With the iFVPA going from strength to strength and more and more people vying to play FIFA on an International level I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the qualities that make a good International FIFA Clubs Player.

You can also take a look at my post, “What makes a Good International FIFA Manager?”

Talent

Obviously you’ve got to be good.  There’s going to be potentially thousands of players out there knocking on the manager’s door trying to get hold of your shirt.  You’re going to have to make sure you’re on top of your game to stay ahead of the competition.

Consistency

At club level, you can get away with fantastic performances one match then average the next.  You can’t at International level.  Rankings aside every competitive match you play is going to be a cup game.  Losing means you’re out so there’s no room for poor performances!  It’s vitally important to stay completely focused every game to make sure you’re doing your job to the best of your ability.  You’re playing against the best players around so mistakes are going to be costly.

Attitude

A positive attitude is vital.  You also need to have a winning mentality.  If you don’t genuinely believe that you’re going to win every match then there’s no point stepping out on the pitch.  Your attitude needs to be aligned with your team-mates – everyone needs to be signing from the same hymn sheet.

Teamwork

You might be the best player on FIFA but if there’s no chemistry between you and the rest of the team then performances are going to be disjointed.  Chemistry will obviously come with time but at International level you don’t play with your team-mates that frequently so you have to learn quickly.  Communication is vital – shout players when you want the ball – tell players to make a run or come short.  Don’t leave it to chance.

Empathise with your team-mates.  Make yourself available for passes, always think 2 or 3 passes ahead.  Don’t always run for the ball.  Making runs to create space is just as important as making runs to receive the ball.  At this level if you don’t make space for each other you’re going to find passing the ball around near on impossible!

Discipline

Everyone needs to have complete confidence that they can rely on their team-mates to do their job.  If there’s any doubt it will affect performances as people will try to cover for other players.  At this level, trust people to do their job properly and concentrate on doing yours.  Stay focused on the job that you need to do and do it to the best of your ability!

Patience

If you find yourself on the sidelines then be patient.  The International teams are here to stay so there’ll be plenty of chances to get back in the team.  International selection is based on form.  Form is cyclical.  All players, no matter how good they are will have patches of poor form.  Just make sure you’re on the scene and are showing interest when it happens to make sure you’re in with a look in.

Trials will be held periodically too so when you get your chance make sure you take it.  I know you’re going to want to stand out but don’t try something impossible if it means losing the ball when there’s an easy option on.  Remember, the manager will be looking for team players and mistakes stand out just as much as flashes of genius.

Respect

Managers have it tough.  Will hundreds of people all believing they should be playing for their country how can they keep everyone happy?

Whatever happens, you must respect the manager’s decision even if you disagree with it.  By all means raise your concerns privately but don’t air your dirty laundry in public.  A manager needs to command authority in order to organise the troops and the quickest way to get booted from the squad is to try to undermine that authority in public.

No manager wants disruptive players in their squad so make sure you never come across that way.  As I said, if you disagree with decisions or you want to offer some advice there’s absolutely no harm in raising your concerns.  Just make sure that you do it privately and you keep it constructive.

If you haven’t already, take a look at my post, “What makes a Good International FIFA Manager?”

What qualities do you think that an International FIFA Cubs Player needs?  Let me know in the comments.