What do the player attributes do?

Each player has 10 attributes. These are converted into 3 simpler qualities (or 1 for GKs).

Outfield Attributes

Strength (Str): Players use their strength to gain access to the ball in all situations on both offense and defense. Strength is particularly important when players attempt to head the ball.

Stamina (Sta): A player's stamina shows their physical condition. Players with low stamina tire very quickly, while those with high stamina can play ninety minutes at a constant level. This is important for all players, but especially for wingers and midfielders.

Pace (Pac): This shows how well a player accelerates and their top speed. Pace is used for most attacking and defending situations, but it is the main factor in duels for wingers and fullbacks. Forwards and central defenders also profit significantly from good pace.

Tackling (Tac): Players use their tackling ability when trying to win the ball. While useful for midfielders, it is the most important skill for a defender.

Positioning (Pos): This is the player's ability to be in the right place at the right time, as well as their ability to execute tactics correctly. It is important for all players, especially midfielders.

Passing (Pas): All attacking play—including long balls, short passes, and through balls—is dependent on passing. Good passing helps your team keep the ball and control the play.

Crossing (Cro): This reflects how well a player crosses the ball. Fullbacks and wingers perform most crosses and need high ability here. Crossing is also used for long balls, corners, and indirect free kicks.

Technique (Tec): Players with good technique dribble well and have superior ball control. Technique also factors into passing and shooting. Central midfielders, wingers, and forwards all need high technique.

Heading (Hea): This controls the power and precision of headers. Forwards use it to score, defenders use it to clear the ball, and midfielders use it to gain control of the ball in the air.

Finishing (Fin): This shows how well your players shoot. High finishing makes forwards more effective. Midfielders also benefit from this skill. For long shots, players use a combination of finishing, technique, and strength.

Goalkeepers

Keepers have two tasks: keeping a clean sheet by saving three types of finishes (headers, regular finishes, and ranged drives) and starting dangerous counter-attacks using their distribution skill.

Strength (Str): Used primarily to gain access to the ball during crosses.

Stamina (Sta): Vital for staying sharp; a high-stamina keeper is more likely to make a vital save late in the game instead of conceding.

Pace (Pac): Used mainly to get into the right position to make a save and during one-on-one situations.

Handling (Han): One of the most important skills. It determines the ability to hang on to the ball or deflect shots to safe places, preventing rebounds.

One-on-ones (One): Determines how well the keeper handles a lone attacker and how effectively they parry the finish.

Reflexes (Ref): A major goalkeeping skill. High reflexes allow a keeper to parry close-up finishes like headers and one-on-ones more effectively.

Aerial Ability (Ari): The ability to pick out crosses and set pieces before they reach the goal line.

Jumping (Jum): Increases the chance of saving long shots and finishes aimed high or toward the corners. This is particularly important for stopping penalties and free kicks.

Communication (Com): Helps the keeper organize the defense, preventing goals caused by poor coordination. This is mostly used during set-piece situations.

Distribution (Dis): The ability to start dangerous counter-attacks with accurate kicks or throws.