FIND THE BEST PLAYERS ON FOOTBALL MANAGER!

7 Tips on how to find the best players possible on your Football Manager Save! 

How to Find the Best Players on Football Manager

Football Manager (FM) is known for its depth and realism, giving players the opportunity to scout, sign, and develop the world's top footballing talent. Whether you're managing a powerhouse club or a lower-league side looking for hidden gems, finding the best players in FM can make all the difference. Here’s a quick guide to help you discover the best talent on your save.

1. Use the Scouting Network Effectively

Your scouts are one of your most valuable resources. To find the best players, ensure your scouting network is extensive and varied. Scout players in different regions, from the major European leagues to lesser-known countries with hidden gems, like Argentina, Brazil, or Croatia. Make sure you have scouts with good Judging Player Ability and Judging Player Potential stats, as this will help identify top talent.

Pro Tip: Customize your scouting assignments based on the type of player you need (e.g., a star forward, an all-around midfielder, or a defensive rock). You can also use the "search" function in FM to filter by key attributes, age, or player potential.

2. Check the Youth Setup

Don’t neglect your youth academy. In many cases, the best future stars are already in your youth system, waiting to be developed. Ensure you have a good Youth Development setup with a strong coaching team and sufficient facilities. Keep an eye on youth intake days and regularly check the youth squads for any players with high potential.

Look for players with high Potential Ability (PA) and a good range of technical, mental, and physical attributes for their age. Many hidden gems are often overlooked because they don't shine immediately, but with proper development, they can become stars.

3. Look for Wonderkids

Football Manager regularly features a batch of "wonderkids" — young players with immense potential. These players are often highly sought after and are usually found in high-demand leagues. While these players tend to be expensive, they can grow into world-class talents if nurtured correctly.

To find wonderkids, you can:

  • Check the Best Players tab and look for players under 21 with high Potential Ability.
  • Use online resources like FM Scout or FMBase to get updated lists of wonderkids for each version of the game.
  • Look for promising players in the U-21 or U-19 international teams.

4. Look Beyond the Big Leagues

While it's tempting to target well-known players from the major leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A), many of the best players in FM can be found in less-spotlighted leagues. Countries like Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands regularly produce young talent, and lower-tier leagues often have hidden gems who are undervalued or out of contract. Look for players who are:

  • Performing well in domestic leagues but are under the radar.
  • Out of contract or looking to leave a club.
  • Under the age of 25 with high potential.


5. Analyze Player Attributes

Once you've identified potential candidates, analyzing their key attributes is essential. While overall ability is important, players with high Potential Ability (PA) will grow into superstars with proper development. Look for players with strengths in the areas you need, such as:

  • For strikers: finishing, composure, and off-the-ball movement.
  • For midfielders: vision, passing, and technique.
  • For defenders: positioning, tackling, and anticipation.

Pro Tip: Use the Player Search feature to filter by attributes and age to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a well-rounded midfielder or a dynamic forward.

6. Keep an Eye on Contract Expirations

Players entering the final year of their contract are often more affordable or may even leave for free once their contract expires. This is a great opportunity to sign established players or bargain for a player who would otherwise be too expensive.

Use the contract expiry filter in the search function to monitor when contracts are about to end. This is especially useful for clubs with limited transfer budgets, as you can swoop in for top-tier talent without a large transfer fee.

7. Use Data Analytics and Player Reports

FM’s advanced data analytics tools, such as the Stats and Analysis screens, are invaluable for scouting. Players like to dig into key stats like Key Passes, Shots on Target, and Tackles Won to identify players who are outperforming their peers. Player reports and stats from your scouts can give you a clearer picture of who’s consistently performing well.

By pairing these stats with the subjective evaluations from your scouts, you can be sure you’re targeting players who will add value to your squad.


Final Thoughts

Finding the best players on Football Manager requires a combination of scouting expertise, an understanding of player development, and knowledge of hidden gems outside the spotlight of major leagues. Keep an eye on youth setups, make the most of contract expiry dates, and don’t overlook the underrated talents from smaller leagues. With time, patience, and strategic planning, you'll build a team of future stars — and possibly a few legends. Happy managing!