Re: Feedback - Goalkeepers' performance and stats
MOD EDIT: formatted it so it's easy to read.
I am writing this to express my deep concern and provide detailed feedback regarding the current state of goalkeeper (GK) gameplay mechanics following the recent major updates.
Right now, the defensive balance of the game is completely compromised, and playing competitive matches feels incredibly unrewarding due to how broken the goalkeeper AI and animations currently are.
We do not need a minor tweak; we need a complete overhaul and a substantial buff to goalkeeper performance in actual gameplay.
Here is a breakdown of the critical core issues that must be addressed by the development team immediately:
1. Complete Lack of Basic Reflexes Against Low and Weak Shots
The most frustrating aspect of the current gameplay is how goalkeepers react—or rather, fail to react—to weak, low-driven ground shots.
We are seeing situations where a striker takes a weak, low-powered shot from a tight angle or from outside the box, and the goalkeeper either performs a heavily delayed diving animation or simply stands frozen on the goal line, watching the ball slowly roll into the back of the net.
Professional keepers should swallow these shots easily. Instead, the current match engine treats low balls as if they are completely invisible to the GK’s AI tracking system.
2. Abysmal Recovery Time and Sluggish Post-Dive Animations
Even when a goalkeeper manages to make a brilliant initial save or tips the ball away, the follow-up logic is completely broken.
The animation for a goalkeeper to recover, get back on his feet, and reposition himself after a dive is excruciatingly slow and rigid.
This sluggish recovery time turns every parried shot into a guaranteed goal for the opponent.
While the goalkeeper is stuck in a slow-motion animation trying to stand up, the attacking players have all the time in the world to easily tap in the rebound.
The physical responsiveness of the keepers needs to be much sharper and more dynamic to match the high pacing of the strikers.
3. Flawed Punching Logic and Poor Ball Handling
Goalkeepers are currently opting to punch or parry the ball far too often, even when dealing with weak, routine crosses or slow shots that should easily be caught and secured.
To make matters worse, the AI logic responsible for directing where the ball goes after a parry is fundamentally flawed.
Instead of tipping the ball over the crossbar or pushing it wide out of bounds for a corner kick, the goalkeeper consistently parries the ball directly into the danger zone—right into the path of an oncoming attacker. This makes defending feel like a game of pure luck rather than skill.
4. Unauthorized Auto-Rushing and Broken Positioning
Another massive issue affecting the gameplay engine is the automatic positioning of the keeper during counter-attacks.
Even when the user does not press the "GK Rush" button or issue any command to advance, the goalkeeper AI frequently decides to sprint out of the penalty box entirely on its own.
This unauthorized auto-rush behavior completely exposes the goal, allowing opponents to easily score from long-distance chips or simple passes into an empty net.
The GK should maintain his positioning and guard the line unless explicitly commanded by the player to rush out.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The current state of goalkeeping makes defensive efforts feel entirely pointless.
When you build a solid defensive wall, block passing lanes, and force the opponent into taking a terrible, low-quality shot, you expect your high-rated keeper to do his job.
Instead, the game punishes good defending by letting these weak shots slide through.
EA needs to rebalance the scales between attackers and defenders.
We desperately need a comprehensive gameplay hotfix that fixes the GK reaction speeds, improves recovery animations, optimizes ball-handling logic, and stops the broken auto-rush mechanic.
