive attributes, positioning, and tackling ability. Otherwise, what's the point of those stats even existing?

**When attackers can defend like this, it raises serious questions about the balance of the game, the defensive rating system, and how much player attributes actually matter.**

Please stop using the excuse that defending is manual and explain why this is happening. If player attributes are supposed to matter, the gameplay needs to reflect that. Right now, it feels like defensive stats mean absolutely **bleep** all.