Welcome to the latest guide looking at the different player traits in Football Manager.
Here I opt to assess all the different player traits, how they work and how you can use them to your benefit in additional to how to learn or unlearn these specific player characteristics or actions. Alongside an analysis of each player trait, I’ve included required player attributes useful for the player to possess in order to pull off the skill effective, alongside contrasting tactical instructions and conflicting player traits.
Player traits can be a valuable addition to your tactical system as they will increase the chance for a specific instruction to be applied or preferred over a specific team or player instruction. As you will discover, it contains a mix of tactical instructions, technical abilities and personal characteristics relating to a player’s personality.
Player traits (also known as player preferred moves in earlier versions of Football Manager) shouldn’t be looked at as an additional ability per se, but is more likely to affect his decision-making at certain situations within the match – all depending on the overall team instructions, player instructions and default behavior of the match mentality, player role and duty.
Continue reading to learn more about the different player traits of Football Manager 2020.
More About Player Traits
Player traits can be regarded as different tools within a player’s toolbox, which he can opt to use depending on the circumstance or situation. If a player possess a number of different traits, it will depend on how he assess the situation and which trait may aid him at that moment. Which action he takes depends on his decisions, how well he reads the situation or level of creativity and technique.
Most of the traits may complement tactical instructions, meaning they will more useful for a particular player role and duty, while on the contrary, some traits may conflict with a players player instruction meaning it may weaken the system as it conflicts with either the overall playing style and tactical game plan or player instructions and player role/duty.
As a general rule of thumb, complementing traits and player instructions will let you see the player performing the action more often than by simply following the instructions set within the PI/TI. The final result is a player specialized for a specific tactical plan as he will perform a move more often, making him in general less tactical flexible, as a new instruction may conflict with what he tends to do.
Conflicting traits to player instructions can be beneficial in events where you’d like a specific player to behave differently from the other players and your overall tactical system, but a contradicting trait to his player instructions will mean the player will be less likely to follow the tactical instructions giving through team instructions or player instructions. This means that traits who suits the position and role will make him perform the action more often, while those who does not fit will make him perform the action less often, which may hurt your tactical system.
For some traits, you can include them into a player’s characteristics and options to select from at a specific situation and can be used alongside a player role/duty instruction to ensure the player will behave in a mix between the two roles / duties – taking the best from one, impacting the other.
Which action he takes will depend on the player’s intelligence and creativity, his preferred foot and natural positional abilities. In general, we can say there are five important attributes which affects whether or not he will find the best solution. These attributes are;
- Decisions
- Anticipation
- Flair
- Vision
- Teamwork
Then it’s a matter of technical abilities, preferred foot, role suitability and positional abilities deciding whether the action may be effective or not.
There are 5 different categories of actions, in additional to some specific actions only available for goalkeepers. These categories are;
- Movements; relates to ‘tactical instructions’ affecting a player’s movement decisions in possession of the ball
- Passing
- Finishing
- Defending
- Technique
- Goalkeeper Traits
Within each category, you may discover there are traits only available for defenders, midfielders, strikers or wide players, as some actions is hidden and therefore unable to be learned.
As you’ll notice, traits is influenced by player attributes, team mentality and other tactical instructions such as player instructions as well as player roles and duties, and can compliment or conflict with team instructions or specific player instructions which may make your system more or less successful.
How to Find Player’s Traits
A player’s traits are viewable from the overview of the player profile or the attributes tab. The traits a player possesses will have an effect on your tactics and it’s important to get an overview of the traits each player has while completing the squad analysis. It’s smart to write down in your notebook the player’s traits, who got contradicting traits to his player role or instructions and who fits their tactical instructions.
When assessing a players trait, it’s important to consider the movement or action according to the default behavior of the player role and duty and your selected tactical instructions. It may not be good to have a lot of players who likes to run with the ball if you’re instructing the team to dribble less and pass the ball instead, or use a midfielder in the box to box midfielder role when he likes to stay back at all times.
The coach report may give you a hint about suitable traits, as it will display the strongest area of their game, their player style and versatility (in cases you’d learn a new position which requires him to improve his weaker foot).
A full list of his traits is also available in the individual training setup.
Scouting For Players With Specific Traits
Traits should also be considered for any players you target, and should be considered in the same way you assess current and potential ability, player attributes and positional abilities.
Traits are hidden for any players you’ve got low level of knowledge of, but by scouting the player, either through getting a scout report or watching the player for X amount of matches his traits will be revealed. As a rule of thumb, the knowledge level must be higher than 80% before they are viewable.
If you need specific traits in your tactics, either you’d want to learn it to a youngster through mentoring, or you’re looking for a specific type of player, you can set up an advanced filter, searching for players with a particular trait you’re looking for. The result will include only players you got the knowledge of.
How to?
Go to Player Search - Edit Search - Advanced - Additional Condition - General - Player Trait
Do note that in some circumstances, the player preferred moves may have a different name in the editor, in the overview of traits in a players profile and when asking to learn the trait. This means that it can have 3 different names!
How To Learn / Unlearn Player Traits?
Every player of your team can be asked to learn a new trait. If a player possess a specific trait, you’ll have the option to unlearn it as you might want him to stop doing it, since it contrast to player instructions, or the player has not the skills to pull it off.
Another option to let a player learn a new trait is by tutoring and mentoring, which is the best course of action if you’d like to adopt a specific personality trait.
In order to add or remove a specific movement to a players game you first need to go a players profile. Then head to the Development tab where you can set up his individual training and additional focus.
Here you can ask a specific coach to add or remove a specific movement, action or technical option. Personally I prefer to contact the coach who’s in charge of the area of the game the trait is categorized in. So, if I should add a finishing action to my striker, I would select a coach labelled with attacking, while if it was movement I would select the coach with the best tactical coaching knowledge.
Asking a player to add a specific action to his game will increase his training workload and might make him unhappy – reason why it’s important to consider how effective the action will be according to his tactical system. Asking a deep-lying forward to get forward whenever possible might be waste of time as he will drop deep by default. Likewise, asking an inside forward to hug touchline when his default behavior will be to move inside, would be waste of time.
When learning or unlearning a specific trait, you will get suggestions from the coach whether he believes he’s suited or not, according to his player attributes (strength and weaknesses), positional abilities and preferred foot, together with hints about the types of players it’s suited for (relating to the level of player attributes). A player who’s not 100% suited may take longer time to adopt a trait compared to one who’s suited for it. And having to unlearn a specific trait to learn the contrary might take as long as a full season to be completed.
Do note, that you can not ask a player to learn a new trait if he’s injured. If he’s already put on adding a specific trait to his game, the progress of it will be stalled until he returns to training.
Complete List of Player Traits in Football Manager 2020
Movement
Get Forward Whenever Possible
Gets forward whenever possible will ask your players to move into the final third in the attacking transition phase by overloading a specific area. This instruction aims to increase the frequency of forward runs, adjusted by the team mentality.
For wingbacks it can be used alongside a defensive duty to overlap on one of the flanks, while for a central player (midfielder or defender) it can provide additional underlaps by asking players to move into the space behind the player with the ball.
It’s a useful trait to destabilize the opponents defensive block and ensure you create a numerical superiority within an area of the field, but requires a team mate who holds position next to him, to not make the shape unbalanced and easily overrun at countering situations.
For players within the attacking unit (wingers and attacking midfielders), it suits players with more physical capabilities (work rate and stamina) as they aims to tear the opponents defensive line apart from relentless running by making more long runs from deep and in behind the defensive line, which is especially beneficial in a counter-attacking system using a low block and a deep defensive line.
Player roles who will get forward whenever possible is every duty, normally attacking duties, with player instruction get further forward ticked either by default or selected.
Key Attributes: Off the Ball and Decisions
Secondary Attributes: Teamwork and Anticipations
Similar PI: Get Further Forward
Contrasting PI: Hold Position
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Comes Deep To Get Ball‘ and ‘Stays Back At All Times‘
Stays Back At All Times
Stays back at all times could be considered as the opposite of gets forward whenever possible as the player will NOT make any forward runs, of course dependent on the team mentality.
This trait is available for central defenders and defensive midfielders. It will ask them to not make forward runs and instead hold a defensive position – screening in front of the central defenders or keeping in line with his partner.
While others may make opposite movements and move diagonally or vertically, this player will stay put. It can be useful for defensive midfielders (DM-d, DLP-d and Anchor man), or central midfielders in a two man midfield, who shall hold position in front of the back and support build up play by staying deeper, which will also make him able to better defend against an opposition counter-attack.
It’s best suited for roles at defensive duties as it’s not expected of him to support attacking play and advance into more attacking positions within the final third.
Key Attributes: Positioning and Anticipation
Secondary Attributes: Concentration and Teamwork
Similar PI: Hold Position
Contrasting PI: Get Further Forward and Roam From Position
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Gets Forward Whenever Possible‘, ‘Gets into opposition area‘, ‘Moves Into Channels‘ and ‘Arrives Late in Opposition’s Area‘
Comes Deep to Get Ball
Comes deep to get ball increases the likeliness of a player in the attacking unit to move into a midfield position to make themselves available for a pass, for example if the opponent is playing with a deep defensive line. It can also be useful for players within the midfield line to support players positioned deeper on the pitch, by making himself available for a pass.
It aims to draw a player out of a congested space or in areas they are more likely to be put under pressure, such as in situations
when the team is building out from the back (attacking transition phase) or are moving the ball around in the final third.
Having a player with a trait to move forward whenever possible and one who comes deep will create opposite movements which might not only create space further up the field, but also make the opposite markers unsure of whom to track.
It can be useful to let one of your central midfielders or defensive midfielder to possess this trait similar to one of the strikers if you’re playing either with a lone forward or a two striker system. Some player roles, such as the false 9, deep lying forward support, half back and deep lying playmaker support (MC) will drop deep by default.
The players suited to come deep must master situations where they are put under pressure by getting control of the ball in a congested space where time is short as well as being tactical proficient and able to read the game well to understand when a deep player in possession of the ball might need his support.
By being positioned a bit deeper in possession of the ball, the player (typical a playmaker) can use his vision and passing abilities to try more risky passes – those played between lines – in order to unlock the opposition’s defensive block.
His closest team mate should be a runner who either wants to get into the opposition area, who makes more forward runs and can get into the space left by the player coming deep, typical a box to box midfielder, mezzala, volante (attack), inside forward / inverted winger (attack) or advanced forward.
It means the trait is unsuited for typical players who’s most likely to create goal scoring opportunities for himself or others, as you’d want the player to be positioned closer to the goal to receive passes from the one coming deep.
Key Attributes: Teamwork, First Touch and Off the ball
Secondary Attributes: Anticipation and Vision
Contrasting PI: Get Further Forward
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Gets Forward Whenever Possible‘, ‘Gets into opposition area‘, ‘Moves Into Channels‘ and ‘Arrives Late in Opposition’s Area‘ and ‘Likes to Try To Beat the Offside Trap‘
Dribble Down The Left / Right Flank
This trait is specifically designed at players who are capable of playing down one of the flanks and suits athletic players with lots of energy. It depends on their natural positional abilities and their preferred foot of which of these traits are available to learn.
The dribble down the left / right equals in a player profile as runs with ball down left/right flank and increases the frequency of when a player will run with the ball.
For left wingbacks or wingers with natural positional abilities of DL, WBL, ML or AML the Dribble down the Left Flank will be available, while the right flank will be available for DR, WBR, MR or AMR. This means that these two traits will conflict with each other and it’s not possible to ask him to both be able to run with the ball down left AND right.
It’s suited for more attacking minded players, such as WB-A, CWB, W-A or DW-S, who can bring the ball forward (with dribbling and pace) and perhaps get to the byline for a cross or make a quick cross from deep by transporting the ball out of the defensive third to middle or final third.
A player who are capable of running with the ball down the flanks is highly beneficial as the player will look to get the ball into the final third as quick as possible. Similar to the dribble more player instruction, the player will be more individualistic and look to attack the opponents defensive block. It can be used to stretch the opponents defensive line by looking to drag a specific marker out of their position by increasing the space between him and the second defender, which a player with moves into channels can exploit.
Key Attributes: Acceleration, Pace and Agility
Secondary Attributes: Dribbling, Balance and Technique
Other Attributes: Workrate and Decisions
Preferred Foot: Strong Left / Right Foot (identical to the flank their playing on)
Similar TI: Run At Defence
Similar PI: Run Wide With Ball and Dribble More
Contrasting PI: Cut Inside With Ball and Dribble Less
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Runs With Ball Rarely‘, ‘Runs With Ball Down Center‘, ‘Runs With Ball Down Left or Right flank‘
Dribble Through The Center of The Park
Similar to the run with ball down the flanks for players capable of playing down either wing, we’ve got the ‘dribble through the center of the park‘ aka Runs With Ball Through Center. In this instance, the player will increase their frequency of when they decide to run with the ball in central areas.
When playing against a defensive block which uses man marking and a compact shape, having a player who can set speed at the opposition with the ball, can be highly beneficial. Once running, the opposite marker might become unsure what to do, especially within a zonal marking system; Shall he leave the player to the next marker, tackle him and risk awarding a free-kick in a dangerous position, or follow him which provides space for another player to run into.
It’s a useful trait for central midfielders, attacking midfielders and defensive midfielder at support/attack duty. The advanced playmaker attack, trequartista and shadow striker are two of the default player roles who will have this trait incorporated into their instructions, but can also be given to the segundo volante, central midfielder and box to box midfielder by ticking dribble more.
Key Attributes: Dribbling, Balance and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Acceleration, Pace and Agility
Other Useful Attributes: Flair, Vision and Work Rate
Similar TI: Run At Defence
Similar PI: Dribble More
Contrasting PI: Run Wide With Ball and Dribble Less
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Runs With Ball Rarely‘, ‘Runs With Ball Down Right Flank‘, ‘Runs With Ball Down Left Flank‘
Runs With The Ball More Often
Runs with ball often affects the rate and amount of running with the ball. It increases the frequency of when they decide to run with the ball at their feet rather than passing it.
It’s a trait available no matter the positional abilities and could provide an additional flair to a tactical system using the team instruction ‘Dribble Less’. It’s a trait suited for good dribblers as they will run with the ball more often than the others and advance into attacking positions with the ball to better create chances and come into goal scoring opportunities.
It’s not suited for players who are expected to hold a deeper defensive position, those who shall support build up play with their creativity and vision and finally those who’s able to attack space by good attacking off the ball movements.
This trait is the equivalent of the ‘Dribble More’ player instruction and will ask the player to be more individualistic with the ball.
Key Attributes: Dribbling
Secondary Attributes: Agility, Balance, Decisions
Contrasting TI/PI: Dribble Less
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Runs With Ball Rarely‘
Runs With The Ball Occasionally
This trait will show up in Football Manager as Runs with the ball rarely and is the opposite of running with the ball more often. It suits central midfielders who are weak at dribbling. These players should found their play on passing the ball instead and use their vision to move the ball forward.
It reduces the amount of runs with the ball, similar to the ‘Dribble Less’ player instruction. It’s an ideal trait for players with low off the ball movement and lower dribbling abilities, and every other player you’d want to be more cautious with the ball (defensive minded players).
Similar TI: Dribble Less
Similar PI: Dribble Less
Contrasting TI: Run At Defence
Contrasting PI: Dribble More
Key Attributes: Passing
Secondary Attributes: Technique, Vision and Off the ball
Hugs The Touchline
A player who hugs the line aims to stretch the play by staying wider than the rest when he’s out of possession. Instead of coming deep or moving into the opposition area in the final third, the player will hug the line and make himself available for a pass. He will work the wide channel and be positioned in wide areas whenever possible, looking to utilize this space to get the ball and will act in contrary to a player who cuts inside.
It’s especially effective when you’d like to underload an area as the player is free to get the ball, perhaps after switching the play, and can then put speed directly at the goal with the ball at his feet.
It’s an ideal trait to be learned for attacking wingers or wing backs, as they looks to attract the opposite fullback on to them, in the final third, increasing the space between the fullback and centre back which a mezzala, box to box midfielder or central midfielder can run into and underlap in.
When the player receives the ball, he has different options. A supporting player might put speed with the ball and get closer to the byline before playing through balls, while an attacking player might run directly towards the byline to put in a cross.
A great combination is to couple it with runs with ball down the flank (right or left) or likes ball played into feet.
Key Attributes: Dribbling and Off The ball
Secondary Attributes: Acceleration, Pace, Agility
Conflicts With: ‘Gets into opposition area‘
Cuts Inside From Right/Left/Both Wings
Cutting inside impacts the rate of when a player attacks central areas of the pitch by moving inside from a wide starting position.
It comes in three different variants;
- Cuts inside from right; asks players to move into central areas from the right wing.
- Cuts inside from left; asks players to move into central areas from the left wing.
- Cuts inside from both; asks players to move into central areas from both wings, depending on where he plays.
It works best when the player’s opposite foot is opposite of the flank he’s playing on. This means that a player who shall cut in from left must possess a strong right foot, while if you favor him to cut inside from right, he should possess a strong left foot. Ultimately, the player who shall cut inside from both wings, should require both feet to be equally strong.
This trait is not only the natural movement of Inside Forwards and Inverted Wingbacks, but can be used for wide Advanced Playmakers, Raumdeuters or Trequartista’s as they will move towards the centre from a wide starting position, either with or without the ball, which opens up space on the flank for an overlapping run from a player in deep.
The benefits is that the player will move towards the zone 14 and can either play through balls, take long shots or create other chances with their sublime vision and passing technique.
Key Attributes: Acceleration and Agility plus Strong Opposite Foot
Secondary Attributes: Decisions, Vision, Flair, Teamwork
Other Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Finishing, Passing
Similar PI: Cuts Inside
Contrasting PI: Runs Wide With Ball
Cuts Inside from Both Wings conflicts with: ‘Avoids using weaker foot‘
Gets Into The Opposition Area Whenever Possible
Gets into opposition area is a trait that increases the frequency of forward runs, depending on their tactical instructions (PI/TI), into the penalty box. It could be regarded as a similar movement as the gets forward whenever possible, but is a more attacking variant where you threaten area closest to the goal.
I’d favor it for an attacking midfielder (SS), inside forward or striker who can be considered as a natural goalscorer as they would be likely to receive the ball in dangerous positions. With this trait the player will look to move into the penalty box after a well-played through ball at the right speed, or make more penetrating runs which aims to destabilize the defensive block. It aims to attack the space behind the opposite defensive line with quick runs.
The player with this trait should be regarded as a natural goalscorer who got the ability to read the play, spot openings and time their run before being ice cold in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper.
Key Attributes: Acceleration and Finishing
Secondary Attributes: Off the ball, Decisions, Anticipation
Other Attributes: Composure, Teamwork
Similar PI: Get Further Forward (for roles within the attacking unit)
Contrasting PI: Hold Position
Conflicts With: ‘Hugs Line‘, ‘Stays back at all Times‘ and ‘Arrives late in opponent’s area‘
Arrives Late In The Opposition Area
Arrives late in the opposition area increases the frequency with which a player makes forward runs, depending on the team mentality. While you may have ones who are eager to get into the opposition area as early as possible, this player will stay outside the penalty box for a longer time, and make timed runs from deeper positions to avoid being tracked or spotted. Instead he waits on the right moment to attack a certain space which might have open up in the penalty box.
It may be a cross from byline which is aimed to the center where the attacking unit (wingers, attacking midfieler and forwards) makes distinct runs forward, while an advanced playmaker (support/attack), roaming playmaker, box to box midfielder or deep lying playmaker (support) arrives late into the opposition area.
To make this work, the player needs to read the game well, make a precise decision on when to get forward, according to the ball path and where space is open, and is better suited for supporting midfielder or a striker positioned deeper (deep lying forward / false 9).
Key Attributes: Off the ball, Composure and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Anticipation and Decisions
Other Attributes: Finishing, Passing, Technique
Contrasting PI: Get Further Forward
Conflicting trait(s): ‘Gets Into The Opposition Area‘ and ‘Stays back at all Times‘
Try To Beat The Offside Trap
This is a trait which suits an intelligent forward who prefers to stay on the edge of the opponent’s defensive line, ready to break in behind them with smart movements, such as the poacher or advanced forward, and will increase the amount of runs in behind the defensive line.
The player is required to read the game well and will need to time his runs and anticipate the movement of the opponents defense when they push up. His appearance and constant movements looks to distract the opposite markers providing space for an attacking midfielder to be creative.
Whilst trying to beat the offside trap, the player must possess the agility and acceleration to react quickly from standing still to moving in an different direction than his body position. He must be able to quickly get off the ground and seek to get into the space behind opponent’s defensive line.
This trait can be combined with ‘Moves Into Channels’ (either as trait or player instruction, and ‘Gets Into Opposition Area’).
Key Attributes: Anticipation, Agility and Acceleration
Secondary Attributes: Off the ball, Decisions, Vision
Similar PI: Get Further Forward
Contrasting PI: Hold Position
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Plays With Back To Goal‘, ‘Comes Deep To Get Goal‘ and ‘Does Not Move Into Channels‘
Plays With Back To Goal
Players with this trait will be positioned with his back against the goal at build up play, watching the movement of the ball rather than thinking of spaces he should run into. If he receives the ball he will hold it up in attacking areas, decreasing the tempo so deeper players can get into a more advantageous position, such as a wing back or a central runner.
Ideal for an central forward, such as a target men or deep lying forward, it instructs them to spend a second or two with the ball, letting overlaps or underlaps occur.
The player must be proficient of shielding the ball, being both physical strong and calm with the ball, as well as having a great first touch as he may hold up the ball in advanced areas of the pitch where it’s easy for the opponent to put him under pressure.
To make this work, you need a tactical system where forward runs comes on one side or on either sides of him.
Key Attributes: First Touch and Anticipation
Secondary Attributes: Strength, Balance and Teamwork
Other Attributes: Composure, Passing and Technique, Jumping Reach
Contrasting PI: Get Further Forward
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Try To Beat The Offside Trap‘
Mainly Stays Inside The Penalty Area Whenever Possible
Stays inside the penalty box will avoid movements into channels and instead look to stay inside the penalty box (if the defensive line is deep enough). It’s labelled as ‘Does not move into channels‘ once being learned and was earlier known as ‘Penalty Box Player‘ (editor) or ‘Static Target Man‘.
This means that the player will not move from central areas into space between them and the wide positions. Similarly, if it’s a wide player, he will not look to come inside to operate in the same space. Instead of making diagonal or horizontal movements, he will move more vertically, perhaps staying on the shoulders of the defender looking for enough space to convert chances into goals.
It’s a trait suited for wide target men or target man who you’d like to stay centrally – working in a smaller area of the pitch, such as the penalty box, ready to covert crosses into goals.
It’s similar to the does not roam player instruction as the player will hold position within the penalty area. It suits forwards or attacking minded players with great aerial abilities or better finishing compared to attacking creativity as they are far more ineffective at creating chances rather than converting them.
Key Attributes: Heading and Jumping Reach
Secondary Attributes: Positioning, Teamwork, Technique
Other Attributes: Strength, Balance, Off the ball
Contrasting PI: Move into Channels, Roam From Positions, Hold Position
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Likes to Try to Beat Offside Trap‘ and ‘Moves Into Channels‘
Moves Into Channels
Moves into channels will ask the players to find vertical space between the opponent’s defenders, by making diagonal runs into these channels. It aims to not only draw a defender out of position as the marker might put more attention to his runs than the other movements close to him, but if he’s not tracked he might be in a better position to create chances, crosses and/or finish off the attack.
In this instance, central players will increase the amount of diagonal runs and movements into space between their starting position and a wide attacking position. It also enables wide players to make diagonal movements inside – looking to utilize the channel between the opponents full back and central defender.
This trait is already active for the player roles; Mezzala, Shadow Striker, Raumdeuter, Complete Forward, Deep Lying Forward, Advanced Forward, Pressing Forward and the Trequartista, but can also be given to the False 9, Poacher and Attacking Midfielder.
It can also be used in combination with Gets Into Opposition Area or Runs With ball More often. The opposite of this trait is to stay put, working within a specific zone within the attacking third, such as the Enganche, and is therefore not suited for defensive minded players who shall hold their position.
Personally I prefer to give this to an advanced playmaker attack or the box to box midfielder to take some of the great movements from the Mezzala and put it into these roles.
Key Attributes: Off the ball, Flair and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Anticipation, Decisions, Agility and Acceleration
Other Attributes: Passing, Dribbling, Crossing and/or Finishing
Similar PI: Moves into Channels
Contrasting PI: Hold Position
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Stays Back At All Times‘ and ‘Does Not Move Into Channels‘
Plays One-Twos
This trait is more of a technical skill rather than a tactical instruction. Asking a player to play one-twos is a great tool to increase the tempo of the game, especially within a short passing system which relies on playing the ball to each others feet rather than playing the ball into space.
Playing One-Twos will increase the frequency of where a player will make a short pass to the closest teammate before immediately making himself able to receive the ball again, as he quickly moves into a more advantageous position. It’s similar to give and go.
In order to make this work, both players should possess great first touch, technique and passing abilities. The player who shall play one-twos must have acceleration to move quickly into another position on the field whilst the vision to spot the space and be mobile (off the ball movement). He also needs the desired work rate and stamina to do so over and over again throughout the match as space may be congested.
This trait, and movement from the one with this skill, will increase uncertainty between the opponents first and secondary defender as it provides more passing options for the receiver of the ball, which can play the ball back to the one he got it from, switch play to the other flank or make a short pass elsewhere.
It can work wonders between a player who holds position (deep lying playmaker support, enganche) and a more mobile player (Box to box midfielder, advanced playmaker attack who roams, attacking midfielder, false 9 and the mezzala).
Key Attributes: First touch, Passing, Technique and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Off the ball, Decisions and Anticipation
Other Attributes: Work Rate, Acceleration and Agility
Similar PI: Get Further Forward and Passing Short
Contrasting PI: Hold Position and Passing Direct
Knock The Ball Past His Opponent When Taking Him On
Used preferably for players on the flanks, such as wingers or wingbacks, the knock the ball past his opponent trait looks to get the ball into a more advantageous position, for example when playing down the wings at build up play. The player looks to beat the opponent with sheer pace and acceleration – playing the ball on one side of him before moving around him on the other side to distract him.
With this trait, you aim to decrease the attacking transition phase and get into the final third as quickly as possible. It’s a great option when there’s lots of space on the field, something that’s most natural to happen down the flanks.
I prefer to give this trait to an attacking wing back / complete wing back or an attacking winger in a deep counter attacking system, as you lure the opponent out of their zone before attacking the opponents half by running at the defence.
Key Attributes: Acceleration, Agility and Pace
Secondary Attributes: Dribbling, Technique
Other Attributes: Work Rate
Similar TI: Run At Defence
Similar PI: Get Further Forward and Dribble More
Contrasting PI: Dribble Less
Passing
Tries Killer Balls Often
This trait will increase the ratio of times the player will attempt making through balls. It’s favorable for a player utilizing the half spaces as they can provide diagonal passes from the edge of the penalty box into zone 14 or behind the opponents defensive line.
It looks to unlock the opposition, not by movement and running with the ball, but by excellent vision by playing through balls or third line of passes from deep and in behind the defensive line, which ultimately creates a chance.
It’s a useful trait for any sides, as the passing types will be a bit more direct, testing the opponent’s defenders. In order to make it work, you need attacking wingers who moves gets into the opposition area or who moves into channels.
This trait is equivalent of the take more risk player instruction as it aims to play more low percentage passes in a bid to open up the opponents defensive line.
Key Attributes: Passing and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Anticipation, Technique, Decisions
Similar TI: Pass Into Space
Similar PI: Take More Passing Risks
Contrasting PI: Take Fewer Passing Risks
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Plays Short Simple Passes‘ and ‘Plays No Through Balls‘
Plays No Through Balls
Plays no through balls is the opposite of the trait above and is labelled ‘avoids attempting through balls’ inside the list of passing traits to be learned. It decreases the player’s frequency of making through balls and will ensure the player relies on playing towards a players feet or head rather than making passes into space, meaning he will take less risks which then increases his passing accuracy. It will not affect the length of passes (direct or short), as one who will play more direct passes will look to aim for a players body instead.
It’s suited for players with low vision and lower levels of passing as they are not as capable of spotting an advantageous situation, perhaps due to poor technique or vision. Most often they does not got the creativity either to take advantage of openings.
It can be useful for a ball playing defender or a defensive midfielder who lacks the skills to make through balls, or could be given to a more centralized player who you would want to retain possession and play in others more creative players.
Key Attributes: Passing and Teamwork
Other Attributes: First Touch, Technique and Composure
Similar TI: Pass Into Space
Similar PI: Take Fewer Passing Risks
Contrasting PI: Take More Passing Risks
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Tries Killer Balls Often‘
Tries Long Range Passes
Tries long range passes increases the chance of a player attempting to pass the ball over longer distances. It means that the ball is played even more direct which is useful in counter-attacking systems and when you’d favor to go route one.
It aims to enter the final third sooner rather than later and look to get the ball towards a player within the attacking unit as quickly as possible.
This trait is useful for central defenders or playmakers with sublime passing abilities and the technique to pull these long passes off.
Key Attributes: Passing and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Vision, Decisions and Teamwork
Similar TI: Extremely Direct Passing Approach and Hit Early Crosses
Similar PI: More Direct Passes
Contrasting TI: Much Shorter Passes, Lower Tempo, Play Out Of Defence
Contrasting PI: Pass it Shorter
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Plays Short Simple Passes‘
Plays Short Simple Passes
The player will be instructed to try to play a short passing game, perhaps due to their weakness in passing and vision. It will reduce the passing length and the directness of a player’s passing. Passes are played to a players feet rather than into space and will increase the passing accuracy.
It’s a trait suited for more defensive minded players who shall be a bit more cautios with their passing since he will primary look to retain possession.
The player with this trait will move the ball to the closest receiver and the type of passes will not test the opponents defence as they are not played into space (either in front of them or behind them), which is evident with through balls. The passes will be a bit more predictable, but may ensure that the ball is offloaded to a more creative player in front, behind or besides him (DLP-D/AP-A partnership), who can take better advantage of it.
It can be beneficial to be given to one or two players within your team, looking at building up play precisly and cautiosly, making sure the right player get the ball in the right moment and in the right area of the field.
Key Attributes: Passing, Teamwork and Composure
Secondary Attributes: First Touch, Technique
Similar PI: Pass it Shorter and Take Fewer Passing Risk
Similar TI: Much Shorter Passes, Lower Tempo, Play Out Of Defence, Dribble Less
Contrasting TI: Extremely Direct Passing Approach and Pass Into Space
Contrasting PI: More Direct Passes and Take More Passing Risk
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Tries Long Range Passes‘, ‘Tries Killer Balls Often‘ and ‘Likes to Switch Ball to The Other Flank‘
Slow Down Play Now And Then
This trait will be renamed to Stops play once learned within the game. It increases the chance of a player to stop play in possession of the ball to further assess his passing options. By slowing down the play it reduces the tempo of the match giving breaking players the chance to get into an advanced position.
It can be a beneficial trait for a player when utilizing a high tempo, or the match itself is at high intensity, with relentless pressing from the opposite team which affects the passing accuracy.
The player needs to read the game well and be able to hold up the ball despite being put under pressure (closed down). Once with the ball, he can assess passing options and deliver the ball to a player in a better position, perhaps one who’s facing the goal.
It can be given to supporting players either in the defensive line or the attacking unit who either is expected to be part of building up play and to set up other more distinct goalscoring players or those who got better creativity to bring the ball into a more dangerous position. It suits a more static role who got the strength, first touch and balance to hold up the ball in congested areas.
It’s literally unsuited for typical runners or creative players who got the dribbling abilities, flair, off the ball movement and technique to get past a player and into space.
A great partnership would be having a typical runner besides or nearby a player looking to slow down play, as he can build in others who are a bit more attacking minded and focused on penetrating the opponents defensive lines.
Key Attributes: Anticipation, First Touch and Strength
Secondary Attributes: Balance, Teamwork and Composure
Similar PI: Hold up Ball
Dwells on Ball
A player dwelling on the ball will spend a longer time in possession of the ball wasting time before making a decision about what he shall do with it. While a player with the trait stops play will wait until another moves forward and comes into position, the player who dwells will caress the ball no matter of the tempo instruction.
He can then spend minutes on the ball to invite the opposition on to him, creating space behind the opposite marker which he can play into.
It can be both a negative and a positive trait as he might invite the opposition on to him and make him more likely to loose possession in a dangerous area, but can be beneficial if the player possess the strength and balance to hold them off, great decision and vision to get the play moving again, either by picking out a pass or attempt a dribble.
This trait can not be learned by normal individual training, but can be unlearned within technical training. The only way to learn this trait to new players are by mentoring and tutoring.
Key Attributes: Anticipation and Composure
Secondary Attributes: First Touch and Vision
Look For the Pass Rather Than Attempting to Score
Looks for the pass rather than attempting to score is a useful trait for unnatural goalscorers – those who possess poor finishing and long shots, and are therefore incapable of making an remark in the attacking third.
This trait looks to increase the chances of a player opting to give a scoring chance to a teammate rather than taking it himself. The success of it relies heavily on the players attributes; his vision and passing.
It could be beneficial for an attacking minded midfielder or inverted winger who does not have the ability to score lots of goals, but often finds himself in such a position. Instead of shooting on the goal he will attempt setting up others for a chance to score goals passing the ball to another teammate. By giving away a goal-scoring opportunity he might waste a chance of scoring as the pass gets blocked or intercepted and never reach the player it was intended to.
Personally I would let my box to box midfielder, deep lying playmaker, inside forward or attacking midfielder with better vision than finishing have this trait, as these players might come into goalscoring situations due to their advanced positioning, but might not have the finishing technique or long shot capabilities to convert the chance to a goal.
Key Attributes: Passing, Decisions and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Anticipation, Technique and Composure
Similar TI: Work Ball into Box
Similar PI: Shoot Less Often
Contrasting TI: Shoot On Sight
Contrasting PI: Shoot More Often
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Shoots From Distance‘ and ‘Tries First Time Shots‘
Dictates Tempo
Dictates tempo will increase the chance of a player to take charge of predominantly midfield situations to influence on the team’s performance. He will slow than play if necessary or increase the tempo if the match requires it no matter the team instruction relating to tempo.
The player is required to read the game and be tactical intelligent in order to try to affect the match with his passing game. The success of it is determined by how successfully he anticipates the match and the opponents playing style, as well as his overall abilities to assess the match.
When playing with a lower tempo, it may be useful to have a player who can increase the tempo to take the opponent off the guard in beneficial moments, by making sudden quick passes or slowing down the play if the match tempo is particular high.
Dictates tempo is only available for central midfielders and is a great trait for playmakers you’d want to come deep as the player will look to play between lines where there’s space to orchester the game.
Key Attributes: Teamwork, Passing and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Anticipation, Technique and Decisions
Likes To Switch Ball To The Other Flank
Switching possession to the other flank will increase the probability of a player to attempt diagonal passes from one side of the pitch to the other. It can be useful trait for central midfielders with great vision and passing abilities on one side with an on rushing player moving forward from deep, moving freely up the wings on the other side, as space is less congested.
It helps to destabilize the opponent by quickly moving possession from an overloaded area to an underloaded area. It’s particular beneficial for players working the half spaces or wide channels as you’re able to quickly move play to the opposite side of the pitch – perhaps due to the attack breaks down, space is limited and/or passing options are blocked off.
Personally, despite playing a possession game, I let my advanced playmaker have this trait, in order to utilize the space on the opposite side where the complete wingback or attacking wingback will run into. It’s especially effective when the team butts against the defensive block.
Key Attributes: Passing and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Technique and Decisions
Similar TI: Focus Play Down Right/Left Flank and More Direct Passes
Similar PI: More Direct Passes
Contrasting TI: Exploit the Middle and Shorter Passes
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Plays Short Simple Passes‘
Likes Ball Played Into Feet
This increases the chance of a player showing and asking for passes into his feet rather than into space or a different part of his body, such as his head.
It’s suited for players who are less mobile and does not possess the off the ball movement, stamina and work rate to roam into open space. The trait can be used in a system where you rely on passes into space, but where you want the players to target a specific playmaker who can take advantage of the ball by making through balls towards players getting forward and into space.
This trait is more an individual preference of where he want the ball rather than a tactical instruction, and means the player will be less likely to run into space but rather wait for the all to arrive at his feet.
It can be suited for a more stationary player playing a possession game, such as an Enganche or Target Men. It can also be suited for Wingers or Inside Forwards who got lower acceleration and off the ball, as they are better at taking advantage of the ball, perhaps with dribbling and flair.
Key Attributes: First Touch and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Passing, Balance and Dribbling
Contrasting TI: Pass Into Space
Finishing
Shoots From Distance
Shoots from distance will increase the frequency of which a player will attempt shots from outside the penalty box.
If squeezing the play and pushing the opponent deep into their own half, having a player who can finish off the attacks by shooting from outside the penalty box, can be advantageous.
It’s a great trait for central midfielders or wingers who likes to camp on the edge of the penalty box, such as the inverted winger support, inside forward support, roaming playmaker, deep lying playmaker or advanced playmaker support and even defensive midfielders who venture a bit further forward, as they can provide you with a goal scoring treath from distance.
The player is required to spot potential opportunities for taking a shot, by not only having good decision-making on when to do so but also assess the goalkeepers positioning and his level of reach.
Playing a possession game, it may improve the unpredictability level as the opponent have to take into consideration the long shot capabilities of your player and can’t drop too deep, giving him too much space for taking a shot.
Having too many players shooting from distance may damage your teams ability to get into useful goalscoring positions and might let you see lots of shots off target as the accuracy with the shot decreases the further distance from goal it is taken.
Shoots from distance could be added alongside ‘Shoots With Power’ to make these long shots more effective.
Key Attributes: Long Shots and Finishing
Secondary Attributes: Technique, Decisions and Strength
Similar TI: Shoot On Sight
Similar PI: Shoot More Often
Contrasting TI: Work Ball into Box
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Looks For Pass Rather Than Attempting to Score‘ and ‘Refrains from Taking Long Shots‘
Refrains From Taking Long Shots
Labelled as Tries Fewer Long Shots when you shall ask a player to learn it, this trait is the opposite of shooting from distance. It means that the player will refrain from attempting shots from outside the area, perhaps due to his poor technical abilities with long shots or better skills running with the ball and finish off the attacks inside the penalty area. It may be a poacher who’s better at one on one situations or an attacking midfielder / central midfielder who is better at creating chances by playing in others.
Players suited for this trait could be attacking players or midfielders with poor long shots and finishing when playing with the shoot on sight team instruction.
It’s also a great trait to be learned for supporting midfielders and players asked to play in others, forcing them to make through balls, risky passes or shorter passes to more attacking players in far more advantegous positions, who can finish off the attacks.
These players who shall refrain from taking long shots is the typical creative playmakers or those with sublime team ethic – carrying the ball out of defence and delivering it to one who can take better advantage of it.
Key Attributes: Teamwork and Passing
Secondary Attributes: Technique, Anticipation and Vision
Other Attributes: Dribbling, Crossing
Similar TI: Work Ball Into Box
Similar PI: Shoot Less Often
Contrasting TI: Shoot On sight
Contrasting PI: Shoot More Often
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Shoots From Distance‘, ‘Tries Long Range Free kicks‘ and ‘Hits Freekicks With Power‘
Try to Lob the Keeper in One-on-Ones
Likes to lob the keeper is a technical trait suited for creative players famed for their artistry. It’s an excellent trait for trequartista’s, false 9’s, shadow strikers and any forwards who may find themselves in an one-on-one situation where they can use their unpredictability and technique alone with the goalie by chipping the ball over him.
The player will instead of shooting with power or place shots take advantage of the space over the goalkeepers head to lob him. It requires excellent technique and fine-tuned weighting of the ball path to score.
It provides strikers an alternative method to finish off the attack, but will be far more difficult than placing the shot in the corner of the net or round him, as the space between the goalkeeper and the goal might be limited.
Key Attributes: Finishing, Technique and Vision
Secondary Attributes: Composure and Decisions
Likes to Round Keeper
Also an technical trait that favors the player to go around the goalkeeper in one-on-one situations rather than shooting immediately or placing the shot in the corner of the net. Similar to try lobbing the keeper in one on one situations, it gives the player an alternative method to finish off the chance.
Key Attributes: Dribbling and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Decisions and Flair
Shoots With Power
Learning the trait try to blast the ball into the back of the net will increase the probability of a player opting to shoot with power rather than placing the shot. The placement of the shot will not be as accurate, but will be done with power and strength which may lead to a goal, if the shot is done directly at the goal and the opponent has been great at blocking off likely areas to shoot at.
It suits players with high levels of finishing and strength as they can utilize this action to attempt scoring.
It also increases the likelihood of a player attempting long-range shots, particular if his Flair is better than his Decisions.
It suited for both central midfielders, wide players and forwards as it increases the likeliness of the player to use force rather than aiming it. It doesn’t even matter if he’s outside the box or inside the penalty box.
It suits a determined player who does not got the composure nor the vision to dribbling to take better care of the ball.
Key Attributes: Finishing, Long Shots and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Strength
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Places Shots‘
Places Shots
Places shots is the opposite of shoots with power and favors players to utilize placement of their shots, preferably towards the posts, shooting with accuracy rather than blasting them in. It means that the player will increase the ratio of placing his shots in the corner of the net.
Personally I prefer to let my attacking wide players (Inside forwards, raumdeuter or inverted wingers) to place his shots as the angle is tighter. Couple it with ‘Curls balls’ and you might see some wonderful goals out of reach of the goalkeepers hands. It can also be given to forwards who shall finish off the attacks as supporting players behind him is more likely to look for him.
When the player attempts placing the shot it’s important he has great composure and is able to spot potential openings which he aims the shot at. Rather than force and inaccuracy, the player will look to shoot the ball precisely into a smaller area of the goal.
Key Attributes: Finishing and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Long shots, Anticipation and Composure
Attempts First Time Shots
This increases the likelihood of a player to take a shot immediately upon receiving it, instead of considering of taking an extra touch on the ball, either to get control of it or get a better angle for the shot, unless he finds himself in a one-on-one situation, which will take the best course of action for this situation.
This means that if he’s outside the penalty area or got players between himself and the goal he might prefer to attempt a first time shot if he has assessed it as beneficial.
Personally, I prefer my attacking Inverted Winger, Inside Forward or one of my forwards, if playing with two, having this trait, as he will finish off the attacks sooner rather than later.
It fits a natural goalscorer with lower levels of dribbling, as he’s incapable of moving with the ball into a more favorable position. The player requires good body positioning and anticipation to read the ball path to strike the ball cleanly.
Key Attributes: Finishing, Composure and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Positioning and Anticipation and Decisions
Similar TI: Shoots On Sight
Similar PI: Shoots More Often
Contrasting PI: Shoot Less Often
Contrasting TI: Work Ball Into Box
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Looks For Pass Rather Than Attempting to Score‘
Attempts Overhead Kicks
It will increase the likeliness of a player to attempt spectacular bicycle kicks in arising situations where it’s doable, rather than a header on goal, a getting control of it with his body. By using unpredictability and a bit of creativity the player looks to surprise the goalkeeper with an overhead kick as he’s positioned with the back against the goal.
Once the ball comes, the player will throw himself backwards in an attempt to either clear the ball (defensively) or finish off the attack by striking the ball with both feets in the air.
He’s required to be positioned in the right area of where the ball will land and read the situation well to decide attempting an overhead kick. Whether it will be successful or not, may depend on how hard the cross was struck and his body control in the air and his overall athletism.
It’s a trait which can be given to an unpredictable forward with sublime finishing skills and technique.
Key Attributes: Flair and Agility
Secondary Attributes: Finishing, Technique and Anticipation
Other Attributes: Decisions and Concentration
Hits Free Kicks With Power
Similar to a powerful shot, the players with a great free-kick taking can hit free kicks with power. He will not be as precise with his free kicks, but will increase the chance of a free kick to be struck with a lower, harder trajectory. The ball will fly in as a projectile and requires great strength to rifle them in. It’s a useful trait for players with lower technique than free kick taking.
Key Attributes: Free Kick taking and Strength
Secondary Attributes: Long Shots and Finishing
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Refrains from taking long shots‘
Tries Long Range Free Kicks
At situations where you’re team is awarded a free kick a bit more centrally of the pitch, having a player who attempts direct shots from the free kicks a considerable distance outside the penalty box may surprise the opponent.
With this trait, the player will increase his chance of going directly for a shot on goal, rather than aiming for a player running towards the opposite post or towards the goal. It can be useful in teams with few really great headers and players who are poor at making smart off the ball movements. It provides you with a goal threat from further distance and is best suited for players with excellent free kick taking and long shots.
It can also be learned for a player with poor passing abilities and better free kick taking and long shots.
It’s also one of few traits available for goalkeepers.
Key Attributes: Free Kick Taking and Long Shots
Secondary Attributes: Technique
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Refrains from taking long shots‘
Defending
Throw Himself Into Tackles
A player who dives into tackles will increase the frequency of a player engaging in a tackle rather than intercepting the ball path. It does not simply mean the player goes to the ground when challenging for the ball, but due to poor anticipation and ability to read the game well, he will look to win possession by throwing himself into tackles.
It’s a useful trait for a ball winning midfielder with lower tactical intelligence or a defensive minded central midfielder. Personally I don’t prefer my central defenders to possess this trait, as it requires sublime tackling, a bit of luck and great timing to avoid a foul. By throwing himself into tackles, and he misses the ball, the opponent mayeasily get into goalscoring position.
Key Attributes: Tackling and Strength
Secondary Attributes: Decisions, Aggression and Bravery
Similar TI: Get Stuck In
Similar PI: Tackle Harder
Complementing OI: Tackle Harder
Contrasting TI: Stay On Feet When Tackling
Contrasting PI: Ease off Tackles
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Does Not Dive Into Tackles‘
Does Not Dives Into Tackles
This is the opposite trait of the one above. It decreases the frequency with which a player will engage in a tackle. It does not imply that the player will stay on his feet when challenging for the ball, but instead might intercept passes due to better anticipation, concentration and positioning.
The player should be quick to be on top of the arising situation by reading the ball path and recover possession before it lands at the opponents forwards feet, and could be suited for defenders, full backs as well as defensive midfielders and some central midfielders.
It’s suited for players with poor tackling and aggression – those you’d want to regain possession as quickly as possible. It might be useful to let one of your midfielders possess dives into tackles with the other not diving. Then you got one who challenge for the ball and one intercepting it.
Key Attributes: Anticipation and Positioning
Secondary Attributes: Acceleration, Composure and Concentration
Similar TI: Stay On Feet When Tackling
Similar PI: Ease off Tackles
Complementary OI: Tackle Easy
Contrasting TI: Get Stuck In
Contrasting PI: Tackle Harder
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Dives Into Tackles‘
Marks Opponents Tightly
Marks opponents tightly increases the chance of a player successfully adopting tight marking. The overall success is determined by his full set of attributes, but let you see the player marking the nearby player by moving closer to him and trying to track him rather than hold position.
A player with marks opponents tightly may let you see a zonal man marking system, as the player does not follow a particular player all over the pitch, but will move closer to the player who comes into his zone.
It could be given to a central defender or midfielder who you’d favor to track the opponents most creative player or players within the attakcing unit who shall aggressively lock off passing options, for example within the opponents defensive line. Do note that if these players tracks the runs of an attacking minded opponent they might be pulled out of position, meaning the defensive shape may be destroyed and it creates more spaces the opponent can take advantage of.
Key Attributes: Marking and Anticipation
Secondary Attributes: Concentration, Strength and Positioning
Other Attributes: Balance, Acceleration and Agility
Complementary OI: Tight Marking Always
Similar PI: Mark Tighter
Similar TI: Use Tighter Marking
Technique
Brings Ball Out of Defence
Brings ball out of defence is only active for defenders (centre backs or wingbacks) and increases the likelihood of a defender running with the ball into midfield. By running with the ball forward, it can create a numerical superiority in the midfield strata which helps to play out of defence and transit faster to the final third as it increases the passing options for the player with the ball while making it more difficult to defend against.
Shall the opposite first defender leave his marker and close down the defender, or trust his teammates to close down the space to him?
It suits central defenders with great dribbling abilities, such as an libero or ball playing defender in the mould of Gerard Pique. They should feature the ability to read the game well making the best decision possible to bring the ball out, perhaps due to spotting a fairly reactive opponent with a low level of pressing intensity which may let him advance with the ball quite far up the field, skipping the attacking transition phase entirely or simply advance through one of the opponents defensive lines.
Key Attributes: Dribbling and Anticipation
Secondary Attributes: Technique and Vision
Similar PI: Dribble More and Get Further Forward
Contrasting TI: Plays Out Of Defence
Tries To Play Way Out of Trouble
Tries to play way out of trouble increase the likelihood of a player looking to pass or dribble his way out of situations where he’s pressured in defensive position. He will tend to prefer picking out a pass or decide to dribble rather than opting for the safety-first approach by clearing the ball long or wide.
It’s only available for defenders and can be useful in systems where you prefer to build out from the back through short passing play, utilizing a players composure with the ball, vision and passing technique to get out of situations where he’s closed down.
It’s a useful trait in playing styles founded on inviting the opposition on to them, either due to lower tempo or shorter passes, as it let’s the defender to not be as cautious with his play but instead penetrate the opponents lines with passing or dribbling.
NB! You can ask players to stop playing their way out of trouble at technique training, but it seems you can only let new players learn this trait by mentoring as there are no options to ask them to add it to their game from training.
Key Attributes: Technique, Dribbling and Passing
Secondary Attributes: Decisions, Composure, Anticipation and Vision
Other Attributes: Balance, Flair and Agility
Conflicting Trait(s): ‘Runs With Ball Rarely‘
Tries Tricks
The player with this trait will look to try a few more tricks and skills when the opportunity arises. It’s suited for players with natural flair and who got the ability to do the unexpected.
This trait may work wonders together with attempts overhead kicks, curls balls and/or runs with the ball more often, as it increases the chance of a player displaying more flair during matches. It can result in a greater array of skills being used, such as dribbles, tricky passes and extravagant shots being attempted.
Key Attributes: Flair and Technique
Secondary Attributes: Dribbling and Vision
Other Attributes: Balance and Agility
Curls Balls
Curls balls will improve the players ability to add an extra spin to it, creating a curling movement of the ball at passes, shots, free kicks or crosses. By curling the ball, the ball might get an extra curve which might suprise the opponent as the ball flicks in the air, perhaps from left to right.
It’s a useful feature for players who shall take set-pieces (particular free-kicks) as well as attacking minded creative players who initiate more direct passes and through balls and are required to finish off the attacks with long shots. It can also be given to wide players who are instructed to cross the ball, adding an extra spin to it which makes it harder for the opponents to deal with the ball and it’s path.
Players featuring this trait can be advantageous to target as it can not be learned or unlearned. The only option to ensure your youngster can learn it is through mentoring and tutoring.
It can be a great combination to add this to a player capable of placing shots, shoots with power or shoots from distance, or those who shall try long range passes, switches ball to the other flank or tries long range free-kicks.
Key Attributes: Technique
Uses Outside of Foot
Another trait added for Football Manager 2020 due to fit the inverted winger role. It increases the probability of a player trying to use the outside of his strongest foot rather than his weaker foot, even if the weaker foot is the more natural option for his current body position.
The player will be more likely to use the outside of his foot to deliver diagonal curled passes, crosses and surprising shots by putting an extra spin to it by using the outside of his foot. It’s suited for players with sublime technique, being able to pull off tricky passes and crosses with an additional flair.
As an example we can imagine a right winger, inverted winger or mezzala got the ball on the left flank, he can use the outside of his left foot (his strongest) to make an inward curled through ball towards players running into the opposition area. Another event may be an left inverted winger moving inside or down the wing, and decides to surprise his marker by making a cross with the outside of his right foot.
Key Attributes: Technique and Flair
Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly
Likes to beat man repeatedly increases the likelihood of a player opting to dribble with the ball regardless of how many opponents trying to dispossess him. It suits players with excellent dribbling abilities and can be beneficial for a winger or attacking midfielder who should attempt a few more dribbles to get in a better position to deliver a cross, through ball or take a shot, but may also mean the player runs into trouble and looses possession which makes you vulnerable for a counter-attack to be launched.
Personally it’s a trait that I avoid as the player will be far too individualistic for my taste, but could be the last key to make a specific system work successfully as you got one who dares to take on the opponent with dribbles, tricks and skills and a bit of unpredictability.
It may fit a player who does not got the vision nor the anticipation to let the ball off to player in a more advantageous position, but got the quickness and agility to get behind his markers.
Key Attributes: Dribbling and Agility
Secondary Attributes: Technique, Balance and Flair
Moves The Ball to Right/Left Foot Before Dribble Attempt
This trait was added in Football Manager due to the new inverted winger in AM-strata. It increases the likelihood of a player adjusting his body shape to play on his right/left foot when attempting a dribble.
It suits players with a weak left or right foot, depending on his position, who shall move diagonally from wide towards the center of the pitch.
Attempts to Develop Weaker Footer
In situations where you would like to use a specific player in a role which moves inside, such as inverted wingback, inverted winger or inside forward and you only got typical wingers, wingbacks or wide midfielders with their strongest foot to the side their most suited to play at, it can be beneficial to attempt to develop his weaker foot.
The player must possess a weaker foot which may be beneficial to improve, either because of his new position or requirements to fit in a specific player role.
NB! Develops weaker foot is some of the few traits available for goalkeepers.
Avoids Using Weaker Foot
The player will always prefer to use his preferred foot whenever possible, despite the situation could benefit from him using his weaker foot.
It suits players with a weak foot; right or left, depending on their natural position and which is the preferred foot for that position.
It’s a trait that could be beneficial to give to wide players, but can also be learned for central defenders or goalkeepers who shall play out from the back as they will adjust their body position to pass the ball with their preferred foot, meaning the pass is harder, more accurate.
Players with this trait will be a bit more easier to close down as they base their entire play on using their strongest foot, meaning they will be highly predictable. Stressing them by showing them onto their weaker foot might take them off guard and ensure they’re less capable of playing their natural game, increasing the probability of misplaced passes, inaccurate shots and far more retreating passes to a specific area.
NB! Avoids using weaker foot is some of the few traits available for goalkeepers.
Conflicting Trait8s): ‘Cuts Inside From Both Wings‘
Possess Long Flat Throw
Learning to develop a long flat bullet throw allows a player to deliver a long throw with a low and flat trajectory in attacking areas. It’s similar to a low cross.
A long throw done precisely can be an attacking weapon on its own. The player must possess a strong long throw to make this effective.
Key Attributes: Long Throws
Secondary Attributes: Strength
Goalkeeper Traits
Uses Long Throws to Start Counter Attacks
Only Available for Goalkeepers and can be selected at Passing Training. GK’s with this trait will increase the chance of them making a quick throw to launch a counter-attack.
Should this be effective, the goalkeeper must be precise with his long throws and get the ball over a larger distance, hopefully as close to or over the half way line, skipping the transition phase and get as close to entering the final third as possible.
It suits a goalkeeper with great vision and strong throwing capabilities in the mould of Manuel Neuer.
It can be used together with the distribution method ‘distribute to flanks’ or target man.
Key Attributes: Throwing
Secondary Attributes: Strength and Balance
Personality Traits [Mentoring]
Gets Crowd Going
This is a personality trait that increases the likelihood of a player seeking a positive response from the crowd in appropriate moments when the ball is out of play. He attempts to get the atmosphere up by attempting the fans to applaud the performance or give the players a morale boost.
This trait can not be learned on the training ground, but can only be learned via mentoring.
Argues With Officials
This ‘negative’ personality trait increases the probability of the player to argue with the officials at showing disagreement with the match officials, which may make him vulnerable for unnecessary bookings.
It can only be transferred from one player to another through mentoring.
Winds Up Opponents
It can be labelled as a positive trait useful for an influential player within your squad as it increases the likelihood of a player trying to improve the squad morale of his team. While he’s trying to improve the team morale, he aims to weaken the opponents morale by distracting them by giving full focus.
It can only be transferred from one player to another through mentoring.