2025-08-17, 10:04 PM - Word count:
Bernardo Fry unlaced his boots at the end of the season. Another disappointing season. Management continues to promise improvement for the team, but the results have been dismal. His agent has come up with an end of season report.
To review his role throughout the season:
Left Attacking Midfielder, generally played inverted - that is - cheating toward the middle of the pitch. Additionally, recent coaching decisions have Fry taking the corner kicks from the left side. Nearly exclusively on the attacking side of the ball.
Key skills:
Acceleration and Pace (18): Critical to the current meta in SSL, it's possible that 18 is not high enough. Wingers need speed, and more is always better.
Passing (20) Vision (15): Fry's specialty - the original plan was to be the best assist man on the team. Combined with the Tries Killer Balls Often and Tries Long Range Passes traits, Fry is always a threat to create a chance from thin air. As a practical matter, this has not happened as often as we would have liked.
Agility, Balance, Strength (13): It's a physical league out there. Referees often turn a blind eye to contact, so holding onto the ball under pressure and also supplying that pressure is a key skill.
Crossing (15) Corners (10): A recent upgrade for Fry, but these synergize nicely with his vision and passing ability.
Dribbling, Technique, Finishing (13): Solid skills for an attacking player. Anyone finding themselves near the enemy penalty area needs to have options with the ball.
Composure, Decisions (15): Additional skills to help get the most from the attacking skills.
Discussion:
While Fry was successful this season, it was not to the degree that was originally projected. In particular, he struggled to find open spaces and rarely received passes in dangerous areas. He had many opportunities to score but rarely put the ball into the back of the net. Often he passed the ball back meekly instead of attacking the defense with a clever pass or dribble. On top of that, Fry frequently had the ball taken off his foot despite his current skills.
Options for improvement:
Finishing (13): Fry's ability to score is simply insufficient. Improvement here is required.
Off the Ball (13): Fry rarely receives passes from teammates and sometimes spent 30+ minutes without receiving the ball. An increase in Off the Ball could spur an offensive outburst.
Leadership (5): Leadership has been entirely lacking on the pitch for Cataluna. This void should be filled by someone, and though Fry is a remarkably poor choice to be a leader, someone must step forward.
Penalty Taking (5): Cataluna has done poorly from the penalty spot this season. Perhaps this is an opportunity!
Agility, Balance, Strength (13): A larger, strong frame would serve Fry well in the upcoming season.
Determination (10): Cataluna has been losing, and losing a lot. A strong attitude could help out.
Conclusion:
Improvements in Off the Ball and Finishing are nearly certain to happen. Management has suggested an emphasis on weight training and plyometrics for Fry during the offseason to boost Agility, Balance, Strength. Further developments to come next week!
To review his role throughout the season:
Left Attacking Midfielder, generally played inverted - that is - cheating toward the middle of the pitch. Additionally, recent coaching decisions have Fry taking the corner kicks from the left side. Nearly exclusively on the attacking side of the ball.
Key skills:
Acceleration and Pace (18): Critical to the current meta in SSL, it's possible that 18 is not high enough. Wingers need speed, and more is always better.
Passing (20) Vision (15): Fry's specialty - the original plan was to be the best assist man on the team. Combined with the Tries Killer Balls Often and Tries Long Range Passes traits, Fry is always a threat to create a chance from thin air. As a practical matter, this has not happened as often as we would have liked.
Agility, Balance, Strength (13): It's a physical league out there. Referees often turn a blind eye to contact, so holding onto the ball under pressure and also supplying that pressure is a key skill.
Crossing (15) Corners (10): A recent upgrade for Fry, but these synergize nicely with his vision and passing ability.
Dribbling, Technique, Finishing (13): Solid skills for an attacking player. Anyone finding themselves near the enemy penalty area needs to have options with the ball.
Composure, Decisions (15): Additional skills to help get the most from the attacking skills.
Discussion:
While Fry was successful this season, it was not to the degree that was originally projected. In particular, he struggled to find open spaces and rarely received passes in dangerous areas. He had many opportunities to score but rarely put the ball into the back of the net. Often he passed the ball back meekly instead of attacking the defense with a clever pass or dribble. On top of that, Fry frequently had the ball taken off his foot despite his current skills.
Options for improvement:
Finishing (13): Fry's ability to score is simply insufficient. Improvement here is required.
Off the Ball (13): Fry rarely receives passes from teammates and sometimes spent 30+ minutes without receiving the ball. An increase in Off the Ball could spur an offensive outburst.
Leadership (5): Leadership has been entirely lacking on the pitch for Cataluna. This void should be filled by someone, and though Fry is a remarkably poor choice to be a leader, someone must step forward.
Penalty Taking (5): Cataluna has done poorly from the penalty spot this season. Perhaps this is an opportunity!
Agility, Balance, Strength (13): A larger, strong frame would serve Fry well in the upcoming season.
Determination (10): Cataluna has been losing, and losing a lot. A strong attitude could help out.
Conclusion:
Improvements in Off the Ball and Finishing are nearly certain to happen. Management has suggested an emphasis on weight training and plyometrics for Fry during the offseason to boost Agility, Balance, Strength. Further developments to come next week!
