You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
Just when you thought Football Manager couldn’t get any more complicated, there are hidden attributes assigned to players you recruit for your teams. That’s right – not only do you have to judge a player based on what you can see in the game, you also have to pay attention to factors you can’t see.
Even if one of your underrated wonderkids looks like a perfect addition to your squad of perfect strikers, like a reincarnation of Lionel Messi on the surface, he might have some hidden qualities that actually make him far less desirable.
Personally, I love this feature. It adds depth and makes the game feel more realistic. In real life, managers aren’t omniscient gods, so why should we be in the game? These hidden attributes inject variability, making Football Manager more challenging, immersive, and rewarding. However, if you want to edge closer to being all-knowing, this article will guide you through what hidden attributes are and how you can uncover them.
What are Football Manager’s Hidden Attributes?
You'll get hints, tips, new challenges and all the latest news as we gear up for the next game.⚽🏆
Just like normal attributes within Football Manager, the secret Hidden Attributes range from 1-20. Just like how Pokémon has IVs and then their hidden EVs, these attributes govern how your players perform in matches.
Football Manager players have fix hidden attributes that range in quality from 1 to 20, just like the normal player attributes. Below, you’ll find descriptions on what each Hidden Attribute does and how they affect your team.
1. Adaptability
Adaptability determines how quickly a player settles into a new club, country, or culture. Think of it as how well your South American gem handles swapping sun-kissed beaches for rainy Stoke on a Tuesday night. For some, learning to appreciate the rancidness of Port Vale is an easy feat, for others it’s very hard.
When signing players from different regions, adaptability can make or break their success. For example, bringing a South American wonderkid to a European club often means managing a period of adjustment. A player with low adaptability might struggle with homesickness, affecting morale and performances. Scout warnings like “fairly susceptible to problems living in another country” signal a potential red flag.
2. Consistency
Consistency reflects how often a player performs to their maximum ability. High-consistency players are reliable week in and week out, delivering solid performances. Scout descriptions like “very consistent performer” point to these dependable players.
Conversely, players with low consistency may swing wildly in form, producing a stellar 8.0 rating one match and a disappointing 6.0 the next. This unpredictability can be costly in key positions. For example, it may be okay to have an inconsistent midfielder, but an inconsistent goalkeeper that blocks everything one match and nothing the next is an issue.
3. Important Matches
The Important Matches attribute determines how well a player handles big occasions, from derbies to finals. Players with high ratings in this area thrive in high-stakes situations, while those with low ratings might underperform. Scouts often highlight this as “enjoys big matches” or warn with phrases like “doesn’t feel comfortable playing in big matches.”
This attribute is crucial for teams competing in playoffs, cup runs, or European tournaments. Players who relish big games are more likely to shine when the pressure is on.
4. Versatility
Versatility measures a player’s ability to adapt to new positions or perform well outside their natural roles. A versatile player can cover multiple areas on the pitch, making them invaluable during injury crises or congested fixture lists. Scouts may note this as “can play in a couple of positions.”
These players are quick to retrain and can maintain decent performance levels even when played out of position. They’re ideal for managers needing tactical flexibility or operating with limited squad depth.
5. Dirtiness
Dirtiness reflects a player’s tendency to commit fouls or bend the rules. High-dirtiness players may bring a competitive edge but risk disciplinary issues, with scouts often describing them as “has a competitive streak.”
While aggression can be an asset in certain positions, excessive dirtiness leads to cards and suspensions. Combine it with Argues with Officials, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble.
6. Injury proneness
Injury Proneness indicates how likely a player is to get injured. High injury-prone players are more susceptible to knocks and layoffs, making them unreliable over a season. Scouts might caution you with phrases like “fairly susceptible to injuries.”
While this doesn’t necessarily mean more severe injuries, frequent absences can disrupt your plans. Low injury-prone players with strong Natural Fitness and Stamina are far better options for enduring a packed schedule.
So the really important question you’re all here for is: where can we see a player’s hidden attributes? Well, there are three different ways.
Firstly, you can use the pre-game editor which is completely free on Steam and will show you all of a player’s hidden attributes mixed in with his visible attributes before a game starts. However, this won’t be of any use if you’re looking for a regen’s hidden attributes. So if you want to find those, you will probably need to use the Football Manager 2024 In-Game Editor tool.
This tool enables the real-time editing of a number of items within Football Manager, such as a player’s entire attribute profile, for example. You can also change and view ‘under the hood’ attributes like; current ability, potential ability and HIDDEN ATTRIBUTES. You can buy this on Steam for £6.99.
However, if you don’t want to pay any money to do this, there are ways around it. For example, hiring a scout with high ‘Judging Player Ability’ and ‘Judging Player Potential’ will provide reports that hint at some of these hidden attributes, especially consistency, professionalism, or injury proneness.
Final thoughts
These hidden attributes significantly influence player performance. By paying attention to scout reports and understanding how these traits affect the game, you can build a more balanced and effective team. So, the next time your scout reports a player as “enjoying big matches,” don’t ignore it—you might just have your next cup-final hero.
About the Author
Football Manager 2024
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s): Management, Soccer, Sports
