Thiago

I have recently bought Thiago off Barcelona for my Liverpool team. He's not scored yet, but he's bossed my midfield (playing him as a CM attack).

However, I'm always told that he doesn't like closing players down, even when I set it to 'Own half' for closing down. How much should I set it to?

Also after 45 mins, the guys is always knackered. What can I do to make him last a game?

Cheers
Andy

Maybe set it to "Own Area"?

Knackered? you mean injured? if it is by the opposition i can't really help you, but if it's a more general injury maybe you should look at his training? and maybe how his strength attribute is

If knackered you mean he's getting tired then I suggest bringing him as a sub not starter. And also improve his stamina in training and also his conditioning.

Sorry folks, yes by knackered, I meant exhausted. Surely a player should last more than 45 mins though!?

His natural position is a AMC not a MC (which is more demanding) so maybe he is not used to running up and down the pitch. However his general fitness should improve if you continue to play him their.

#50282 Godman : His natural position is a AMC not a MC (which is more demanding) so maybe he is not used to running up and down the pitch. However his general fitness should improve if you continue to play him their.

That would make sense. I play with a DM, 2xCM, 2xWingers and a Striker, so an AMC would leave me too thin in the centre.

I guess I just need to focus his training on stamina and aerobic conditioning and either bring him on as a sub or only play him for 60 mins until he gets fitter.

...Quality player though! Not had him for long but some of his stats are shooting up!!

Perhaps if you check that his individual duties are set in an attack-oriented way it will help? i.e. make sure he's not box-to-box, or ball-winning mode, and attack rather than support. Always assuming you can afford such a player in your setup I must admit that when I picked him up in an FM11 game, there was a little bit of a similar effect, he wasn't an every-game, 90-minute player either in stamina or temperament - but those were based off his characteristics in a different year's database than I presume the one you're working with.

If you've got enough other quality you might want to use him as an "impact" sub more than as a starter for his first year or two at the club while he matures - coming in on 60-70 minutes some times, at the half if things are going poorly. Maybe will impact more facing more tired defenders?... or alternatively, maybe you'll irritate him if he's not an every-game starter!

nothing to do with this, but signed his younger brother Rafinha, normally available for a third of the price. looks like he should be top notch too in a few years, plays in the same position aswell.

Thanks. I normally play Thiago and Gerrard in the centre, with Lucas behind. Henderson and Adam are my CM subs.
Gerrard is getting older now - any suggestions for a replacement? Preferably an englishman too, as I've only got 6 including Stevie!

Jack wilshere, world class, and scores great first-time screamers