Summary
Highlights
The most crucial attributes for goalkeepers are Goalkeeping Awareness, followed by Goalkeeping Reflexes and Goalkeeping Reach. Jumping to 82-85 for tall GKs is sufficient. Catching and parrying are less important due to frequent bounce-backs in the game.
Defense awareness and defensive engagement are paramount for center-backs, impacting their positioning and reaction times. Speed and acceleration depend on the team's playstyle. Taller, heavier defenders benefit from high physical contact, while faster ones can compensate with their speed. Player skills like 'Heading' and 'Aerial Superiority' are more valuable than high jumping or heading stats alone.
Fullbacks can be leveled defensively or offensively. For defensive fullbacks in a long ball counter system, defensive attributes are key. For offensive fullbacks, speed, acceleration, dribbling (above 80+), and passing (above 80+) are essential. Stamina is more important for offensive fullbacks due to constant running. Physical contact is less important for fullbacks as opponents on the wings are usually agile attackers.
DMFS require high defensive attributes (around 90+), with speed and acceleration around 80+. For strong, tall DMFS, high physical contact (90+) is beneficial. Tight possession (around 84+) is crucial for quick turns and effective passing, especially when initiating attacks or changing direction.
CMFS need a balance of defensive and offensive skills. Speed and acceleration around 80+ are important. Passing above 80+ is good, but player skills like 'One-touch Pass,' 'Through Pass,' and 'Weighted Pass' are vital for effective playmaking. Dribbling should also be above 80+ for versatility.
Attacking Awareness (85+) is crucial for AMFS, influencing their reaction to the ball. Dribbling (90+ for high-rated players, 85+ for others) is essential for beating defenders. Passing (around 80+ in low pass) combined with 'One-touch Pass,' 'Through Pass,' and 'Weighted Pass' ensures accurate distribution. Finishing (85+) is important, and acceleration is prioritized over speed for quick bursts. The 'Trinity' of acceleration, balance, and dribbling (90+ in all) makes an AMF nimble and effective.
For wing forwards, attacking awareness is less critical as their positioning is predictable. Speed, acceleration (90+), balance (90+), and dribbling (90+, forming the 'Trinity') are vital for agility and beating defenders. Finishing (80+) and curl (80+) with 'Long-Range Curler' are effective for scoring. If playing with crosses, lofted passes and 'Pinpoint Crossing' are important, potentially decreasing finishing in favor of passing skills. Stamina is less critical if the player has 'Counter Target' or can be substituted.
Two types of center forwards are discussed: one for a 'meta' system and one for crosses/headers. For 'meta' system forwards, speed and acceleration are crucial for runs behind the defensive line. Attacking awareness (90+) is highly important for self-positioning. Finishing (90+) with 'First-time Shot' and 'Acrobatic Finishing' maximizes scoring opportunities. Dribbling and tight possession (around 85+) are also important for one-on-one situations. For forwards focusing on headers and crosses, high attacking awareness, tight possession (85+), kicking power, and especially jumping (90+) and heading (90+) statistics are essential.