Learn how physical attributes impact player performance in Football Manager, from speed and strength to stamina, and build a more athletic team.
Why Physical Attributes Matter in Football Manager
In Football Manager, physical attributes can be the difference between a world-class player and one who never quite reaches their potential. While technical ability and mental sharpness are crucial, a player’s athleticism often determines how well they perform in demanding situations. Whether it’s sprinting past defenders, holding off an opponent in a shoulder-to-shoulder duel, or lasting the full 90 minutes, physical attributes play a vital role. This guide will break down each physical attribute, explaining how they interact with other skills and how you can use them to build a more balanced, effective squad.
1. Acceleration: Quick Off the Mark
Acceleration measures how quickly a player can reach their top speed from a standing position. It’s vital for players in attacking and defensive roles who need to cover short distances quickly.
- Agility: Allows players to change direction while accelerating.
- Balance: Helps maintain stability during rapid movement.
- Pace: Determines the player’s top speed after accelerating.
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- Pro Tip:
- Pair high acceleration with good dribbling for wingers or forwards who can burst past defenders in tight spaces. This is also essential for defenders tracking fast attackers.
2. Agility: Flexibility and Movement
Agility measures a player’s ability to change direction quickly and efficiently. It’s a crucial attribute for players who need to manoeuvre in tight spaces or recover from a rapid change in direction.
- Acceleration: Helps players regain speed after turning.
- Balance: Keeps players steady while making quick movements.
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- Pro Tip:
- Agility is a must-have for dribblers and attacking players. It helps them evade challenges and make unpredictable moves, especially when combined with flair and dribbling.
3. Balance: Stability on the Pitch
Balance reflects how well a player can stay on their feet and maintain control, especially when challenged by an opponent. It’s essential for physical duels, dribbling, and maintaining composure under pressure.
- Agility: Helps the player switch directions while maintaining balance.
- Strength: Important for standing firm in physical battles.
- Dribbling: Essential for staying upright while moving with the ball.
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- Pro Tip:
- Balance is especially important for central midfielders and forwards who are frequently involved in physical battles, ensuring they maintain control of the ball while under pressure.
4. Jumping Reach: Aerial Ability
Jumping reach measures how high a player can jump, which is vital for winning aerial duels. This attribute can compensate for a player’s lack of height, allowing shorter players to compete in the air.
- Heading: Determines how accurately a player can direct the ball after jumping.
- Bravery: Helps the player engage in aerial battles.
- Balance: Ensures stability while jumping.
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- Pro Tip:
- For defenders and target forwards, combine high jumping reach with good heading and strength to dominate aerial challenges during set pieces and crosses.
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5. Natural Fitness: Staying Power Across the Season
Natural fitness measures a player’s overall fitness level and their ability to recover between matches. Players with high natural fitness are less likely to get injured and can maintain their form throughout a long season.
- Stamina: Dictates how long a player can maintain peak performance during a match.
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- Pro Tip:
- Players with high natural fitness and stamina are ideal for high-pressing, intense tactics. They recover quickly, allowing you to rotate them less frequently without fear of injury or fatigue.
6. Pace: Sprinting to Top Speed
Pace measures a player’s maximum speed while sprinting. It’s one of the most important attributes for attacking players who rely on speed to break past defenders or for defenders who need to recover quickly.
- Acceleration: Determines how quickly a player reaches their top speed.
- Agility: Helps with changing direction while sprinting.
- Balance: Maintains stability while running at full speed.
- Stamina: Ensures the player can maintain high-speed bursts over 90 minutes.
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- Pro Tip:
- For wide players or strikers, combine pace with high acceleration to stretch defences and exploit space behind the opposition.
7. Stamina: Lasting the Full 90 Minutes
Stamina reflects a player’s ability to maintain performance throughout the match. Players with low stamina will tire quickly, affecting their ability to sprint, press, and make late-game contributions.
- Work Rate: Affects how much effort a player is willing to exert.
- Natural Fitness: Dictates a player’s baseline condition going into each match.
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- Pro Tip:
- Stamina is crucial for full-backs, box-to-box midfielders, and pressing forwards who are expected to cover large distances and work at high intensity throughout the match.
8. Strength: Winning Physical Battles
Strength measures a player’s ability to hold off opponents in physical duels. It’s particularly important for defenders and target men, but it also helps midfielders who frequently engage in tackles or shoulder-to-shoulder battles.
- Jumping Reach: Strength enhances a player’s ability to hold their position during aerial challenges.
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- Pro Tip:
- For centre-backs and target forwards, high strength combined with balance and jumping reach makes them almost unbeatable in physical and aerial duels.
Conclusion
Physical attributes play a huge role in determining a player’s effectiveness on the pitch. Whether it’s outpacing an opponent, lasting the full match, or winning a crucial aerial duel, understanding how to use these attributes in conjunction with technical and mental skills will help you build a well-rounded squad. By optimising your players’ physical attributes, you can create a team that not only outplays but also outlasts the competition.
