I don't ever use these and win with skill since I can't get satisfaction knowing that these moves are totally out of reality and makes scoring very easy. Otherwise, without the special moves the gameplay is realistic and fun because there are many ways to score unlike EURO 2000. There is a lot more creativity in FIFA 2001 than EURO 2000. The large field is great for making plays. Passing is more strategic than before where you must decide whether to give a normal pass or a through pass.
Defenders are though to beat.
Goalie makes smart plays. Can score out of the box seldomly. All these are very realistic. It is only the special moves that keep the game from otherwise being perfect. I will not buy anymore EA soccer games until there is an option to turn them off.