FIFA 23: Find Top Young Players With Scouting

Hey guys! So you wanna find the next big thing in FIFA 23 Career Mode, huh? Scouting youth players is where it's at, and I'm here to break down exactly how to do it. Forget just buying established stars; let's build a dynasty with wonderkids you discovered yourself. Ready to dive in?

Understanding the Global Transfer Network (GTN)

Okay, first things first: your Global Transfer Network (GTN) is your best friend in this operation. Think of it as your worldwide web of scouts, constantly searching for the next Messi or Ronaldo. To get the most out of it, you need to understand how to set it up and manage your scouts effectively. This is where the magic begins, folks. It’s not just about sending scouts out; it’s about sending them to the right places with the right instructions.

To access the GTN, navigate to the 'Transfers' tab in Career Mode and select 'Scouting'. Here, you'll see your scouting team, their assignments, and reports. The key is to customize your search. Don't just let your scouts wander aimlessly! Specify what you're looking for. Are you after a pacey winger? A rock-solid defender? A midfield maestro? Tell your scouts!

Each scout has different attributes that make them better at finding certain types of players. Look for scouts with high ratings in 'Judgment' and 'Adaptability'. Judgment determines their ability to accurately assess a player's potential, while Adaptability affects how quickly they become familiar with a new region. A scout with high Judgment will give you more reliable reports, reducing the risk of signing a dud. High Adaptability means they'll find players faster and with more accuracy in unfamiliar territories. Finding the right scout and sending them to the perfect location for what you need can sometimes be more art than science!

Setting Up Your Scouting Network

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of setting up your scouting network. This involves choosing the right scouts, assigning them specific instructions, and targeting regions known for producing talent. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way.

Choosing the Right Scouts

Scout selection is crucial. As I mentioned, Judgment and Adaptability are key attributes. Ideally, you want scouts with ratings of 80+ in both. These guys are the pros. They'll identify players with high potential and give you accurate reports. Don't skimp on scouts; invest in the best you can afford. Think of it as an investment in your team's future. Remember, a good scout can be the difference between signing a future Ballon d'Or winner and wasting your budget on a player who'll never make the first team.

Assigning Scouting Instructions

This is where you tell your scouts what you're looking for. You can specify age, position, and desired attributes. For youth scouting, set the age range to 14-21. Why? Because these are the players who have the most potential for growth. Position is self-explanatory – tell your scout what position you need to fill. But the real gold is in the attributes.

Here are some attribute examples:

• Promising: This is the catch-all. It tells your scout to look for players with high potential, regardless of their specific attributes. Great for a general search.
• Physically Strong: If you need a bruiser, this is the instruction to use. Your scout will look for players with high strength, aggression, and stamina.
• Technically Gifted: Dribbling, passing, ball control – this instruction focuses on the technical abilities of a player.
• Playmaker: Vision, crossing, long passing – this is for your creative midfielders.
• Goalkeeper: Diving, handling, reflexes – self-explanatory for finding a top-notch goalie.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of instructions. The more specific you are, the more targeted your results will be.

Targeting the Right Regions

Some regions are just hotbeds for talent. South America (Brazil, Argentina), Africa (Nigeria, Ghana), and Europe (Spain, Germany) are all great places to start. These countries consistently produce top-tier players, so sending your scouts there increases your chances of finding a gem. Each region has its strengths.

• South America: Known for producing technically gifted and creative players.
• Africa: Known for producing fast, strong, and athletic players.
• Europe: Known for producing well-rounded and tactically astute players.

Consider the type of player you're looking for when choosing a region. If you need a pacey winger, send your scout to Africa. If you need a technically gifted midfielder, try South America. Remember to rotate your scouts between different regions to keep your options open and avoid missing out on hidden gems.

Analyzing Scouting Reports

So, your scouts have been busy, and now you're flooded with scouting reports. Don't just sign every player you see! You need to carefully analyze these reports to identify the true potential stars. Let's break down what to look for. This stage is about separating the wheat from the chaff. Not every player recommended by your scouts will be a world-beater.

Understanding Potential Ratings

The most important thing to look for is the player's potential rating. This is an estimate of how high the player's overall rating can grow. The higher the potential, the better. Look for players with potential ratings of 80+ – these are the players who have the potential to become world-class. Be wary of vague descriptions like "Showing Great Potential." This often means the player has decent potential but isn't likely to become a superstar. Focus on players described as "An Exciting Prospect" or "Has Potential to Be Special." These phrases indicate a higher potential ceiling.

Evaluating Player Attributes

Don't just rely on the potential rating. Evaluate the player's attributes. Does the player have the key attributes for their position? For example, a striker should have high finishing, shot power, and composure. A defender should have high tackling, strength, and interceptions. Consider the player's playstyle and how they would fit into your team. A player with high potential but a playstyle that clashes with your tactics might not be the best fit.

Checking Player Value and Wage Demands

Before you make an offer, check the player's value and wage demands. Are they realistic? Sometimes, a player with high potential will demand wages that are too high for your club's budget. Don't overspend on a youth player, especially if you're managing a smaller club. There are plenty of talented young players out there, so don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if it's not right for you. Keep an eye on their contract length, too. You don't want to sign a player who will become a free agent in a year or two.

Monitoring Growth

Once you've signed a youth player, monitor their growth. Give them playing time, train them regularly, and keep an eye on their development. Some players will develop faster than others, so be patient. If a player isn't developing as expected, consider sending them out on loan to get more playing time. Regular playing time is crucial for young players' development, so make sure they're getting enough of it. Keep track of their progress by checking their stats and ratings regularly.

Youth Academy

Another avenue for finding young talent is your Youth Academy. This is where you can develop players from a very young age, shaping them into the stars you need. Invest in your youth academy; it's like having a farm system for your first team. Here's how to make the most of it:

Hiring a Good Youth Scout

Just like with the GTN, the quality of your youth scout matters. Look for a scout with high ratings in Judgment and Adaptability. Their job is to find the best young players in your academy and bring them to your attention. A good youth scout can identify hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. Ensure that you have a youth scout that meets your needs, for instance, with good defending knowledge. It is an extra pair of eyes helping you

Training Your Youth Players

Training is key to developing your youth players. Focus on the attributes that are most important for their position. For example, train a striker's finishing and shot power, or a defender's tackling and strength. Use the training drills that focus on specific attributes. Pay attention to the player's morale. A happy player is more likely to develop quickly. Give them praise and encouragement, and rotate them into the first team when appropriate. Training can make or break a youth player. It's how you mold them into the players you need them to be.

Promoting Players to the First Team

Know when to promote players to the first team. Don't rush them; they need to be ready. Look for players with high potential and good attributes, and give them playing time in cup games and friendlies. Gradually integrate them into the first team, giving them more and more playing time as they develop. Promoting players too early can stunt their growth, while waiting too long can lead to them becoming frustrated and wanting to leave. It's a balancing act. Keep an eye on their overall rating and their performances in training and matches. When they consistently perform well, it's time to give them a chance in the first team.

Loan Glitching

Now, let's talk about something a little controversial: loan glitching. This is an exploit that allows you to significantly boost a player's potential through strategic loan spells. Basically, you loan a player out, and their potential magically increases. EA has tried to patch this exploit over the years, but it still exists in various forms. Use it at your own risk!

How it Works

The loan glitch works by exploiting the game's potential calculation. When a player goes on loan, their potential can increase based on their performances. By loaning a player to a club in a higher league, you can trick the game into thinking they're performing at a higher level, which can lead to a potential boost. Keep an eye on your youth academy players, and sign them to a loan.

Risks and Rewards

The risks of loan glitching include potentially ruining the game's realism and facing criticism from other players. The rewards include significantly boosting a player's potential and turning them into a world-class star. Whether you choose to use this exploit is up to you, but be aware of the potential consequences. Some players view it as cheating, while others see it as a legitimate strategy. Consider your own ethical stance before using it.

Pro Tips for Scouting

To wrap things up, here are some pro tips for scouting that will give you an edge:

• Be Patient: Finding top youth players takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't find a superstar right away. Keep scouting, and eventually, you'll strike gold.
• Diversify Your Scouting: Don't just focus on one region or one type of player. Diversify your scouting to increase your chances of finding a hidden gem.
• Use SoFIFA: SoFIFA is a website that provides detailed information on FIFA players, including their potential ratings and attributes. Use it to supplement your scouting efforts.
• Keep an Eye on Free Agents: Sometimes, talented young players are released by their clubs and become free agents. Keep an eye on the free agent list, and you might find a bargain.
• Don't Be Afraid to Sell: Not every youth player will become a star. If a player isn't developing as expected, don't be afraid to sell them and reinvest in other prospects.

Alright, guys, that's it! You're now armed with the knowledge you need to scout the best youth players in FIFA 23. Go forth and build your dynasty! Good luck, and happy scouting!