"Imagine if you could play with young Messi" The biggest update to Career Mode in years is exactly what EA Sports FC 25 needs

Even as Ultimate Team in EA Sports FC 25 seems to be making strides towards becoming less frustrating with Duplicate Storage, more casual Friendlies, and stronger rewards, it also continues to get increasingly monetised – this year with a paid premium season pass on top of its packs.

I’ve played Manager Career Mode for almost as long as I can remember, but as the mode has fossilised in recent editions – with bugs that persisted between games and a lack of meaningful gameplay features – I’ve found myself gravitating towards the online modes more out of necessity than choice.

At a recent preview event for EA Sports FC 25, EA spoke a lot about creating more social spaces and less intense competition in their latest football game, but really, I think the best way to relieve pressure in FC 25 would be to have a viable alternative to UT in the form of a satisfying, realistic and compelling Career Mode.