[FM21] Hometown Heroes

[_Ben_]

1 hour ago, LUFCspeni said:

Fascinating stuff, as always!

Have to admit, seeing you try this approach somewhere with a lower youth rating would be enticing though. I know you like getting more out of lower ability players. Maybe for your second long term save of the game cycle? 

Obviously a lot more work to be done here though!

Thank you very much!

I actually have my second save already set up! However, it’s certainly on hold until the bug fix with decreasing player numbers is fixed regardless of what needs to be achieved here. 

Going to try and actually look at player development at any level, rather than just push through until I get to a reputable level. Heading to the Switzerland, a country where I’ve enjoyed some success in the past. 

[_Ben_]

September 2045: Wonderkid

Adekoya has broken into the first team and is playing really well, too.

[tyler16]

Can we get a comparison of your top two keepers? I rarely give them much thought, but it could be a useful exercise if they're similar in ability but stylistically a bit different.

[_Ben_]

August/September 2045

As we gain tactical familiarity, I expect us to have some struggles, but I am, actually, relatively happy with this. We are, at least, above Man City!

I think that there is a good argument for this being a very tough start to the league and we have won the games we should have - West Brom and Bournemouth with the only poor performance coming against Villa. The way that we are playing is really good, actually, and I hope that we can build on it.

[_Ben_]

19 minutes ago, tyler16 said:

Can we get a comparison of your top two keepers? I rarely give them much thought, but it could be a useful exercise if they're similar in ability but stylistically a bit different.

Yep.

Coach Report. Attribute Polygon.

I like them both, to be fair.

I guess, if we're picking player for specific games - I'd use Adekoya if I wanted to counter more as I'd change our distribution from him to a lot longer as he's a better passer and kicker. I like Lowe to throw the ball out to the wing backs or deeper midfielders when we are playing against a deeper block or a less aggressive press.

I do like Lowe's leadership, which is probably just about keeping him in the team right now - although it's very rotational at the moment. But both came from my academy, which is fantastic news.

EDIT: Some more screenshots added.

Edited February 21, 2021 by _Ben_

[Sonic Youth]

Nice start to the season, especially that being better than Man City 

Tough choice between those keepers at the moment, though longer term it looks like it will be Adekoya.

[tyler16]

Thanks! Pretty neck and neck like you mentioned.

The obvious move is to cash in on Lowe and let Adekoya take over. Crazy to think how good he could be if he perceived PA fills out.

[_Ben_]

22 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Nice start to the season, especially that being better than Man City 

Tough choice between those keepers at the moment, though longer term it looks like it will be Adekoya.

 

19 minutes ago, tyler16 said:

Thanks! Pretty neck and neck like you mentioned.

The obvious move is to cash in on Lowe and let Adekoya take over. Crazy to think how good he could be if he perceived PA fills out.

I agree - I didn't even focus on his potential given his actual ability when he generated. In 25 seasons, I'd say that he, and possibly Alessandro Sorrentino, are the two best players I've ever produced. Obviously, Vlad Ferencik is the most important, but he's out of his depth nowadays, which is a shame.

[tyler16]

Speaking of Sorrentino, how are you developing him/planning his future role?

Bit of a strange attribute balance IMO. Great vision but average technique/flair. Great dribbling but average pace/acceleration/agility. Great off the ball but average composure/finishing... I could go on.

Combo of low physicals and aggression/bravery would make me hesitant to play him as a CM. I think I'd focus on his technique and passing with the aim of making him a playmaker with a ~free role (his off the ball movement would be useful here).

[_Ben_]

November 2045: Wonderkid

Ed becomes the third locally grown wonderkid in the last six months or so...

[_Ben_]

4 minutes ago, tyler16 said:

Speaking of Sorrentino, how are you developing him/planning his future role?

Bit of a strange attribute balance IMO. Great vision but average technique/flair. Great dribbling but average pace/acceleration/agility. Great off the ball but average composure/finishing... I could go on.

Combo of low physicals and aggression/bravery would make me hesitant to play him as a CM. I think I'd focus on his technique and passing with the aim of making him a playmaker with a ~free role (his off the ball movement would be useful here).

I see him as a bit of a combination between a runner and a playmaker, to be fair - in probably a Mez(s) kind of role, with some personalisation.

Because he's not natural in the MC position, I'm having to use a schedule (P/R/D), although what I'd really like to do is just focus on additional stuff to really hone in on certain areas. I want to get his finishing up a little bit and hope that as he ages, he'll fill out physically. 

To be fair, for this year, I'm just trying to get him to improve across the board before I really focus on the finer points. With his personality, I was pretty sure he would, and, he hasn't disappointed:

 

[_Ben_]

November 2045: Player Development - Darko Risteski

This man!

He's just continuing to develop and is epitomising the mentally strong player I'm after. This compares his attributes when he signed to now:

I've had real success with this schedule:

For about the last six months, I've removed his P/R/D and just focused on his passing ability as I want all of my defenders to be comfortable on the ball. You can see this, from around March of 2045, where the upward curve really steepens.

---

I don't know how much more potential is left in his, but he's awesome!

 

 

Edited February 21, 2021 by _Ben_

[tyler16]

Are you using Risteski as a traditional centerback? He looks absolutely insane.

[Sonic Youth]

11 hours ago, _Ben_ said:

I don't know how much more potential is left in his, but he's awesome!

Is Risteski first choice? He looks awesome!

6 hours ago, tyler16 said:

Are you using Risteski as a traditional centerback? He looks absolutely insane.

I agree! To me he’s looking almost beckanbaur like 

[_Ben_]

11 hours ago, tyler16 said:

Are you using Risteski as a traditional centerback? He looks absolutely insane.

I'm currently playing with one traditional CB and one ball player - with the ball player on the side where I create my overloads from the WB(a), RPM(s) and IW(a). As Risteski is left footed, he normally plays on the CD(d) side and, anyway, I prefer that as he hasn't got the 'Brings Ball Out Of Defence' trait.

5 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Is Risteski first choice? He looks awesome!

I agree! To me he’s looking almost beckanbaur like 

He is and plays most games. Here's my five centre back:

----

1 and 2. Risteski and Miller

3 and 4. Nijhuis and Ulfarsson

5. Roberts

----

In an ideal world, I'd like to slim that down to three defenders so that the likes of Teague, Bewick and Barrow can get some game time. Which two would you move on? (Baring in mind that Roberts is home-grown and very happy to be a backup)

[_Ben_]

November 2045: Unexpected!

No. That isn't my first team giving Charlton a hiding. That's my u23 squad. Granted, they are 22nd in League Two but we've equalled the biggest even win in this competition and we're doing pretty well statistically:

[tyler16]

Trying to think of something creative to do tactically with Risteski... never seen a player with attributes like that!

He's already a great fit at CB but with those physicals, work rate, anticipation, aggression/bravery, and tackling being so high I'm curious how he'd perform as a ball winner. I think he could be world class in that role, personally. Good on the ball too and if there's one weakness, it's that he's good rather than great in the air, which this would reduce the importance of. Almost feel like he's wasted at CB where you have a lot of depth and could be more influential elsewhere.

[_Ben_]

45 minutes ago, tyler16 said:

Trying to think of something creative to do tactically with Risteski... never seen a player with attributes like that!

He's already a great fit at CB but with those physicals, work rate, anticipation, aggression/bravery, and tackling being so high I'm curious how he'd perform as a ball winner. I think he could be world class in that role, personally. Good on the ball too and if there's one weakness, it's that he's good rather than great in the air, which this would reduce the importance of. Almost feel like he's wasted at CB where you have a lot of depth and could be more influential elsewhere.

I could, and want to build my team around him for the next ten years. He's next in line to be the club captain and may turn to a M.Pro, too, at 23. However... Liverpool want him and they are sending scouts, getting players to convince him to join etc. He's just signed a new deal and, right now, his wage demands for another new one are very low but I don't know how long I can hold out on him. Also, he's, somehow, not classed as good enough for the German set up.

With those concerns about him, long term, I'd rather keep him as my centre back and potentially move Ulfarsson on, who, looking at those screenshots - does look to be the weakest (Roberts aside).

EDIT:

This:

May lead to this:

Edited February 22, 2021 by _Ben_

[_Ben_]

October/November 2045

I think that this is the first time that I've posted an update, since we've been in the Premier League, without the bottom of the table showing - clear signs of progress!

We've had a good couple of months here, backed up with two Young Player of the Month awards for Richards, who is finding his feet now at this level. The Sheffield United result was a shame as we'd put together two resounding wins but, to be fair to them, they are a very strong side at the moment. 

---

As I continue through, I'm paying special attention to the development in the u23 squad as well as really seeing how far I can push the training through tweaks and player chats. I will post a few things in the next few months.

[Tom14]

22 hours ago, _Ben_ said:I've had real success with this schedule:

For about the last six months, I've removed his P/R/D and just focused on his passing ability as I want all of my defenders to be comfortable on the ball.

I think I may have misunderstood this element of training. Please could you elaborate a little?
 

I always set P/R/D on all my players training. I’ve never once considered that it wouldn’t be a good idea. What is the difference between leaving it on player position but just setting a focus vs P/R/D and a focus? I’m really intrigued now I’ve seen the results you’ve achieved.

[_Ben_]

42 minutes ago, brookie1402 said:

I think I may have misunderstood this element of training. Please could you elaborate a little?
 

I always set P/R/D on all my players training. I’ve never once considered that it wouldn’t be a good idea. What is the difference between leaving it on player position but just setting a focus vs P/R/D and a focus? I’m really intrigued now I’ve seen the results you’ve achieved.

I may not be correct with my explanation, but let me try!

Let's take Ben Austin, for example.

He has no P/R/D but is just focusing on his passing (Passing, Technique, Vision). Most of the time, he is working on specific attributes, as listed in the training:

Here, we are doing a 'Ball Retention' session and, he, as part of my attacking unit, is working on these attributes:

However, if I was to throw in, say, a 'Handling' session, he'd be doing pretty useless developing that attribute, so does this:

Works on his Individual Role, which I believe to be that P/R/D thing. He only gets 20% focus here but goes away and does his own thing.

So I look at making best use of that and ensure I have 'Match Practice' each week. This is what it does:

 

Here, he'll be doing his individual role - which, if we look at the top picture, is just playing as an MC as well (I think...) working on that additional focus.

----

So, instead of hitting 10/12/15 (maybe even more as most people default to CF, RPM, CWB - specialist roles) during those times, he's actually just working on three. My idea is that the players like Risteski, and Austin, are already good and just have one or two areas to fine tune. I've experimented with this on a bang average player (with potential) and it didn't really work as nothing else grew so it's not a wholesale job, I don't think.  Take Adekoya - what are his gaps? That intelligence I want. Everything else is great so I'm going hit no P/R/D and just 'GK Reflexes' which hits two of those.

---

Now - this may be completely wrong and Risteski may just be that high PA player who would develop any way but this seems to have done what I wanted!

 

[_Ben_]

December 2045: Intake Preview

[Tom14]

36 minutes ago, _Ben_ said:

I may not be correct with my explanation, but let me try!

Let's take Ben Austin, for example.

He has no P/R/D but is just focusing on his passing (Passing, Technique, Vision). Most of the time, he is working on specific attributes, as listed in the training:

Here, we are doing a 'Ball Retention' session and, he, as part of my attacking unit, is working on these attributes:

However, if I was to throw in, say, a 'Handling' session, he'd be doing pretty useless developing that attribute, so does this:

Works on his Individual Role, which I believe to be that P/R/D thing. He only gets 20% focus here but goes away and does his own thing.

So I look at making best use of that and ensure I have 'Match Practice' each week. This is what it does:

 

Here, he'll be doing his individual role - which, if we look at the top picture, is just playing as an MC as well (I think...) working on that additional focus.

----

So, instead of hitting 10/12/15 (maybe even more as most people default to CF, RPM, CWB - specialist roles) during those times, he's actually just working on three. My idea is that the players like Risteski, and Austin, are already good and just have one or two areas to fine tune. I've experimented with this on a bang average player (with potential) and it didn't really work as nothing else grew so it's not a wholesale job, I don't think.  Take Adekoya - what are his gaps? That intelligence I want. Everything else is great so I'm going hit no P/R/D and just 'GK Reflexes' which hits two of those.

---

Now - this may be completely wrong and Risteski may just be that high PA player who would develop any way but this seems to have done what I wanted!

 

This makes perfect sense. Basically during training sessions which have an element of 'individual roles' in them, the player will work on his P/R/D *if set*, as well as the additional focus. And if there is no P/R/D assigned, he will work on just the additional focus. It does make me wonder what the player would work on if there was no P/R/D or additional focus set though.

As an aside, if you haven't already seen, in the latest update, the option to request that the board sets up a reserve/U23 team has been brought back.

[_Ben_]

7 minutes ago, brookie1402 said:

This makes perfect sense. Basically during training sessions which have an element of 'individual roles' in them, the player will work on his P/R/D *if set*, as well as the additional focus. And if there is no P/R/D assigned, he will work on just the additional focus. It does make me wonder what the player would work on if there was no P/R/D or additional focus set though.

I think he'd maybe just work on being able to play in 'that position' - like where Austin had 'M (C) - Playing Position' and, as such, work on tactical familiarity?

8 minutes ago, brookie1402 said:

As an aside, if you haven't already seen, in the latest update, the option to request that the board sets up a reserve/U23 team has been brought back.

I'll get the game updated and see what happens with my u18 squad. It has to be said, though, that I do quite like using the u23 squad. However - the squad size (by not having 2 academy teams) has slowed down the development of some, so that'll help.

[_Ben_]

December 2045: 21.3 update....

At last, the option is there...

HAHAHA, did you think my board would allow it?!

Not even a chance to protest it.

[Tom14]

Your board being true to form there! Wow.

Think I'm right in saying that they have their own attributes, and with you starting with a team so low, it must be randomised. So it's possible you've gotten extremely unlucky and landed with someone with 1 for ambition or whatever attribute determines their acceptance of your requests. Saying that, when you set up a new game and allocate yourself attributes the description for the manager Determination does mention it influences the likelihood that you would get your own way with board requests. Wonder if you have a low attribute for that on your manager profile too and it's a match made in hell.

[Sonic Youth]

10 hours ago, _Ben_ said:

December 2045: 21.3 update....

At last, the option is there...

HAHAHA, did you think my board would allow it?!

Not even a chance to protest it.

Spoiler, that would have been awesome spoilered. Oh, naughty board rejecting u18 team set-up 

[_Ben_]

January 2046: Milestone

A decent 1,299 before this:

 

[_Ben_]

January 2046: New affiliate

Again, another great academy to go with the others. I've also updated the deal with CREPS de Lorraine.

[_Ben_]

January 2046: Personality Change

Laurence was Light Hearted/Evasive/Unflappable, which gave me this:

Light Hearted
Pressure 15-20, Sportsmanship 15-20
Determination <18, Professionalism <18, Leader <19

Evasive
Professionalism 15-20, Pressure 15-20

Unflappable
Temperament 15-20, Pressure 15-20

---

By process of elimination in trying to get him to a M.Citizen (which is my aim for all of my players), I already knew he had:

Determination 14-20, Professionalism 15-20, Ambition 12-20, Loyalty 15-20, Pressure 14-20, Sportsmanship 15-20, Temperament 15-20

I can also see that he is part of the Core Social Group which links him to a lot of other M.Pros, furthering my understanding of his very high Professionalism. If I didn't have a M.Citizen to tutor him as I do in Ferencik, I'd opt, firstly for a Perfectionist (Determination 14-20, Professionalism 14-20, Ambition 14-20) to ensure that his Determination and Ambition reach a good enough level and then just kind of hope his loyalty is there (as most personalities tend to oppose Ambition and Loyalty). I don't rate Loyalty as a stand-alone trait and I really don't know whether it's the kind of attribute that just 'builds' with the repeated signing of new deals and staying at clubs for long periods of time. Never the less, I tend to just take a guess and I'd never employ a Loyal player (in any form, really) as a tutor as there is no single personality that guarantees good attributes elsewhere. Remember - I'm trying to develop the best, all-round personalities here for development, morale, off-pitch reactions and on-pitch behaviours.

However, my route was easier as I already had a M.Pro in Ferencik, who, over the course of over a year has been able to add that missing bit:

He may have had some knock on to his loyalty and ambition behind the scenes too, but I don't know of that.

---

There is definitely a pathway to follow with mentoring to these elite personalities and it's really methodical and mapped out, which certainly suits my style of playing.

[_Ben_]

22 hours ago, brookie1402 said:

Your board being true to form there! Wow.

Think I'm right in saying that they have their own attributes, and with you starting with a team so low, it must be randomised. So it's possible you've gotten extremely unlucky and landed with someone with 1 for ambition or whatever attribute determines their acceptance of your requests. Saying that, when you set up a new game and allocate yourself attributes the description for the manager Determination does mention it influences the likelihood that you would get your own way with board requests. Wonder if you have a low attribute for that on your manager profile too and it's a match made in hell.

They've been in 13 years now and have moaned and argued at everything - to the point that I openly criticise them in the media. To be fair, he's a local businessman and took over with us in the upper part of League One, so is probably a bit smaller minded than any consortiums or big backers. He'll be delighted by the money we are making at this level!

I've got 16 for Determination currently, so I dread to think what that'd be if it was 1!

[_Ben_]

January 2046: Youth Training

I have ticked the 'get emails' and I must say that I'm delighted at the average training ratings for the team and players I've seen across the season as well as some good tactical understanding of my shape and style, ready for them to make the breakthrough:

---

I'll be very interested to compare attribute development at the end of the season with what I found last year.

[turnip]

On 22/02/2021 at 21:30, _Ben_ said:

P/R/D stuff

 

Interesting. I'm gonna give this a go on my BPD. I've spent 2 years dragging his Pace up from 10 (him breaking his leg didn't help), and although I'd be fine if it didn't improve any more, I'd be delighted if we could get it up a couple more (it would add another £10m to his sale price). 

[Sonic Youth]

Looks like your on the right tack with these preliminary feedback findings.

Does it mean you now no longer need to wait until 23 for Model Pro/Citizen?

Pro personalities showing Pro training results? 

[_Ben_]

20 hours ago, turnip said:

Interesting. I'm gonna give this a go on my BPD. I've spent 2 years dragging his Pace up from 10 (him breaking his leg didn't help), and although I'd be fine if it didn't improve any more, I'd be delighted if we could get it up a couple more (it would add another £10m to his sale price). 

I like him!

Certainly at the level you're at in Croatia. You've done well to get his pace up to be fair, also. I'd say he'd be your perfect candidate for that No P/R/D training experiment because there is nothing weak there (not for that league, anyway). What focus are you giving him?

• I think some more Pace (through Quickness) would help but that does depend on what block you employ.
• I wouldn't bother with Passing (Passing, Technique, Vision) as they are already good
• I think Defensive Positioning (Marking, Positioning, Decisions) would be my goal Decisions is my favourite attribute!

11 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Looks like your on the right tack with these preliminary feedback findings.

Does it mean you now no longer need to wait until 23 for Model Pro/Citizen?

Pro personalities showing Pro training results? 

I'm happy with it, yeah!

There is no age limit of Model Citizen - I've got several in my youth team:

But you can't be a Model Pro until you're 23, which is probably because you need to be a pro for a bit of time first!

[_Ben_]

December 2045/January (and one from February) 2046

We are still making really good progress.

A defeat away at Spurs is to be expected and the home loss to Norwich probably is, too so it's just the away loss at the Cherries where I'd like to have done better - even though they are very much battling for the level that we are. Elsewhere, we are in the Fifth Round of the FA cup and then, on our little holiday to the North East, demolished Newcastle in the league, creating over 2.00 xG for what feels like the first time in a long time! What is best though is the stability we have created at the back, with a really strong defensive record and an ever improving offensive record.

Things are looking up for us.

[_Ben_]

March 2046: Call ups

Adekoya and Austin receive their first England call ups and we are well represented elsehwere, too.

[_Ben_]

2046 Youth Intake

I wasn't expecting much, and I haven't got much! I do long for those days where I am either at a much lower level or the players are considerably better (PA anyway) so they are actually 'developable' - as there are far too many gaps for many of these players to even make it in the professional game, which is what I'm trying to do. My mantra is always 'my team and, if not, the professional game.' Sadly, lots of these won't make it.

However, Garry Mewies looks like a top prospect.

[_Ben_]

April 2046: Papa John's Trophy

A big day out for my U23 squad at Wembley but sadly no silverware to come home with.

[_Ben_]

April 2046: Facilities

More youth improvements...

But still no youth team...

[LUFCspeni]

Mewies certainly looks very good! I like training my full backs/wing backs into CM for flexibility - is that something you would consider here? Just thinking as he might not be super quick for a full/wing back, but in midfield getting pace and acceleration up to the 11/12 is more than serviceable. 

[_Ben_]

23 minutes ago, LUFCspeni said:

Mewies certainly looks very good! I like training my full backs/wing backs into CM for flexibility - is that something you would consider here? Just thinking as he might not be super quick for a full/wing back, but in midfield getting pace and acceleration up to the 11/12 is more than serviceable. 

Yep - I do it for 2 reasons. Once they are accomplished I do also like them to play on both sides, so I end up with a lot of D (LR), M (C) or D (LR), DM (C) too.

1. It means that I can work on more ball playing abilities through their schedules as the likes of CWB is very physical heavy and it then allows me to teach more offensive minded traits, which I like to bring back to my defensive players.

2. It gives consistency, even if they aren't a great finisher - I feel like a WB and a MEZ have a very similar job, just in different parts of the pitch. I like wider players who can score goals as this gives me different options to use the space so I have no issues with a LB-cum-MC who isn't the strongest finisher. 

I'm actually training Mewies as a SV(a) at the moment because that's quite a 'mental heavy' schedule and that'll give him the best base, should he have a really high PA. 

EDIT: I also really like IWBs, so, from an offensive viewpoint - I’m not too worried about pace. Defensively, we do play relatively high but are compact so it’s not too hard for him to be covered in a turnover of possession in the transitional phase. He’s only 15 though so I’m hoping for some ‘natural’ physical growth.

 

Edited February 25, 2021 by _Ben_

[_Ben_]

May 2046: Will Grigg's on fire...

Yet, not quite as on fire as I am.

Edited February 25, 2021 by _Ben_

[_Ben_]

May 2046: U23 Winners

2 years in a row!

[_Ben_]

2045/46 Season Review

Big progress made this season. Normally, finishing above Man City would put me in a seriously good position, so I'll just try to remember this by that fact - we finished above Manchester City.

We're making the Kingfisher Stadium a fortress, with the second best home defence but now need to work out how we can take the game to them, as we've drawn too many times at home. However, we're pretty clinical on the offence and score more times away from home than we do at home.

---

Again, opting for my analysis over the game generated stats. Our playing style is getting closer to what I want it to be, with the likes of Sheilds showing promise from the IWB role at left back, creating the 12th highest Ass/90 out of anyone. However, we're still lacking key passes and goalscorers, even if Richards' ranking of 26th in goals/90 is the best we've had. His season was struck by some injury and, unfortunately, a real lack of development - so I hope he hasn't peaked and I can get him back to improve on his 11 goals next year.

---

Whilst I don't have a lot planned over the summer, I am facing some contractual issues as well as some players: Nwadike, Risteski, Nijhuis and Cano to name but four, who are being watched by clubs and are bound to have their head's turned, soon. Good times could be returning though but I've been given this, bad, news:

They have, however, upgraded us to Level 1 Youth Category and given me some things to work towards our club culture, for the first time:

----

[Dereka]

3 hours ago, _Ben_ said:

Yep - I do it for 2 reasons. Once they are accomplished I do also like them to play on both sides, so I end up with a lot of D (LR), M (C) or D (LR), DM (C) too.

1. It means that I can work on more ball playing abilities through their schedules as the likes of CWB is very physical heavy and it then allows me to teach more offensive minded traits, which I like to bring back to my defensive players.

2. It gives consistency, even if they aren't a great finisher - I feel like a WB and a MEZ have a very similar job, just in different parts of the pitch. I like wider players who can score goals as this gives me different options to use the space so I have no issues with a LB-cum-MC who isn't the strongest finisher. 

I'm actually training Mewies as a SV(a) at the moment because that's quite a 'mental heavy' schedule and that'll give him the best base, should he have a really high PA. 

EDIT: I also really like IWBs, so, from an offensive viewpoint - I’m not too worried about pace. Defensively, we do play relatively high but are compact so it’s not too hard for him to be covered in a turnover of possession in the transitional phase. He’s only 15 though so I’m hoping for some ‘natural’ physical growth.

 

I like your approach to training young players in multiple positions.

As far as you're aware, does learning a new position use some of a player's available ability? If so that would make me think twice about versatility over attributes

[_Ben_]

2 hours ago, Dereka said:

I like your approach to training young players in multiple positions.

As far as you're aware, does learning a new position use some of a player's available ability? If so that would make me think twice about versatility over attributes

I don't want to use the word 'cost' or 'use' some of that PA because I feel that there is an argument that a 190 CA player who is two-footed and versatile but has several attributes lower than  140 CA one-footed, one-position player is still better so I'd rather use the phrase 'attribute redistribution.'

It is true that attributes need to be redistributed for new positions as they are more valuable in other areas- for example a striker's Finishing or more valuable than a centre back's Finishing and moving a defender with 20 for Finishing to a striker will mean that his RCA (recommended current ability) will mean have to be re-balanced across the attributes based on that position.

I think (and this is not a cop-out!) this is why I, personally, very rarely get attributes above 17/18 in any given area, unless the player already started with a very high number or hasn't changed position. I'd rather than team of versatile players with slightly lower attributes than 11 players who can only play in one place (meaning I have zero tactical freedom) with attribute scores maybe 1 or 2 points, if I'm lucky, higher in certain areas.

To compare:

Left is my player, Chibuzor Nwadike - two footed and can play left mid, centre mid or attacking mid. Right in a Liverpool player, who is Right Only and can play just as an AMC (accomplished or above). They are both considered leading Premier League players and not too dissimilar in style, really, with the exception of maybe Finishing and Heading ability. Fantoni is a couple of attributes higher in most places but, at the end of the day, they are still both very, very good for this level. Nwadike offers me quite a few things that Fantoni doesn't, even if he's not percieved to be quite as good.

EDIT: Thinking about this, too, drastically changed my approach to recruitment.

EDIT 2: As far as I am aware, the redistribution does not impact the side of the pitch - so training left and right (full back, wing back, wide mid, attacking mid) won't impact any of that.

Edited February 25, 2021 by _Ben_

[_Ben_]

2045/46 U23 Development

In a summer that promises a lot of changes - I was hoping for a strong group here and that's what I've got. However, I also have identified a group that clearly need to move on because they are simply not progressing any more.

I'm keeping tabs on the progress, to ensure I can get the training just right and here are the numbers:

More technical and mental development and less physical development. But more development overall. Perfect. Physicals are naturally growing with age so I don't really need to focus on them too much so that one schedule, each week, plus game time, is more than enough. I'm going to continue to make a few tweaks to it.

Here is my 'all time development' leaderboard, too:

Lewa might be close to some first team action, here! However, Koziel, another Polish left back, is developing really well and is a bit older and comes with experience from when I accidentally sold him to Lechia.

[_Ben_]

June 2046: World Cup

Plenty of reprsentation here, including recent signing Kayne Brown, out on loan to get a work permit. It's likely you'll never see him feature, though...

[_Ben_]

June 2046: Contract worries

Of these players, only Haywood is actually interested in renewing at a suitable price!

Ferencik. Chance and Glasscoe want new challenges, Cano, Ulfarrson and Coker are unhappy at transfers being rejected, Ejza wants £150k p/w to be a star player and Miller and Nwadike want to wait until after the World Cup, as they're both being watched by the elite clubs.

Now...

Money is no problem. This game is a focus on academy building. I am happy to lose all of these, for free, next summer, as long as I can work on sensibly bringing in academy players, giving them a whole year to gain first team experience before stepping in to take the place of these players.

Who knows what is going to happen. This could make or break the game for me.