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Four key players for your long term strategy

Written by 91F249F3-F33D-4305-B503-8B7C3A271E56

How can we create a competitive team, regardless of the skill we train?
Are there any "silver bullets" for trainers, or will only traders ever be able to compete at high levels?
In my opinion, anyone can plan for success, even if they neglect the market.
Here is how.

Hattrick is a competitive game. Generally, this kind of online game rewards users who invest more time to manage their accounts. However, Hattrick cannot be compared to "24/7" games like the famous Ogame and its heirs.
With good programming, and by investing just enough time to buy the "right" trainees and to set up friendly games, it is possible to enjoy some success. I would even go so far as saying that, by playing with some continuity, anyone can get to a level close to the top 3 divisions of established countries.
Over the years, together with some long-standing friends, I have identified some key lineup tips that should be valid for everyone, regardless of training type:

1) An obscenely powerful goalkeeper!

The goalie has a much bigger impact on defense than any defender. All the money you throw into buying and maintaining a goalie will be more than repaid by what you will save on defenders.

Rule of thumb: the goalkeeper should be the highest-skilled player in your team, and on average his goalkeeping skill should be two points above other players' primary skill level.

2) A very strong offensive midfielder

This kind of player grants three key advantages:
* forwards can be less powerful (thus reducing their salaries)
* other midfielders can have much lower passing (thus reducing their buying price)
* AOW and AIM tactics will have a higher level (granting greater tactical flexibility)

Rule of thumb: roughly at least formidable in passing for lower divisions, outstanding or higher from the more competitive 6th division up.

3) A central defender with high playmaking

This kind of player can help fill the midfield gap for teams who play with only four midfielders (e.g. most teams who train scoring or defending). When needed, they can also be fielded as offensive central defenders, increasing the midfield rating without sacrificing too much in the rear guard.

Rule of thumb: playmaking level at least equal to 70% of your midfielders' playmaking skill.

4) A wing with lots of playmaking
After the changes in wing contributions to midfield, this kind of player has become essential to maintain a good balance between offence and ball possession.

A strong wing, in combination with player #3, can equal the midfield contribution of the good old TM wing.
Rule of thumb: playmaking level about two points lower than winger, and very close to your midfielders' playmaking skill.

When combined with a well-structured training, these players can be a solid stepping stone towards Hattrick success.

Possibly, in another article we will have a chance to cover specialties (and the roles they are most appropriate for), and another key man for your team: the Set Pieces kicker.