6. Player AI
For me one of the biggest details that will make FM 2013 stand out from its competitors is the player AI. The players on the pitch act just as they would in real life and the boundaries between the two are slowly melting away, and the movement of players when attacking is simply brilliant - frustratingly so when you team are on the receiving end of an onslaught. Players now try to time their runs in a more intelligent fashion and often look for space if they seem to be crowded out where they currently are. Stats like Off the Ball and Positioning will play an even greater role then previously as demonstrated in my opening match against Reading. With Sagna injured I was forced to play young Carl Jenkinson at right-back, oh dear was my immediate thoughts after 10 minutes of the match had past. Time and again he galloped forward to support the attack, but in a much more cavalier way then I would have liked and when we lost possession of the ball he was totally out of position. Even when he was back in our half, he was undone by a few silky one twos between Danny Guthrie and Jordon Obita. Despite this I found the experience enjoyable to watch, as this was football at its best.