It has already been eight years since FC Online (FCO) launched. There is a common perception that the older an online game gets, the higher the barrier to entry. However, FCO is not as difficult as you might think. If you follow along step-by-step, you will find yourself eyeing the Challenger rank before you know it.

Today, I would like to discuss the criteria for evaluating players. In truth, there is no single correct answer for what makes a good player. Every manager may have a different feel for a player in-game, and there are factors beyond performance, such as salary and price, to consider. However, if you are just getting settled into FC Online, it is helpful to understand what you should look for.

When choosing a player in FC Online, the first things you usually look at are salary, OVR, and price. These are the most intuitive metrics in the transfer market. Your goal is typically to build the best possible squad within your realistic BP budget, and it is crucial to keep salary in mind. Of course, if you have a specific team in mind, you should start by considering that team's color.

FC Online's representative teams have a salary cap, and you must build a 11-man squad within that limit. No matter how good a player is, if their salary is too high, you may have to compromise in other positions. Conversely, if you find players with high performance-to-salary ratios, you can achieve better balance. While the salary cap has increased significantly compared to the early days, the number of high-salary players has also grown, making this a key factor to consider during the recruitment phase.

Of course, a low salary does not automatically mean high efficiency. Since performance generally scales with salary, the goal is to manage your position-by-position distribution while filling your salary cap. You might consider investing more salary into key positions—such as your primary goal-scoring striker, center-backs, or core midfielders—while opting for low-salary, high-efficiency cards for positions like goalkeeper or full-back. Alternatively, if you want to prioritize those positions as well, you can simply aim for an even distribution across the board.

Once you have a plan for your salary distribution, let's take a closer look at the player cards. Beyond stats, there are other aspects to examine, such as physique, weak foot, and traits. While stats are important, these factors can sometimes have a greater impact on how a player feels in-game.

Weak foot is particularly important for attacking players. In positions that frequently require shooting and passing, a low weak foot can limit your options. You might find yourself needing to turn back onto your strong foot even when a good angle presents itself, which can lead to missed opportunities. For this reason, players with low weak foot ratings are generally less popular, and if two players have similar stats and prices, the one with a 5-star weak foot is usually preferred.

Physique also affects how a player feels. Players are categorized as Lean, Average, or Stocky, and even the same player can have different physiques depending on their class. Simply put, think of Lean as agile but potentially weaker in physical challenges, and Stocky as feeling a bit heavier but having an advantage in physicality. Average is somewhere in between. You should choose based on your playstyle; for instance, I prefer Lean players on the wings and don't mind Stocky players in the center. Note that even with the same physique, the feel can vary based on height, weight, and stats.

It is also good to check for unique physiques and traits. A unique physique is a specialized body type applied to certain players, which can make their movement and physical contests feel different even within the same Lean, Average, or Stocky categories. Traits also offer different advantages depending on the position. These vary by player and some slots open up at specific enhancement levels. Additionally, a recent update introduced Training Coach Additional Traits for players at enhancement level 11 or higher. This can be complex for beginners, so I recommend using the Training Coach/Trait Helper on the official website.

Now, let's look at comparing stats in detail. Once you have the big picture, it is time to look at individual stats to see which player suits you best. Important stats in FCO vary by position. Generally, speed, acceleration, agility, and balance are prioritized as they heavily influence the feel of the game. Stamina is also important. Players who are too slow or sluggish in turning will feel underwhelming regardless of their position.

Let's start with attacking positions. For wingers or attacking midfielders who handle the ball frequently and turn often, you need to pay close attention to agility and balance. For a primary striker, finishing is paramount. Shot power and positioning also impact goal-scoring. If you want a sturdy player who can hold up the ball, look closely at strength. For players on the flanks, acceleration and speed are essential to breaking down the defense.

For central and defensive midfielders, you should prioritize all-rounder types. Since these positions cover passing, playmaking, and defensive support, you need to ensure they are versatile. Passing stats are also crucial as they are the heart of your build-up play. Depending on your preference, you might choose someone more specialized in attack or defense, but if you are unsure, an all-rounder is a safe bet.

For full-backs, check for speed and defensive stability. Even if you are saving on salary, it is safer to prioritize speed and stamina. You can then supplement these with additional attributes like agility or crossing. Center-backs are the core of your defense; beyond basic physical stats, defensive attributes like tackling and interception are vital. For the goalkeeper, who guards the last line of defense, height is preferred, and you should focus on position-specific stats like GK diving, GK positioning, and GK handling.

Of course, as mentioned earlier, stats are not everything. You need to consider salary, physique, weak foot, and traits alongside detailed stat comparisons. In particular, traits unlock additional slots at +5 and +8 enhancements, so players who come with highly-regarded new traits by default deserve a higher score. Figuring out which positions to invest in and where to find efficiency within a limited salary is part of the fun of FCO, so taking the time to scout players yourself is a great way to sharpen your eye.