What makes a good attacking midfielder?
Attacking midfielders are the catalysts of every teams attacking line. They link midfield with attack and have the creativity and vision to see gaps in the opposition’s defence. So, having a good one should mean that you have an added dimension to your team’s attacking play.
An AM needs specific attributes to unlock those defences. Two of the key ones are Passing and Creativity. If they lack Creativity, team-mates won’t be spotted as easily by the player and he will be less likely to do something ‘a bit special.’ However, if they have high creativity but can’t pass, then the ball won’t reach your attackers in the first place.
As with the majority of players, it’s very useful for your AM to be hard working. This will result in the opposition having to work harder to mark him. Flair and Dribbling are needed too. If these attributes are high, your player will be better equipped to take people on and use that added bit of skill it may take to get beyond the defence. Don’t forget Technique too – this is hugely important.
Ideally, your budding playmaker will have high Composure. Players will be less likely to buckle under the pressure of challenges if their composure is at a good level. First Touch needs to be high, as does Off The Ball – to make those all important runs.
Now for the rundown of all important stats:
Passing – 16
Creativity – 16
Dribbling – 15
Flair – 15
Technique – 14
First Touch – 14
Off The Ball – 14
Composure – 13
Work Rate – 13
Pace – 12
Acceleration – 12
Generally, attacking midfielders tend to be fairly versatile too. Many of them can play as secondary wingers or strikers, so that’s something else to look out for. You can never have too many utility players! Also, if they can use both feet effectively, that’s another bonus.
If you can get a good variation of the attributes above, you should have yourself a good AM. A capable attacking midfielder really can be the difference between a loss and a draw, or a draw and a win. There are plenty of good ones around too, so you should have no excuses not to invest in a good one.
| Written By Tom Hales
Tom is a long-term FML player with an interest in scouting and finding great talent. You can follow the fortunes of his team at armchairamateurs.com, his FML side's official blog. |
