FM21: OGC Nice — Les Aiglons (Squad Analysis)

In this post I will be documenting how I conduct my initial squad analysis in Football Manager in order to obtain an overview of the players at my disposal.

This is an essential process which allows us as the manager to gain insight into the squads and player characteristics, this in turn will help you to make effective decisions in relation to tactic selection and your preferred football philosophy.

This process will help me to understand how far off the initial playing squad are from being able to implement the sistema tactic covered in my last blog.

Squad Analysis Objectives

A squad analysis offers more than just being able to identify the best XI, there is a significant added value in spending 60 minutes or so in actually taking in the information which is presented to you.

1. To gain insight into squad depth and positional roles
2. Discover the squads DNA
3. Identify initial areas for improvement/recruitment
4. Understand where the squad is bloated

Below I will look to walk you through my initial squad analysis of OGC Nice which will hopefully be of use when starting on your own FM21 saves as of the 24th of November.

Squad Comparison

My first stop is at the ‘General’ tab of the ‘Comparison’ which sits under ‘team report>analyst report’ which presents you with a nice top layer visual of the squad.

As you can see Magnus will be inheriting an extremely young squad, not exactly ideal in terms of being fit to win Ligue 1, giving the fact that The Athletic document that players are in their prime from 24–28 when creating their squad profiles. that most players prime.

What this does give me is the confidence that if I can keep the core of the squad together then in 3 years I should be looking to compete with PSG for the title, hopefully pushing them all the way.

Another potential flaw of a large percentage of the players being under the age of 23 is the fact that they are still developing. At this stage of their careers, their tactical understanding and the level of consistency is likely to be below par, which possibly will lead to varying results and levels of performance in the early stages of the save.

The above comparisons can be drilled down a level, allowing you to look at the units of the team in isolation, this can be helpful to gauge an understanding into which areas of the team may need refreshing first in terms of player recruitment.

Physical, Technical & Mental Attributes

The following three screens will help you to gain a deeper understanding to your new squad, a sort of what's under the bonnet. Key takeaways from these can help you to gain an understanding of what playing style and tactic to use, along with what is the DNA/Key Pillars of the squad.

Comparing the squad's physical attributes there are a few areas in which my players are performing above the average in Ligue 1.

1. Acceleration
2. Fitness
3. Pace

Next up we have the Technical elements, again there are a few stand out attributes;

1. Dribbling
2. First Touch
3. Technique
4. Passing
5. Tackling

Finally the mental genetics of the squad which has flair as a stand out attribute.

All of the above can be used to add context as to what tactic will work best for your team. If you have a specific system or tactics in mind for your save and the squad DNA diverts from it, then it most certainly won’t be as effective.

As I am looking to implement the sistema with Nice, I am now fully aware that in order to make the tactic work I will either need to develop players to improve in the following areas;

1. Work Rate
2. Decisions
3. Passing

I can then also look to build on the areas which are also performing above average as I look to close the gap with the highest averages within the league.

Analyst & Assistant Report

The analyst report provided also will highlight a few areas which we have identified in the above section. As you can see, Magnus has been told that his team possess a high level of pace and acceleration is one of the team’s main strengths.

The assistant report (below) can also be used as an extension to the squad comparison or be used on its own as the first step for deducting a squad analysis.

Tactic

Now we have a greater understanding of our new team we can assess as to which tactic will be best suited to the personnel. I have opted to play a fluid counter-attacking game with Nice.

Why? well, we know that my team are fast, fit and are above average at passing, with strong vision and flair. This tactic will hopefully draw upon those strengths and ensure that I draw maximum levels of performance from the playing squad.

The 4–3–3 DM Wide is also a similar shape to that of the sistema, which well help in terms of transitioning the tactic to the desired goal of playing the brand of football of the great Erno Egri Erbstein.

Position Overview

The final area which I would like to draw attention to is that of the position overview. This visual will help to gain an understanding of the squad and their ability/potential.

The position overview is a great tool to aid forward planning in terms of scouting and recruitment. I have set the minimum star rating in the below visual to three, this shows that I most certainly need to invest in the following areas;

1. GK
2. DC
3. ST

The squad is also bloated in central midfield and also the left side of the midfield, this could be areas in which I look to offload players, obviously after conducting an assessment on an individual level.

Next up a good idea would be to ask a specific member of your staffing team (one with the best levels of judging player potential and ability)to give you their opinion of the squad depth.

I often use this screen to understand who is my first and second choice player for each position along with identifying which youth prospects I should look to give exposure to the first team to aid their development.

Best XI

Now that I have made an educated decision as to what tactic I will be implementing in the start of my journey with Les Aiglons, I am now in a position to share with you my best eleven.

I hope you have enjoyed my walk through of how I analyse a squad on Football Manager and will find todays blog of use.

As always RT’s are greatly appreciated

Roll on the 24th

Magnus