The Data Geek’s Guide: Key Attributes for Every Football Position

Strikers: Speed Kills

Let’s start where goals happen. For strikers, pace and acceleration (aka ‘double speed’) top my spreadsheet. Why? Because modern defences hate nothing more than being outpaced. Secondary attributes? Jumping reach and strength - because sometimes you need to bully defenders when you can’t run past them.

Pro tip: That 6’5” target man might look impressive, but if his off-the-ball movement is at 5, he’s just an expensive lamppost.

Wingers: Dribble or Die Trying

Wingers live by three rules:

1. Be fast
2. Don’t fall over
3. Make fullbacks regret their career choices

Agility, balance and dribbling separate good wingers from great ones. And yes, that “flair” attribute matters more than most managers admit - football isn’t just about running in straight lines.

Attacking Midfielders: Set-Piece Sorcery

Here’s my controversial take: corners and free kicks are OP. A world-class set-piece taker paired with decent headers equals easy goals. My analytics show they’ll average 7+ ratings and 1 goal contribution per game without breaking sweat.

Other essentials? Vision (to see passes others don’t) and composure (to actually execute them).

Central Midfielders: Work Rate Non-Negotiable

The engine room doesn’t care about your fancy footwork. Whether you’re a playmaker or ball-winner, work rate is mandatory. Everything else depends on your role - creativity for playmakers, tackling for destroyers.

Defensive Positions: No Weak Links Allowed

For centre-backs, I look for jumping, strength, positioning and concentration. One weak attribute here makes the whole partnership vulnerable. Fullbacks need stamina above all - they’re basically marathon runners who occasionally cross the ball.

Goalkeepers: Mistakes Not Allowed

Unlike outfield players, keepers get crucified for every error. Reflexes, agility and concentration are non-negotiable. That “eccentricity” trait? Fun to watch, but statistically correlated with manager heart attacks.

Final thought: These attributes create foundations, not finished players. But ignore them at your own risk - the data doesn’t lie.