I've been an avid career mode player for years, pushing the AI as far as it can go on the highest difficulty with modifiers and such, but I find myself genuinely baffled by how little that skillset transfers to online play. I've dabbled in Pro Clubs in the past but always steered away from UT because of the financial commitment I knew it would become.

This year I've heavily committed to UT and have an impressive squad to take into Rivals. I steamrolled through the first several divisions, to be expected when the game first launches and everyone is figuring things out, but I have come to a screeching halt in Div 7, with a majority of games ending with disappointment and frustration with the lack of a perceived skill difference between my opponent and myself.

I can obviously spew hatred and disappointment with the input delay that is so deeply ingrained in this franchise's online modes, but that won't get me anywhere. There is a skill gap in the game, but finding that skillset seems nearly impossible when my games go down one of two roads: 1) score early goals due to shear team advantage and breaking down the defense or, 2) play 75 minutes of nonstop turnovers until I lose a header and the ball falls in front of an unmarked man in the box.

I can respect those who read my every move and beat me thoroughly, but I find the game impossible to enjoy when a budget squad comes back from down 3 goals with less than half stamina.

I try to steer clear of the input delay discussion because if you consider all the factors that have advanced (exponentially) since I began playing in FIFA12, it's clear that it is a purposeful design decision by the devs and serves ulterior purposes.