Some still approach video games with a stereotypical view, often labelling them as an evil, pointless temptation. If that is your view, then shame on you.
At the age of 28, I have managed to somehow overcome a once crippling addiction. For this particular affliction, unfortunately, no support group or hotline ever existed. Instead, with copious amounts of coffee and hopelessly romantic notions, I spent many an hour ‘perfecting’ a dark art.
It started in the year 1999, when I was just a spotty teenager; Football Manager invaded my world. I surrendered, for resistance proved futile. A profound moment arrived when I found myself wondering if my girlfriend still knew I existed. So, after wading my way through empty candy wrappers and dirty laundry, I actively sought help.
Thankfully, through a brilliant book aptly titled Football Manager Stole My Life and a serious of parental interventions, I managed to get a grip.
My proudest moment, however, arrived when I took Crawley, a shockingly poor English club, to Champions League glory four times.vStill, as amazing as this achievement was and still is, I have refrained from mentioning it on my CV.
Nostalgia and poor humour aside, broader society has started to embrace the world of gaming, and this is especially true at Prozone, a highly respected sports data company. Using stats from Football Manager, the now legendary computer game, Prozone then use the findings to help real clubs recruit real players.
Unusual, perhaps so. Innovative, most definitely. A case of virtual and physical words harmonizing in the most beautiful of ways, could this help shape the future of scouting and recruitment in football? Make no mistake, Football Manager, now in its 23rd year of existence, has helped clubs from all corners of the globe recruit some genuine quality.
Football Manager has developed into a cutting edge game, now offering a jaw dropping array of players, with the most detailed information imaginable a mere click away. Ranging from performance stats to contract clauses, its design allow managers, regardless of status, assess potential targets before making any tentative plans
Forming the very foundation of the most comprehensive management simulation game imaginable, this extensive database contains 250 pieces of biographical information on over half a million players, managers and staff. In addition, with close to 1,500 scouts spread out across six continents, finding potential talent has never been more exciting.
Whether you are Jose Mourinho or a 13 year old, spotty kid, alone in his room, finding that “wonderkid” should always be a top priority.
Here are four players that fit the bill, four young men that can form an impressive, rather inexpensive, FM 2015 spine
Goalkeeper: Simone Scuffet – Udinese: A cross between Iker Casillas and Buffon, the 18 year old is an exciting prospect. A product of the youth team, he made his first team debut back in February 2014 against Bologna, coming on as a replacement for the injured Brkic. Sadly for Brkic, thanks to a string of impressive displays, the young man was promoted, thus demoting Brkić to the bench. Good luck trying to persuade Udinese to part company with the teenager. A difficult task, it is right up there with persuading Mario Balotelli to cancel his Twitter account.
Defender: Samuel Umiti – Lyon: Born in November of 1993, the French talent can play as either a central defender or a left back. Be patient with Umtiti, he will grow into a very competent centre back. Just look at the boy’s physical stats, they are simply insane. If you are managing Leicester, for example, and can persuade him to join, then you can die a happy ‘manager’.
Midfielder: Junior Malanda – Wolfsburg: If Venus Williams and Thor made sweet love, then Junior Malanda could very well be the outcome. Yet another young talent to emerge from Belgium, the boy has all the attributes needed to succeed. A ferocious player, Malanda puts the POW into powerful.
Forward: Munir El Haddadi – Barcelona: Hailed by many as the next Neymar Jr, Barcelona’s young messiah has a totally exploitable release clause of just over €12 million. Act quick, the boy is a goalscoring machine. In fact, the 19-year-old forward’s first season with Barcelona had been very promising up until the reformed cannibal, aka Luis Suarez, returned from suspension. In the real world of football, as opposed to the much discussed virtual one, Munir has been linked with a loan move to a host of European clubs when the January transfer window opens, with both West Ham and Swansea City reportedly voicing their interest.
There you have it. If you are to take this advice and seek out some decent talent, please remember one thing; Great power demands greater responsibility. Buy wisely, my friends.
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