1. Evaluate Individual Player Attributes
Start by assessing each player’s core attributes to see where they excel. Pay attention to both the physical and technical skills that could shape your squad’s style of play.
Key Attributes to Consider:
Pace: Essential for wingers, fullbacks, and strikers. Players with high pace can stretch defenses and create more attacking opportunities.
Passing: Crucial for midfielders. Look for players with high short and long passing stats for better ball distribution and playmaking.
Dribbling: Important for players who need to maintain possession in tight spaces, such as central attacking midfielders (CAM) or wingers.
Shooting: Strikers and wide attackers need strong shooting stats, particularly finishing, to convert chances.
Defensive Stats: Assess defenders based on their tackling, positioning, and marking skills, along with their physicality (strength, jumping).
Physical Stats: For all positions, strength, stamina, and jumping ability are vital for duels, heading, and maintaining performance over 90 minutes.
Mental Attributes: Leadership, composure, and work rate should be considered when analyzing the mentality of players, particularly for key roles like captains or core midfielders.
2. Analyze Team Dynamics and Chemistry
Chemistry: Assess how well the players work together. Players with good chemistry can perform better and create more fluid play. Team chemistry is especially important in attacking combinations (strikers and wingers) and in defensive units.
Positional Versatility: Analyze players who can play multiple positions. Versatile players can fill in various roles depending on injuries or tactical shifts during matches, improving squad flexibility.
Leadership: Identify key players who can motivate and lift the performance of others. Leadership is vital in tight situations and when maintaining morale during a tough season.
3. Determine Tactical Strengths
Your squad’s strengths should align with the tactical system you plan to implement. For instance, if you play a high-pressing, high-tempo style, you will need players with high stamina and agility, particularly in the midfield and forward positions.
Key Tactical Considerations:
Counter-Attack Ability: If your team is strong on the counter-attack, focus on the speed and passing abilities of your players. Wingers and attacking midfielders with pace and vision will be key to launching effective counter-attacks.
Possession-Based Play: If your team thrives in possession, prioritize players with excellent passing and ball control in the midfield, and intelligent movement up front.
Defensive Stability: If your team’s strength lies in defense, ensure your backline has strong defenders with solid positioning, and your goalkeeper is reliable. Additionally, your CDM (central defensive midfielder) must be able to protect the defense and break up attacks.
4. Assess Squad Depth
Ensure that your squad has enough depth in all areas, especially in positions that are heavily used during a season. Analyzing depth can help you understand where your team might be weak when faced with injuries or fatigue.
Starting XI: Identify your strongest starting players based on form and consistency. These players will be crucial in most matches.
Bench Strength: Analyze your substitute players to ensure you have quality cover in key positions. For example, a fast winger or a creative midfielder on the bench can change the dynamics of a game when needed.
Youth Players: Don’t overlook your youth academy. These players can serve as backup in future seasons or provide valuable depth once they mature.
