What to look for in a player

Everyone has their version of looking at a player. Even if we use the same filters, we might still pick players differently - this really makes the difference between the best and the rest. The thing is, that you should normally learn and experience a lot in your first years on FM or FML, therefore, chaging the way you see players radically.

What you'll find in the following lines, is my way of viewing it. This will serve you for a better understand of my Tactics that will be posted on the website.

The Goalkeeper

When I look for a goalie, the first things that come trough my mind are: Reflexes, Decisions and Agility. Handling is important only when the Tendency to Punch attribute is low. Other things I look for, would be these 4 mental attributes: Composure, Concentration, Determination and Positioning. Jumping, Aerial Ability and Commanding Area work together: If the players Commanding Area atribute is high, it means that he will take charge and attempt to get the ball first when a cross is sent - corners and free-kicks as well.

Full Backs

Well, full backs just need speed, tackling and crossing, right?

Im sorry, but, the answer is no :). The things I look at first are: Tackling, Determination, Composure, Concentration, Bravery, Stamina, and speed. Note, If Determination lacks, then Work Rate must be good - 14 or above. 

The thing is, you might want him to do much more than just defend and send a few simple passes forward. In that case, you need him to have good Passing, Dribbling, Crossing maybe?... But that's not the whole story. He needs to be a team player, therefore Teamwork is required, also Anticipation and Agility - him being able to read the game well and avoid dangerous counter attacks by starting his run back very, very fast.

Central Defenders

For me, they are all about mental and physical attributes. Tackling is the only important technical attribute for a defender IMO. Marking and Heading are also to look at, they count lesser then the other 2 categories. The main things to look for would be: Jumping, Balance, Strenght, Composure, Concentration, Determination and, of course, speed wich is always a bonus for any outfielder. The player's natural height should also be considered, because it actually makes a difference in how high a player can reach the ball, since a few versions ago. Some follow a common theory about their centre-backs: one must be fast, one must be tall.

Defensive Midfielders

Again, here's a few ways of seeing this: either a tall and strong player like Patrick Vieira, or a more gited and pacey one, like Gelson Fernandes. To be honest, I always look for a mix of them two. That way, the player must jump, run and last a full game. There arent many, but the few that have high Marking, Tackling and Concentration, are ones not to miss! Anticipation, Bravery, Determination, Work Rate, and Teamwork are other things to look at. If you might let him come forward from time to time, you need him to have a good Passing ability, and also, very useful, shooting ability. I regard this player as the most important in an overall good team.

Central Attacking Midfielders

The game speeds up when the ball reaches them, so probably you should be looking for a high First Touch ability. They obviously are the most pleasent to watch, the most gifted; therefore, they need Dribbling and Technique. But What can they do without a brain? They will just run by themselves and try to dribble 11 men! Thats why they need to have vision, meaning Creativity, and whats that without Flair? I didn't forget! they are team players, and must posses a high Teamwork number. Ok, we're good, but what use, if they get knackered after 30 mins? Well, we avoid that by comparing their Stamina with their speed, and Work Rate. Of course, they should score a fair amount of goals per season, just lower than the strikers, and to get chances often they need Off the Ball, and Finishing/Long Shots to actually make them count.

Wingers

Wingers are meant to run. Besides that, they have to do something with the ball... either beat their man and cross, or cut inside and cause havoc or score. In any case, you should look for: Acceleration, Pace, Balance, Stamina, Dribbling, Technique, Agility, Off the Ball, Decisions and Flair. If you want them to score, you should probably look for better Finising and Composure; if you want them to cross, look for better Passing and Crossing.

There's one more thing I'd like to add here. If we're interested in signing a left winger, an AML, if we want him to score - setting him to cut inside - we should look for a player that has a strong right foot, and if we want him to cross, he should have a strong left.

Forwards

This is easy right? Get one with 20 Finising and you're there!

No way jose! Theres much more than that, in fact, Finishing isnt as important as most managers think. Ha ha, foolish words - you're saying. That's why I'll explain this a bit. I ask you now, what does one have to do before he actually gets into a finising position? Well, lose the other player... Correct! this means, Anticipation, Concentration, Off the Ball and speed. How about another scenario? Well... ermmm... he goes past two and rounds the keeper... Right again! therefore, he needs Dribbling, Technique, Balance, Flair. What about if he heads one in? in order for him to do that, he needs Bravery, Strenght and a good Heading ability. You choose what kind of players you want upfront, Strikers, Forwards, but in any case, Determination, Work Rate and Stamina will improve their goals/game percentage.