Football Manager 2023: The Perfect Wonderkid

The perfect Wonderkid is an elusive idea. You need to have the knowledge of what makes a perfect Wonderkid in order to diagnose their potential. Once you have identified such a player, you need to nurture them to the top before they can become the next big sensation.

We start with perhaps the most important part of this equation: What is more important, playing matches or training? And at what age is each more crucial? Understanding this is something we have tested before, but with the evolution of Football Manager, we wanted to test it again. Our crack team of training gurus put together teams that were identical, filled with identical players in every single facet, and subjected them to a couple of different scenarios.

The first scenario involved basic in-game training and playing 20 to 30 matches a season. The second scenario involved players being suspended for the whole year, focusing solely on training. The third scenario involved playing matches but not training, while the fourth scenario involved doing nothing (acting as a control group). It was observed that playing matches and training was the fastest way to develop players. However, what became apparent from these tests is that players develop at three segmented rates, which is crucial to keep in mind.

The age and current ability growth of players are illustrated in a table, showing their development in various attributes year over year. From this table, it can be noticed that there are two shelves of development. The first shelf occurs in the 19 to 20 season when players' development slows down, entering a phase of solid development. The next shelf occurs much later than anticipated, in the 26 to 27 season, where discernible development practically stops. This finding suggests that players have more time to develop than initially thought, but their explosive development phase ends around the age of 20. However, they can still show significant improvement up to the age of 26. On the other hand, in the scenario where players only train without playing matches, there was negligible player growth after the age of 21. This indicates that a considerable portion of player growth from the age of 21 to 26 is brought about through playing matches. Furthermore, it was observed that players with a larger gap between their current ability (CA) and potential ability (PA) develop faster. This means that players with a higher PA rating will grow more quickly than those with a lower PA rating, even if exposed to the same conditions. If you notice a player improving rapidly compared to others, it suggests that they have a bigger gap between their CA and PA, indicating high potential.

Moving on to the number of matches a player should play, it was found that the sweet spot for player development is 20 to 30 matches per season. Playing within this range led to better development compared to playing fewer or more matches. Interestingly, the number of wins or losses a team had throughout a season had no correlation with player development. As long as players were playing and training, they were doing what they needed to develop, regardless of the team's performance.

In terms of player attributes and conditions affecting development, hidden attributes such as ambition and professionalism play significant roles. Outfield players with a determination or ambition rating of 10 experienced the most developmental benefits. Professionalism was identified as the best contributor to player development. Surprisingly, goalkeepers benefited more from ambition, but determination and professionalism still played important roles for them.

Other factors, such as natural fitness and coaching staff quality, also impact player development. Players with higher natural fitness tend to develop better physically, while having a higher-quality coaching staff can enhance overall player growth. It's important to invest in experienced and knowledgeable coaches to maximize the potential of your Wonderkid.

In addition to these findings, individual player training also plays a crucial role in development. Focusing on specific attributes that align with a player's position and playing style can accelerate their growth. For example, training a striker in finishing and composure or a central defender in tackling and positioning can yield significant improvements in those areas.

Furthermore, providing players with adequate playing time and opportunities to perform in important matches can boost their development. Giving them a chance to shine in high-pressure situations allows them to gain valuable experience and confidence, which contributes to their overall growth.

As a manager, it's important to strike a balance between pushing your Wonderkid to perform and providing a nurturing environment. While it's crucial to challenge them with demanding training sessions and competitive matches, it's equally important to support their development through positive feedback, encouragement, and mentorship.

Lastly, off-the-pitch factors such as media handling, player interactions, and maintaining a harmonious squad atmosphere can indirectly impact a Wonderkid's development. Managing their public image, handling press conferences, and resolving conflicts within the team can contribute to their mental well-being and ultimately affect their performance on the field.

Remember, developing a Wonderkid requires a holistic approach that encompasses training, match experience, coaching staff, individualized training, player management, and a supportive environment. By understanding and implementing these strategies effectively, you can maximize the potential of your Wonderkid and guide them towards becoming a true superstar in the world of football.