*Career Mode content has been moved to another platform here*
Pre-Season
Welcome to the first in a series of articles about FIFA Career Mode. FCM Scout is all about scouting and developing promising players. We'll be using a combination of in-game scouting; external statistical analysis; as well as video scouting, to unearth talented and lesser known ballers. If you play Career Mode then come here for tips, reviews and how to's. But even if you don't play, you can still enjoy the streams, insights and discover talent you were unaware of. FCM Scout streams are broadcast live on Twitch and remain accessible for a limited time.
Who is the FCM Scout?
I'm a lifelong Arsenal fan who was fortunate enough to witness 20 years of Arséne Wenger's Football Management. I grew up during the George Graham era which is how I developed my love for defending. As a youngster I played in defence. LB/LCB are my preferred positions but I also played CDM, RCB and RB.
Playing Football was never my strong point. I wasn't very talented. I wasn't athletic, I was often unfit and I was terribly injury prone too. However, I did become a versatile player; learn different positions; train my weaker foot and raise my overall game.
From a young age I often watched much better players than I was. I preferred watching talented players instead of playing the game myself. I watched a lot of matches at grass roots level, Arsenal Youth / Reserve level, Premier League level and Champions League level. I even went to a World Cup match and saw R9 play for Brazil! In my opinion, watching football is the foundation of football scouting. The 'eye test' as they say.
Other Relevant Experience
I spent a lot of time playing Championship Manager as a youth and progressed onto various other sims over the years. You can read more about my experience with Football Management simulations here. Sims like CM and FM gave me a deeper understanding of formations and tactics. I also learned the importance of statistical information.
In more recent years I began playing FIFA Ultimate Team and competed in FUT Champs. Gold 2 was my highest finish in FIFA 21. You can see the results I catalogued in my Weekend League tracker.
Having already watched many youth tournaments and previously identified the stars of the future, I feel confident in my ability to find quality players. I've been blessed to see the whole career of World Class players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Andreas Iniesta. As well as the numerous stars who played for Arsenal like Cesc Fabregas and Serge Gnabry.
In Wenger's autobiography (My Life In Red and White) he described using video scouting to sign players for Grampus 8. So I'll be following in his footsteps to sign players in FCM. During lockdown I earned my FA Talent ID Level 1 where I learned about the 4 corner model and other formal scouting principles.
Business End of the Season
It’s guaranteed that I’ll be incorporating the FA’s official scouting techniques as well as all the other ideas I’ve picked up over the years. If you like what I’m doing with FCM Scout feel free to contact me on Twitter and to get involved on the Twitch streams too.
I’d welcome the chance to scout professionally. So I’m open to offering my services to any Football organisation, including Football Clubs, Football Agencies and Media or Broadcasting companies. Please email me to discuss any business enquires. OK enough of the introductions. Let’s do some scouting!
