EA FC 26 Players Are Tired Of Manual Goalkeeper Movement

Every time a new FC game is released, we see similar complaints emerge from the diehard fan base. For EA FC 26, a recent Reddit post seems to have reignited one of the series’s oldest debates: goalkeeper movement. Over at the EASportsFC subreddit, fans are venting their frustration on how often they have to predict keeper movement, as the mechanic seems to be too effective for the defending side.

Manual keeper control isn’t anything new, as this mechanic has been around since the FIFA 19 days. Some of the more passionate players argue that this mechanic should be removed entirely, and with EA FC 26, it’s under fresh scrutiny again.

What’s Wrong With Goalkeeper Movement In EA FC 26?

As the name suggests, manual goalkeeper movement allows you to shift your goalkeeper during incoming shots. It’s a skillful defensive option, but many argue that it tends to break the balance of the game. The main issue people have is that it can sometimes reward poor defending. Your opponent may be getting outplayed for an entire sequence, yet a miraculous save by simply flicking the stick at the right time can save them.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not as bad as some people make it out to be, which is why this is such a contentious topic. Some say that “it takes zero skill,” which isn’t entirely true, as you still need some amount of game sense to predict shot placement. It does feel like a bailout at times, though, especially when it diminishes positioning. The biggest complaint people have is that keeper movement is an even bigger issue, exacerbated by input lag. 

One way of combating is to shoot the ball near post, which is something competitive players have been exploiting for ages now. People are also right to point out that fast passing plays don’t feel fully realized. Some still manage to enjoy the mind games this mechanic creates, which is maybe why EA is so reluctant to address this properly. It’s a double-edged sword, so they would have to tweak and possibly nerf keeper movement rather than outright remove it.