2024-12-09, 07:56 PM - Word count:
(This post was last modified: 2024-12-09, 07:57 PM by donut. Edited 1 time in total.)
Hello everyone, and welcome to my slightly delayed statistically powered draft review! In this review, we'll be analyzing the first round of the SSL draft and grading each pick based on the player's "rating." If you're not familiar with what I'm talking about, check out my Statistically Powered Draft Prediction, where I explain how the ratings were generated. For these ratings, I used the end-of-season academy file, so please note that most of the ratings are likely outdated. With that said, let's dive into the first selection.
#1 - União São Paulo
- Julian Rubio - ST - 13.7 - #1st Overall Rating
Well, no surprises here, the first overall pick had the highest overall rating. Rubio’s rating is almost certainly driven by his impressive physical attributes, with 18 pace and 18 acceleration. As everyone knows, physical stats are the most valuable in Football Manager, and these standout numbers made him a game-changer on the field. After winning the Academy Golden Boot, this selection by USP seemed like a no-brainer. Rubio is now poised to have an incredibly successful career in the SSL with the league’s most exciting young team.
#2 - CF Catalunya
- Ben Nelson - CDM - 12.7 - #18th Overall Rating
This pick might come as a bit of a surprise given Nelson’s low overall rating. At 12.7, he’s ranked 18th, but CF Catalunya clearly sees something that the ratings don’t. It’s important to note that attacking players, such as strikers and wingers, are often graded higher because they don’t need as many attributes to succeed. Defenders and defensive midfielders, on the other hand, require a broader range of skills, including positioning, tackling, and passing, which can make their ratings equally, if not more, important in the long run. Catalunya’s confidence in Nelson may reflect their belief that his strengths in these areas can make a significant impact on their midfield.
#3 - CA Buenos Aires
- Daryl McManus - CM - 12.8 - #14th Overall Rating
McManus is the definition of well-rounded. All of their important attributes are over 7 with many of them in the 9-11 range. While not dominant in any single skill McManus excels in a variety of areas, making him a versatile and reliable presence in the center of the field. Similarly to Nelson, he may not have the highest score, but his consistency and ability to fit into multiple roles make him a solid addition for CA Buenos Aires, and he has the potential to become a key player in their midfield
#4 - Hollywood FC
- Thomas Hohenhahn - ST - 13.1 - #6th Overall Rating
The German giant finally comes off the board with the 4th overall pick. Rubio’s rival, Hohenhahn, fell just short of winning the Academy Golden Boot, and that may be due to his slightly lower rating compared to Rubio. While Hohenhahn’s attributes are also focused on physicals, his ratings are more skewed toward his jumping ability. This gives him an edge in aerial duels and makes him a threat on crosses and set pieces. If he can improve his technical skills, Hohenhahn has the potential to become a clinical striker in the SSL.
#5 - Tokyo S.C.
- Charlie Chambers - CB - 12.6 - #20th Overall Rating
Chambers makes his way off the board at 5th overall, a solid choice for Tokyo S.C. While his rating of 12.6 puts him lower on the list, his defensive attributes make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a strong center-back. Chambers is known for his tackling, positioning, and aerial ability, making him a strong reliable presence at the back. A pick that I'm sure will pay dividends for Tokyo for seasons to come.
#6 - (via A.C. Romana) Hollywood FC - Alex Calderon - CB - 12.6 - #19th Overall Rating
Hollywood FC adds a solid defensive presence with the selection of Alex Calderon. While his overall rating of 12.6 places him 19th, his attributes make him a standout in key areas for a center-back. Calderon’s aerial ability is impressive, with strong ratings in heading and jumping reach, both at 13. While his technical skills are not as advanced, his physical and mental attributes make him a solid defender with great potential. With time and development, Calderon has all the tools to become a key figure in Hollywood FC’s defense.
#7 - Schwarzwälder FV
- Dina Skovgaard - RB - 13.3 - #3rd Overall Rating
The first of the Skovgaard quadruplets comes off the board at 7th overall and what a pick it is. Skovgaard’s rating of 13.3 places her among the top prospects, and it's easy to see why. Her standout physical stats and tackling give her the tools to contribute to both defensive efforts and attacking plays. Despite her smaller stature Skovgaard has all the potential to become a vital asset for Schwarzwälder FV.
#8 - Reykjavik United
- Florian Gaisberg - CDM - 12.9 - #8th Overall Rating
With the final pick of the first round, Reykjavik United strengthens their midfield with the selection of Florian Gaisberg, a well-rounded defensive midfielder with an overall rating of 12.9. Gaisberg brings a solid defensive presence with his superb tackling and positioning. His passing and decision-making make him a reliable and composed player, capable of controlling the tempo and disrupting opposition play. With these qualities, Gaisberg has the potential to be a key player for Reykjavik United, helping to anchor their midfield and continue their reign of dominance over the league.
#1 - União São Paulo
- Julian Rubio - ST - 13.7 - #1st Overall RatingWell, no surprises here, the first overall pick had the highest overall rating. Rubio’s rating is almost certainly driven by his impressive physical attributes, with 18 pace and 18 acceleration. As everyone knows, physical stats are the most valuable in Football Manager, and these standout numbers made him a game-changer on the field. After winning the Academy Golden Boot, this selection by USP seemed like a no-brainer. Rubio is now poised to have an incredibly successful career in the SSL with the league’s most exciting young team.
#2 - CF Catalunya
- Ben Nelson - CDM - 12.7 - #18th Overall RatingThis pick might come as a bit of a surprise given Nelson’s low overall rating. At 12.7, he’s ranked 18th, but CF Catalunya clearly sees something that the ratings don’t. It’s important to note that attacking players, such as strikers and wingers, are often graded higher because they don’t need as many attributes to succeed. Defenders and defensive midfielders, on the other hand, require a broader range of skills, including positioning, tackling, and passing, which can make their ratings equally, if not more, important in the long run. Catalunya’s confidence in Nelson may reflect their belief that his strengths in these areas can make a significant impact on their midfield.
#3 - CA Buenos Aires
- Daryl McManus - CM - 12.8 - #14th Overall RatingMcManus is the definition of well-rounded. All of their important attributes are over 7 with many of them in the 9-11 range. While not dominant in any single skill McManus excels in a variety of areas, making him a versatile and reliable presence in the center of the field. Similarly to Nelson, he may not have the highest score, but his consistency and ability to fit into multiple roles make him a solid addition for CA Buenos Aires, and he has the potential to become a key player in their midfield
#4 - Hollywood FC
- Thomas Hohenhahn - ST - 13.1 - #6th Overall RatingThe German giant finally comes off the board with the 4th overall pick. Rubio’s rival, Hohenhahn, fell just short of winning the Academy Golden Boot, and that may be due to his slightly lower rating compared to Rubio. While Hohenhahn’s attributes are also focused on physicals, his ratings are more skewed toward his jumping ability. This gives him an edge in aerial duels and makes him a threat on crosses and set pieces. If he can improve his technical skills, Hohenhahn has the potential to become a clinical striker in the SSL.
#5 - Tokyo S.C.
- Charlie Chambers - CB - 12.6 - #20th Overall RatingChambers makes his way off the board at 5th overall, a solid choice for Tokyo S.C. While his rating of 12.6 puts him lower on the list, his defensive attributes make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a strong center-back. Chambers is known for his tackling, positioning, and aerial ability, making him a strong reliable presence at the back. A pick that I'm sure will pay dividends for Tokyo for seasons to come.
#6 - (via A.C. Romana) Hollywood FC
- Alex Calderon - CB - 12.6 - #19th Overall RatingHollywood FC adds a solid defensive presence with the selection of Alex Calderon. While his overall rating of 12.6 places him 19th, his attributes make him a standout in key areas for a center-back. Calderon’s aerial ability is impressive, with strong ratings in heading and jumping reach, both at 13. While his technical skills are not as advanced, his physical and mental attributes make him a solid defender with great potential. With time and development, Calderon has all the tools to become a key figure in Hollywood FC’s defense.
#7 - Schwarzwälder FV
- Dina Skovgaard - RB - 13.3 - #3rd Overall RatingThe first of the Skovgaard quadruplets comes off the board at 7th overall and what a pick it is. Skovgaard’s rating of 13.3 places her among the top prospects, and it's easy to see why. Her standout physical stats and tackling give her the tools to contribute to both defensive efforts and attacking plays. Despite her smaller stature Skovgaard has all the potential to become a vital asset for Schwarzwälder FV.
#8 - Reykjavik United
- Florian Gaisberg - CDM - 12.9 - #8th Overall RatingWith the final pick of the first round, Reykjavik United strengthens their midfield with the selection of Florian Gaisberg, a well-rounded defensive midfielder with an overall rating of 12.9. Gaisberg brings a solid defensive presence with his superb tackling and positioning. His passing and decision-making make him a reliable and composed player, capable of controlling the tempo and disrupting opposition play. With these qualities, Gaisberg has the potential to be a key player for Reykjavik United, helping to anchor their midfield and continue their reign of dominance over the league.
