Player Traits Guide // Updated for FM22

- UPDATED FOR FM22 -
- PART 5 OF THE PLAYER GUIDE SERIES -

We have seen it before; your team builds up a good passing play. Working the ball around and you are able to get into a good position; this is a good attacking opportunity, just needs a bit more patience and… your player takes a shot from 35 yards out which is never going to trouble the keeper. Or as you hold a narrow 2-1 lead in the last ten minutes of a match you question your life choices as another play is shown with the opposition barreling down on your goal as you have conceded once again.

It's infuriating, we scream at our monitors as our virtual team does something that in real life, we would drill into them not to do. It must be the player, it must be my tactic, my staff aren’t training them well enough – true all those might be but in reality, it may be that you as a manager do not have a good enough understanding of your players.

Did you ever consider their traits? You have found a stalwart defender who could be a solid captain based on your scouting team’s recommendation; you buy him but he gets carded and sent off a lot because he gets stuck in too much and argues with the referee. A youngster with some promise comes through your development system, a solid midfielder who looks the real deal; however rather than pass and create opportunities he wastes them by shooting from distance.

Humans have tenancies and traits which makes each one of us unique; FM applies that with player traits. As certain players have their “trademark style” in real life; Robben cutting in to shoot for example – FM has these unique marks for every player in the game. It is imperative to understand what traits your players have and how that impacts your team, tactics and style of play.

How Are Traits Manipulated?

Traits can be considered to be like tendencies or habits. Some traits could be more personality based or habitual; everyone has a different temperament and that comes more naturally with a player, while some traits are ingrained based on the training they have received.

A player can learn a new trait from being tutored by another player. Other traits can be added or removed through player trait training by you or your coaches in training. A coach’s style is important in training a player to adopt or remove a trait. Player traits may also be picked up naturally over the simulation of your game; playing a specific way or in a certain league along with what you want from players can have players pick up traits or overcome them throughout the game.

It is imperative to note that not all traits can be added or dropped to a player. Some traits are just too ingrained in a player to be removed; or the coaching and/or the habits of a player may just not allow them to be able to learn a new trait. This is crucial when building your squad, whether it's buying players or developing youth – traits need to be considered.

Forced Trait Manipulation and Guides

Here on FMScout we have tools which can highlight which traits players have. Genie Scout highlights players and their attributes; along with what traits they have, using this tool can help guide you for future purchases. FMSE not only does the above, but allows you to manipulate player attributes along with their traits; tailoring them specifically to what you want for your team. Sports Interactive also have their own In-Game Editor and Database Editor which do the above.

How do you know what traits players have? With scout reports. When getting a scout report, doing more research and scouting on a player will allow you to see what traits a player will have. It's rare, but sometimes traits can be wrong as with attribute judgments in scout reports. Some traits may not come into light until you actually sign the player, this is important to note when signing new players to your squad or for scouting your opponents.

Traits With Your Tactics

As you set up your tactic, it is important to consider the traits that your players have. Team and Player instructions that you set for your tactic can either compliment a player’s trait meaning he will perform it more often, or contradict it then he may not perform your instruction(s) to the best of their ability. A player’s intelligence will dictate their trait usage in regards to your instruction.

Before training your player to add a tactic or try and remove one, it is important to consider how that tactic were to flow not only with the individual player, but also with your tactic and if they have the attributes to perform such a trait. You may want individual brilliance, flair and dribbling ability in your tactic; but if the player has poor attributes in those areas it's useless. Or you may want to play like Pep Guardiola teams and walk the ball into the net, training your player to shoot from distance or try long balls often may not be viable traits with your tactic. Keep an eye on your players, the attributes of each individual can dictate how successful or unsuccessful a trait will be, along with the influence of your tactic.

So what is every trait, what do they mean and what attributes are linked to them? It is all defined below… Let's get started.

Traits Rundown

Now we are going to break down each trait which is divided into several categories. A quick explanation will be given to each trait along with the attributes that should be of primary scrutiny for the player. A player can have a trait despite having poor attributes, however it may mean that they will not be as successful in executing your tactic or their trait.

Mental/Personality Traits

Argues with Officials:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player showing dissent to match officials.
Attributes: Aggression, Leadership.
Trait: With calls that affect you in great or small influence over the game; players with the attribute have a higher risk of getting themselves booked or even being sent off. Even with VAR in-game.

Dictates Tempo:
Definition: Increases the chances of the player taking charge predominantly in midfield situations and using their attributes to influence the team’s performance and pace.
Attributes: Anticipation, Decisions, Flair, Teamwork, Vision, Passing, Technique, Leadership.
Tactic: This is great for players who are core in terms of your creativity or having the flow of play pass through a specific area. If you allow more expression on your side then this can be a real tick in the box.

Dwells on Ball:
Definition: The player will take longer to make a decision when in possession.
Attributes: Leadership, Concentration.
Tactic: It is more of a negative trait as it can hold up play, stop fluidity and also be error prone when being closed down by opposition. However there is a positive in which if you want to waste time overall, this trait would be a good one to have.

Gets Crowd Going:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player seeking a positive reaction from the crow in appropriate moments when the ball is not in play.
Attributes: Leadership.
Trait: Changes morale and influences your team's performance.

Stops Play:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player simply coming to a stop in possession, primarily to assess his options.
Attributes: Anticipation, Decisions, Teamwork, Balance, Strength, Leadership, Concentration.
Trait: This may seem like a negative trait at first, however it is quite the opposite. It can be good to allow a player to support attacking fluidity and movement but also set up chances and contribute to better build up play. It isn’t great for fluid and fast counter-attacking movement though as stopping the play can mean the chance vanishes quickly.

Winds Up Opponents:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player trying to improve the morale of his team by attempting to impair that of his opponent in attempting to distract them from giving full focus.
Attributes: Aggression, Leadership.
Trait: This trait can build the morale of your own team up while attempting to demoralize the opposition at the same time.

Technique Traits

Attempts to Develop Weaker Foot:
Definition: Indicates the player is attempting to improve the quality of his weaker foot.
Attributes: Preferred Foot, Bravery, Dribbling.
Trait: This trait is more of a note and warning that a player is trying to use their weaker foot. You may see in passages of play where a player will use their weaker foot without really needing to, or for players to try passing or shooting with their weak foot which results in misplaced opportunities.

Avoids Using Weaker Foot:
Definition: Player will always look to use his preferred foot where possible, even if the situation would benefit him using his weaker foot.
Attributes: Preferred Foot, Dribbling.
Trait: At all times a player will try to use their stronger foot. This can be really bad because an opportunity may be wasted from a player trying to change over to their stronger foot.

Curls Ball:
Definition: Improves the player’s ability to curl the ball above and beyond his ability as already determined by his attributes.
Attributes: Technique, Flair, Bravery, Composure.
Trait: This is brilliant for set piece opportunities, delivering crosses from open play and also attempting long shots to deceive the keeper. It may not seem as significant but this can also be used well for creative passing opportunities, or long distance passing with balls over the top or through balls. However, this means that a player may try to go beyond their abilities when in reality they just simply aren’t good enough, or they spoil the opportunity by trying to put a curve on the ball when a straightforward ball is all that was needed.

Likes Ball Played Into Feet:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player showing and asking for passes into his feet rather than into space or a different part of the body.
Attributes: Strength, First Touch, Composure.
Trait: This could be a good trait for holding up players and strikers in order to allow players running by and to open up space. However this can be seen as a real negative trait; rather than trying to open up space and run beyond to create room or better passing opportunities, a player will request the ball to be passed directly to them and spoil creative opportunities.

Moves Ball to Left Foot Before Dribble Attempt:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player adjusting his body shape to play on his left foot when looking to dribble.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Bravery, Decisions, Preferred Foot.
Trait: This trait is rather unique as it does not apply to players solely on the left field of play. This can be used for players who like to cut in on the opposite flank and cut in to find openings for other advanced players. However this could be a negative trait as well as it can show the limitation of a player whereby it would be best to dribble with their right foot but will do so with their left and an opportunity or possession is lost.

Moves Ball to Right Foot Before Dibble Attempt:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player adjusting his body shape to player on his right foot when looking to dribble.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Bravery, Decisions, Preferred Foot.
Trait: This trait is rather unique as it does not apply to players solely on the right field of play. This can be used for players who like to cut in on the opposite flank and cut in to find openings for other advanced players. However this could be a negative trait as well as it can show the limitation of a player whereby it would be best to dribble with their left foot but will do so with their right and an opportunity or possession is lost.

Tries Tricks:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player displaying more flair during matches and can result in a greater array of skills being used.
Attributes: Flair, Technique, Bravery, Determination, Work Rate.
Trait: This trait is great for getting by defenses or creating glorious opportunities seemingly out of nothing. However this can very easily be a bad trait, players with not good enough ability can continuously lose possession and defense players should avoid doing tricks which can make the team vulnerable.

Uses Outside of Foot:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player trying to use the outside of his stronger foot rather than his weaker foot, even if the weaker foot is the more natural option for his body position.
Attributes: Flair, Bravery, Technique, Passing, Finishing, Determination, Vision, Agility.
Trait: A useful trait for all avenues of the pitch - as long as your player has the abilities to do so. This can lead to wasted opportunities, misplaced passes or miscued shots. There is a time and place for everything, so make sure your player is capable of actually passing with the outside of their foot before teaching this trait or removing it.

Set Piece Traits

Hits Free Kicks With Power:
Definition: Increases the chances of a free kick being struck with a lower, harder trajectory.
Attributes: Free Kick Taking, Technique, Long Shots.
Trait: This trait can give you more variety in free kick taking. It can make the opposition goalkeeper find it more difficult to reach and deal with if it is on target. This method of free kick taking however, is more likely to be not on target.

Possesses Long Flat Throws:
Definition: Allows the player to deliver a long throw with a low and flat trajectory, similar to a cross, in attacking areas only.
Attributes: Balance, Strength, Long Throws, Vision.
Trait: More and more now we see specialized coaches and creating opportunities from simplistic positions. These throw-ins in forward areas of the pitch will be lower, more powerful and travel farther. This can be a good opportunity when in the opposition penalty area or even to try and break away down the middle or wing.

Tries Long Range Free Kicks:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player taking a direct shot from a free kick a considerable distance outside of the penalty area.
Attributes: Free Kicks, Technique, Long Shots
Trait: This is a trait less so for a tactic but rather as an extra option or plan during a set-piece. If you have target men in the box and people with good aerial presence, then this isn't the right trait to have for your free-kick taker. However if you have an excellent free kick taker with good long shot ability but poorer in passing, this is a good trait to have or to have in your secondary or tertiary free kick taker.

Goalkeeper Traits

Plays Ball With Feet:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a goalkeeper playing the ball with his feet.
Attributes: Eccentricity, Kicking, Composure, Decisions, Vision
Trait: "Sweeper Keeper" bests describes this trait. More and more now we see keepers coming out and spraying passes to switch up play or to be involved in playing out from the back and henceforth need to be good with their feet.

Uses Long Throw to Start Counter Attacks:
Definition: It increases the chances of the goalkeeper looking to make a quick throw from hand to launch a counter attack.
Attributes: Long Throws, Throwing (GK), Balance, Strength, Vision
Trait: When players are in certain positions, your player can use this trait to set off wide players to start a counter attack or to find a break.

Defensive Traits

Brings Ball Out of Defense:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a defender running with the ball into midfield positions.
Attributes: Dribbling, Vision, Bravery, Composure, Technique.
Trait: Defenders now we see more often are required to have dribbling skills. This is great and can work well with many tactics - but make sure your players are capable of doing so via their attributes. It may be all well and good that a defender wants to dribble out, but poor dribbling stats or a tactic which finds other avenues of transition from defense to going forward means that this trait can be not useful.

Dives Into Tackles:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will engage in a tackle. It does not simply mean the player goes to ground when challenging for the ball.
Attributes: Anticipation, Decisions, Positioning, Tackling, Strength, Teamwork, Determination.
Trait: This trait is well used for defensively minded midfielders who can help break up an attack and ease the pressure on defense. While it is also available fore central defenders; proceed with caution because a missed tackle can lead the opposition an opportunity on your net. Certain tactics such as a three man defense or two defensive midfielders may allow this trait to be used appropriately by central defenders.

Does Not Dive Into Tackles:
Definition: Decreases the frequency with which a player will engage into a tackle. It does not simply mean the player stays on his feet when challenging for the ball.
Attributes: Tackling, Positioning, Team Work, Acceleration, Balance, Pace, Strength, Stamina, Jumping Reach.
Trait: This is an excellent trait to use when using a tactic where holding a solid formation or keeping up a well versed defense is key. Putting this trait into one or two of your defenders may be an appropriate step in your tactic - but to light on this matter then there may be not enough aggression in your defensive play to stop opposition from bullying your team.

Marks Opponent Tightly:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player being successful when asked to adopt tight marking, but his overall success is still controlled by his full set of attributes.
Attributes: Marking, Anticipation, Acceleration, Agility, Pace, Heading, Tackling, Balance, Strength, Work Rate, Aggression, Jumping Reach
Trait: Again a deceiving trait which many assume to be just for defenders. This can be very useful for players in midfield and further up the pitch as it requires them to defend more aggressively. "Defending from the front" is an expression best suited to explain this trait. Using a "Gegenpress" tactic also best suits this trait as when recovering the ball, attacking players will already be in good positions to pass to or be close enough to an opposition defender to receive a ball and pass it on to counter in the process.

Passing Traits

Crosses Early:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player crossing from a deeper position, rather than seeking to find a better opportunity higher up the pitch.
Attributes: Crossing, Passing, Technique, Vision, Teamwork, Concentration, Decisions.
Trait: This trait can be of great use depending on your tactic and for players going forward on the break to find teammates. However this trait can also not be of use if your players are not up to scratch in meeting the ball coming in early from the wing. Make sure that whoever is at the end of the cross has a good enough first touch, vision, anticipation, bravery and finishing ability to fully utilize this trait - if your tactic allows. This trait is more useful in a player as one of several options rather than being just a sole focus in going forward.

Likes to Switch Ball to Other Flank:
Definition: Increases the frequency of a player looking to move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other.
Attributes: Anticipation, Passing, Technique, Decisions, Teamwork, Vision
Trait: This is fantastic trait for wide players or midfield generals who play a key role in your build up play. When receiving the ball this can allow your team to quickly swap over to the other side of the pitch to continue going forward. If you have wide players that stick closer to the sidelines then cut in, this trait can allow your team to find them in optimal positions to eventually execute the rest of your attacking plan.

Looks for Pass Rather than Attempting to Score:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player opting to give a scoring chance to a team-mate rather than take it on himself. The success of the decision will be based off the player’s attributes.
Attributes: Passing, Anticipation, Decisions, Technique, Vision, Teamwork.
Trait: For advanced players who have poor finishing abilities then this is a great trait to use so they can still be a danger going forward, this time they will be creators by playing a deadly ball rather then shooting. Also this trait in an attacking phase makes players less selfish and potentially pass it on to a player in a better position.

Plays No Through Balls:
Definition: This decreases the frequency of a player looking to play through balls, adjusted for team mentality.
Attributes: Passing, Teamwork, Vision
Trait: What may seem like a negative trait is actually a positive one in some aspects. More defensive players who are expected to stay within a certain roll and not lose possession can benefit from making sure that they only play it safe. Players with poor creativity and passing ability can find it a bit easier to play the passing game with this trait, however if you expect a player to be creative - avoid this trait at all costs.

Plays One-Two’s:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will make a pass and immediately want to receive the ball again, having moved into an advantageous position.
Attributes: Passing, Anticipation, Teamwork, Acceleration, Off the Ball, First Touch, Technique, Determination, Strength, Balance.
Trait: A great passing play to get around an opposition player or two. While this works for many tactics - in particular on the counter attack or breaking down defenses, make sure that one or more player in your squad can compliment the other player who has this trait. As well make sure that you have a fluid system rather than a more regimented tactic which can hinder the space for one-two's to take place.

Plays Short Simple Passes:
Definition: Reduces the directness of a player’s passing.
Attributes: Passing, Teamwork, Vision
Trait: This is pretty much the same as the Plays No Through Balls trait. If a player is not looking to be too creative or adventurous, they will opt to play shorter passes instead.

Tries Killer Balls Often:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will attempt through balls.
Attributes: Anticipation, Passing, Technique, Teamwork, Flair, Vision, Decisions.
Trait: Those players who are expected to be creative and try to break through when times get tough are the ones who should dawn this trait. In your tactic you would also want your team to be receptive to the individual who has this trait to pick up the killer balls; therefore make sure another player has good teamwork and attacking movement in your tactic is within your team.

Tries Long Range Passes:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player attempting to pass the ball over longer distances.
Attributes: Passing, Technique, Teamwork, Vision, Decisions, Anticipation
Trait: This is what you would consider a "Route One" sort of trait. Players who lie in more deeper roles with this trait may try long balls over the top or spread out to the wing to kick-start an attack or to at least spread the opposition out further. This is not necessarily a bad trait that is solely for Route One tactics, a midfielder with this trait who picks up this ball on a counter or counter-press can spray a long ball over to winger or forward to run onto.

Dribbling and Physical Traits

Knocks Ball Past Opponent:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player looking to beet his immediate opponent for sheer pace and athleticism to get into a more advantageous position.
Attributes: Work Rate, Acceleration, Agility, Pace, First Touch, Technique
Trait: For advanced players who are expected to go forward with the ball; this is the trait to have. Also if you have players who are quick but have poor dribbling ability - this can be a useful trait to bypass the dribbling around an opponent scenario and move forward in possession.

Likes to Beat Opponent Repeatedly:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player opting to dribble with the ball regardless of how many opponents are positioned to try to dispossess him.
Attributes: Pace, Dribbling, Acceleration, Balance, Strength, Determination, Concentration, Stamina, Work Rate, Technique.
Trait: A trait which seems more habitual and selfish but rather can be great for players with great technique in their dribbling skills. It can create space for other players or for the player with this trait to break free and create an opportunity; however they can just as easily ruin an opportunity by easily losing possession or dribbling when they should have passed. Make sure that your player is capable of doing this consistently throughout a game with good attributes or that your tactic does not restrict them from doing so.

Runs with Ball Down Left:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will decide to run with the ball down the left.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Flair, Balance, Anticipation, Acceleration, Work Rate, Crossing, Agility, Pace
Trait: For more left sided attacking players or left-wing back that bombs forward this is a trait which indicates that with a strong left food they are expected to run the ball down the sideline and eventually cross into the area.

Runs with Ball Down Right:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will decide to run with the ball down the right.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Flair, Balance, Anticipation, Acceleration, Work Rate, Crossing, Agility, Pace
Trait: For more right sided attacking players or right-wing back that bombs forward this is a trait which indicates that with a strong left food they are expected to run the ball down the sideline and eventually cross into the area.

Runs with Ball Often:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player choosing to run with the ball rather than pass it.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Flair, Balance, Anticipation, Acceleration, Work Rate, Acceleration, Agility, Pace
Trait: This trait is for players within your tactic who are expected to move continuously and run all over the pitch or in several wings or avenues of open space. This will work well with players with high creative ability as they can move into space, forcing the oppositions' defense to stumble and create openings and goal-scoring opportunities.

Runs with Ball Rarely:
Definition: Decreases the chances of a player choosing to run with the ball instead looking to make a pass at every turn.
Attributes: Decisions, Vision, Passing, Anticipation
Trait: This is for players who are not supposed to move from their positions and stick to a more regimented system. Not running will allow your tactic to stay structured and not be as fluid. This could work in a fluid system but more for players who are to stay in their position; ie. central defender who stays back as a wall and clearance player rather than a ball-playing defender.

Runs with Ball Through Center:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will decide to run with the ball in central areas.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Flair, Balance, Anticipation, Acceleration, Work Rate, Acceleration, Agility, Pace
Trait: For players in the middle of the park, this is a trait which will indicate that the expectation is for them to run with the ball through the middle. This trait should be treated with caution for more defensive players who are supposed to stay back rather than move forward.

Tries to Play Way Out of Trouble:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player looking to pass or dribble against pressure in a defensive position, rather than opting for the safety-first approach of clearing the ball.
Attributes: Dribbling, Technique, Flair, Balance, Agility, Anticipation, Decisions
Trait: This trait is for players who look for more individual brilliance to get out of situations then to pass out of a scenario. This trait is one in which players only with high attributes in the required areas - it can be successful on a more regular basis. You as a manager must coach your team to find the balance between playing out of trouble via dribbling or clearing your lines.

Finishing Traits

Attempts Overhead Kicks:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player attempting a spectacular overhead kick rather than a header at goal or to a team-mate when in an attacking position.
Attributes: Flair, Finishing, Technique, Anticipation
Trait: This trait is not high on the list in terms of "must-have" for forward players. While some strikers do go for the spectacular more often, it can waste key opportunities and other avenues of focus in terms of traits can take a greater importance in training.

Likes to Lob Keeper:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player looking to lift the ball over the goalkeeper when presented with a chance at goal.
Attributes: Finishing, Technique, Vision, Anticipation, Composure, Decisions
Trait: This is a good option to have for a forward player in terms of taking advantage of different goal-scoring opportunities. The concern here is that if this is the only trait one striker were to have, they may rely on this trait too much rather than passing on or taking a more appropriate action in terms of finishing.

Likes to Round Keeper:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player looking to go around the goalkeeper in one-on-one situations.
Attributes: Finishing, Dribbling, Anticipation, Composure, Flair, Agility, Pace, Acceleration
Trait: For forward players who are more pacey, this is a good trait to have. When closing in on goal, rather than panicking or skying it over the bar trying to lob the keeper - a player with the right attributes can round the keeper and score. Again like other finishing traits it is good to have multiple, a striker who relies on this trait may waste an opportunity by trusting himself to round the keeper rather than pass on or take a different and more appropriate shooting opportunity like lobbing or shooting with power.

Places Shots:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player opting to place his shots with accuracy rather than power them.
Attributes: Finishing, Technique, Composure, Decisions, Anticipation, Vision, Flair
Trait: For attacking players who have the greatest of chances close to goal or one-on-ones, this would be a good trait to have. However there are some concerns, in some instances it is best hit with power, highly rated attributes can increase the chance of scoring of course - its not a guarantee every time.

Refrains from Taking Long Shots:
Definition: Player will not attempt shots at goal from outside the penalty area.
Attributes: Teamwork, Decisions, Vision, Anticipation, Passing
Trait: Players with poor shooting or those who are expected to be passing experts instead can have this trait to avoid wasting opportunities and open up better opportunities for players who are more suitable to complete an attacking move.

Shoots from Distance:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will attempt shots from outside the penalty area.
Attributes: Long Shots, Technique, Vision, Finishing
Trait: Players in more advanced positions (and sometimes even defensive players) who have excellent attributes to shoot from distance but on target, can have this trait and cause problems for the opposition. This trait can also be used for wide players who like to cut in and shoot or if you find it tough to break down a certain defense, maybe this is a good trait to have in a player to shoot on target

Shoots with Power:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player opting to shoot with power over placement. It also increases the likelihood of a player attempting long-range shots, particularly where his Flair is better than his decisions.
Attributes: Finishing, Technique, Strength
Trait: Attacking players with less flair and less composure are more inclined to have this trait. When you come up against a tactic where there is a deep defensive line or blocking passing lanes and access to the opposition net; a player with this trait will be more inclined to shoot from outside the box in order to trouble the keeper.

Tries First Time Shots:
Definition: Increases the likelihood of a player taking a shot before considering a touch to settle himself, unless he’s one-on-one, at which point he will take the best course of action for that situation.
Attributes: Finishing, Technique, Composure, Vision, Anticipation, Decisions
Trait: Forward players who are more "fox-in-the-box" style players benefit from this trait. Players with this trait can take the opportunity of a goal scoring chance when it comes early or in the early phase of the attack and try to score. The issue with this trait is that the first time shots can be wasteful as they can easily miss; therefore other traits for finishing are recommended to give your finishers more of an option in terms of putting chances away. Also if you have players who are supposed to be key in creating chances; this trait is highly recommended to be rid of through training.

Positional & Movement Traits

Arrives Late in Opponents’ Area:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player makes forward runs, adjusting for team mentality.
Attributes: Work Rate, Anticipation, Vision, Decisions, Off the Ball, Teamwork, Finishing, Technique.
Trait: For players in an attacking phase that are outside the box or near the edge of the area; this trait allows those players to run into the box to meet with crosses or create space for other players. This trait is useless for players who are already meant to be in the box or a serious attacking threat, therefore it is recommended to be for players such as deeper midfielders or potential wing backs who can run in at the far post.

Comes Deep to Get Ball:
Definition: Increases the frequency of a forward player dropping into midfield to get possession against a team playing with a deep defensive line.
Attributes: Vision, Work Rate, Decisions, Off the Ball, Dribbling, Passing, Technique, Anticipation, Decisions.
Trait: This trait is for players who play a bit of a deeper role but also expected to be creative when going forward. While this trait is scene and available for forward players such as strikers and wingers; the opportunity for these ones to be in space to receive balls in threatening areas or in finishing positions will not be there as they are collecting the ball. If this is seen on a striker, it is recommended to have a number 10, set of wingers or another striker to at least be in a viable position to actually follow through with the attacking phase.

Cuts Inside from Both Wings:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will to attack central areas from a nominal wider starting position.
Attributes: Pace, Dribbling, Technique, Teamwork, Vision.
Trait: This trait is for players who find themselves in wide positions on either wing and cut in to either create space, finish an opportunity or to find a killer pass. We see a lot now of the "Inside Forward's" who are technically wingers, while this trait is good it is also important to note that you may be left vulnerable on the counter on the wing that they have left.

Cuts Inside from Left Wing:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player looking to move inside from the left wing and attack in central areas.
Attributes: Pace, Dribbling, Technique, Teamwork, Vision.
Trait: Players who play on the left side of the pitch can have this trait if they tend to cut in towards the center rather then stay on the wing or race to the byline and cross in. While this is a good tenancy to have, as mentioned make sure you are covered in case of counter-attacks and focus on your players ability to use either foot. A player may have this trait because they are naturally right footed and more comfortable coming in and using their right foot then using their left.

Cuts Inside from Right Wing:
Definition: Increases the chances of a player looking to move inside from the right wing and attack in central areas.
Attributes: Pace, Dribbling, Technique, Teamwork, Vision.
Trait: Players who play on the right side of the pitch can have this trait if they tend to cut in towards the center rather then stay on the wing or race to the byline and cross in. While this is a good tenancy to have, as mentioned make sure you are covered in case of counter-attacks and focus on your players ability to use either foot. A player may have this trait because they are naturally left footed and more comfortable coming in and using their left foot then using their right.

Does Not Move into Channels:
Definition: Player will not move from central areas into space between them and the wide positions; wide players will similarly not look to come inside to operate in that same space.
Attributes: Teamwork, Passing, Crossing, Positioning, Agility
Trait: This trait is what you may call a more "traditional" style of play where wingers for example will stay out wide in order to cross in. This trait can be either be positive or negative solely based off your tactic and the reliability of your creative players. If you want players to stay in certain positions then it is important to make note of their positioning attribute and have this trait; if you want your players to be more creative and expressive - this may not necessarily be an appropriate trait to have in certain players.

Gets Forward Whenever Possible:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player makes forward runs, adjusting for team mentality.
Attributes: Work Rate, Natural Fitness, Off the Ball, Anticipation, Teamwork.
Trait: This trait is for forward players to not come deep but rather move forwards on the pitch and be in more advanced positions. This is a good trait to stretch the defense, however if a player is expected to hold a certain position or roam around the pitch and even drop back at times to start an attacking phase or at least try and be creative - this is not the ideal tactic. Even for some forward players, depending on your tactic and a player's attributes it may be beneficial to not have this trait.

Gets into Opposition Area:
Definition: Mostly governs how often a player makes forward runs but the frequency can also be affected by player tactical instructions.
Attributes: Anticipation, Aggression, Off the Ball, Strength, Teamwork, Decisions
Trait: This is for attacking players who are target man or key players in finishing off attacking phases. This trait is also seen with wide forwards and advanced midfielders; while that is great for an all-out attack, they may not be supported in behind. If seen in an advanced midfield player, make sure your tactic accounts for the gap now left as he moves into the box.

Hugs Line:
Definition: Ensures the player will remain in wide areas of the pitch whenever possible.
Attributes: Crossing, Pace, Technique, Vision, Positioning, Dribbling, Teamwork
Trait: This trait is seen in players which tend to stick wide rather then cut in; players who like to stay wide in attack or defense rather then move more central. This trait varies on what your tactic and style of play requires, if you have wingers cutting inside then its not of any use to them, but if you have full backs running up and down the wing it can be useful for them to stay on the outside to be an attacking pivot on the wing while letting your wide forwards cut in. Or if you want your wide players to cross in rather then drop back and inside to join in a central attacking phase, look for this trait along with what type of role the player has and their duty along with your tactics.

Likes to Try to Beat Offside Trap:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which a player will look to make runs in behind the defense. The success is determined by his other attributes.
Attributes: Acceleration, Pace, Natural Fitness, Agility, First Touch, Technique, Anticipation, Decisions, Off the Ball, Teamwork
Trait: This trait is seen in forward players, mostly strikers but also wide players who try to catch the opposition out with through balls and lack of concentration in the opposing defense. This is a good trait but can also be a detriment if the attributes of the forward player do not align with this tactic. If a player is slow, clumsy or is used in a different way this trait may not be useful; while it is beneficial for pacey forwards; players can only run so much, make sure their physical attributes are above standard in order to keep up this trait. Do it one to many times with an unfit player, it may not work and lead to injuries and poor fitness levels of your players.

Moves into Channels:
Definition: Increases the frequency with which central players will move into the space between their position and a wide attacking position. It also allows wide players in certain roles to move inside into that space.
Attributes: Anticipation, Off the Ball, Acceleration, Agility, Teamwork, Decisions, Vision, First Touch
Trait: This is great for roaming players or expressive sides, this trait can allow players to find holes in opposition defenses and create opportunities which may no otherwise be available. However it is important to note that this trait is not useful for all forward players; target-men and players who are expected to hold certain positions or play in a more structural systems do not suit this trait.

Plays With Back to Goal:
Definition: Player will look to hold up the ball in attacking areas.
Attributes: Technique, First Touch, Teamwork, Strength, Balance, Anticipation, Passing, Jumping Reach, Vision, Flair, Decisions
Trait: Advanced players who tactically play in a supporting role, or a player who is a focal point for the ball to go through in an attacking transition can have this trait. Its good for players to run by while this player holds up the ball; however if is not suitable for players who are expected to get into more forward areas off the basis of creative passes of play. This trait can also inhibit flowing, expressive attacking football as it can stagnate passing routes and running routes for players. If a player has this trait but does not reach the required attributes to be consistently successful, it can lead to the player losing possession on a consistent basis.

Stays Back at All Times:
Definition: Player will make no forward runs, adjusted for team mentality.
Attributes: Marking, Anticipation, Decisions, Positioning, Teamwork, Vision, Work Rate, Determination
Trait: This trait is for the defensive phases of play. For players who are expected in an attacking phase to stay back, this is a trait noteworthy to have. Midfield players who are more defensively minded may have this trait in order to support your defense in case of a counter-attack. This trait is not suitable if your tactic requires players to push forward in attacking plays or hover around the outside of the box.

Conclusion

Traits of players may seem overwhelming, but in reality it can be rather simplistic to navigate. Do you want a player to have several finishing options or are his abilities limited to only one or two roles? Do you want your defender to dribble forward or stay back? All these questions that you have when building your tactic and system can be influenced by player traits and likewise influence you on choosing to add or remover certain traits of players. Player roles and duties within positions are crucial with traits, if a player is forced to play a certain way but has traits which act differently, he may struggle to perform in the Duty that you required of him.

Traits are like habits, it takes time to break or to start doing something new. Therefore do not be frustrated if your player cannot learn something right away, it will take time and in some occasions it may not be possible to learn or remove.