Talent Factory La Masia 2.0 | Football Manager Challenge

A Football Manager Challenge which focuses on Youth Development

There is nothing more satisfying than developing your own youth talents and wonderkids and see them progress to become world class players. In this Football Manager Challenge we ask; Who is the best in the Football Manager Community to develop new talents? This challenge will turn the regen dates and the yearly youth intake to the most anticipated day of the year!

The Football Manager Challenge Talent Factory will be a great scenario for all who favour scouting and youth development. This FM Challenge will certainly test your Football Manager skills, but the final aim is to compete with the famous La Masia Talent academy of Barcelona and Ajax Academy by producing a team consisting of only homegrown players of the highest quality!

Lead your squad of homegrown talents and regens to new glories in the The Talent Factory Football Manager Challenge!

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Talent Factory - Rules and Limitations

Your mission in this Football Manager Challenge is to pick any team from all eligible nations and leagues in FM13, preferably a minor club where the facilities need to be upgraded through the first seasons, and turn the club into a world leading talent factory.

There are some limitations and guidelines though;

You cannot do any transfers, loans included. You have to rely on your own youth products in order to compete.
So buying some of the Promising Talents in Football Manager is a big NO-NO!

You can be assisted by your parent club, who might give you players on loan on their own initiative, you cannot ask for the loan yourself.

You can however improve the clubs backroom staff by signing better coaches, scouts etc.

The last one is not a general rule as you might be forced to do this in the future anyway, but you should try to let your Youth Talent get first team experience as often as possible, to aid their development.

The Aim of this Challenge

The main goal of the Football Manager Talent Factory Challenge is to achieve the best possible results with the players you've developed yourself. Personally, there is nothing more satisfying than to see your developed players be called up for the national team. So in this Football Manager Challenge the mission is to produce new talents and nurture them into players who can compete at national level for the years to come.
How you succeed (or fail) with youth development and player development comes both down to the youth intake and the potential of the regens coming through the youth intakes.

As mentioned earlier, you can use any starting league and club, but obviously the lower league and club you start with, the harder it will be. Being Barcelona won't be as big a challenge as for example Portsmouth or Rostock.

Examples of other future goals to aim for and reach after;

Get as many of your players to be called up and feature in the national team of the nation you're playing in

Have one of your players trusted with the captaincy of his national team

Earn promotion to the top division with a team with an average age of below 20 years old

Get your team to win as many trophies as possible, even the Champions League

Have one of your youth products win the Player of the Year award(continental and domestic), or even the World player of the Year

Get 3 or more players selected in the Team of the Year(continental or domestic)

Finally it would be a great achievement to see one of your players win the Golden Boot as the top scorer at World Cup or/and World Cup Best Player

FM Challenge - Talent Factory Achievements and Results

When I started this Talent Factory challenge I chose AFC Wimbledon in League 2.
I wish to point out that all results in this save, and every promotion, is achieved with the FM13 attacking tactic Earn it 3-6-1. You can download and read more about this exceptional teamwork tactic here.

To show you a little bit about my talent factory and how important scouting is, I will display screenshot of some of the regens acquired through the different youth intakes. When I became able to scout Europe, after upgrading the scouting range, I got a Greek and a Spanish regen in the next youth intake, due to maxed out scouting knowledge of those countries. I've also got players from Burundi, Swaziland(!) and Sierra Leone, among others

What do you think about these regens?

And also, the recent addition to the Talent factory of AFC Wimbledon, meet Stephen Devine - age 16:

Here is a screenshot of how an ideal Transfer history will turn out:
Just keep in mind, if you purchase or buy a player, you have failed in this Football Manager Challenge

AFC Wimbledon Facilities Development 2012-2018:

Here is a screenshot of my scouting knowledge in 2018:

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Additional resources and Tips to Succeed

To succeed with this challenge you need to know;

How to setup your scouting network to increase scouting knowledge
The importance of upgrading youth facilities and increasing levels of junior coaching
Basic knowledge of youth development and individual training
How you can get the best regens at youth intake
The important knowledge of finding excellent coaches and Backroom staff Why signing a good Head of Youth Development can become vital for getting better regens

You can see a full list of our backroom staff recommendations and download our staff search filter here

I have to say it's been the most fun I have had with Football Manager in years! So hope you enjoy it!

Feel free to share your progress, results and achievements and post your own results in the comment field below.
Don't be afraid to ask for advice and check back for more Football Manager Challenges and related guides and articles about team management youth development, scouting and youth intake!

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Wish to have a successful time on the pitch as well? Download and try FM13 Attacking Tactic; Earn It 3-6-1

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Football Manager 2014 Wishlist New Features

FM14: Wishlist for new features or game changes

Note! We have a list of many feature request, some are already written below, some will be added in the future. So watch out in this post to see some great unseen feature requests, as this list will be updated until the release of Football Manager 2014!

There might not be any doubt that the Football Manager series is THE best soccer manager game out there. Despite touted as the most realistic soccer game on the market, there is still parts of the game that can be improved further, to make it even more realistic.

I must admit I had huge expectations to Football Manager 2013, as FM12 was one of the best games ever! For those of you who have followed our passion for FM since day one, you might remember our FM13 Wishlist post. Some of these suggestions is as relevant to mention for Football Manager 2014 as they where for FM13.

Since the release of Football Manager 2013 (and all it's updates and bug-fixing...) the game have become better and better, maybe even better than FM12 as well. The main difference between FM12 and FM13 might be the increased importance of tactical and team management knowledge, which we believe will be even more important in Football Manager 2014!

Even though FM13 have been out for nearly a half a year, we feels it is time to discuss which new features should be added to Football Manager 2014, and what needs to be improved to make FM14 even better, hence more realistic!

Please leave your suggestions for new FM2014 features or game improvements in the discussion field below.

This list of Football Manager new feature requests will be continuously updated until the release of Football Manager 2014. If you wish to recommend these request on other threads, for example on the official Sports Interactive forum, please do not copy from this list without asking for permission or referring to this list, as the opinions in this list is personal (my own views).

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3 Different Attacking Set-piece strategies: Corners and Set-pieces

From real-life soccer there are many teams (f.ex national teams, but also some clubs) who put much of their main focus on the next opponent by training on different attacking set-piece strategies to both surprise them and try to score goals from the few chances they might get. In Football Manager 2013 its much focus on tactics and match analysis. With the release of FM14, I hope it will also be more importance to set-piece setup and make it easier to change this kind of tactical instructions in-match.

As you might remember, by taking advantage of touchline instructions you can change your playing style and tactical instructions completely according to how the match evolves. Similar I wish there was an easy way to change attacking set-piece strategies, for example if you're struggling with the main set-piece strategy.

My idea is to have the ability to change between 3 different set-pieces setups similar to the ability to have 3 different tactics.

As you might have experienced, attacking set-pieces can both create goals and more chances and is one of the attacking threats. A good set-piece setup can quickly become the difference between winning, loosing or drawing a narrow match. In Football Manager 2013 there are few options to change set-piece strategies when in-game. As I see it, once you've made the set-piece tactics your stuck with it, no matter how good or bad the set-piece instructions is. Of course you can tweak it in-game, but this must obviously contradict to the boost from match preparations and shouldn't work as good as a set-piece setup you've practiced, right? To make my idea of having 3 different set-piece setups work, it is important that it exists similar familiarity levels for set-pieces as for the tactical familiarity levels. With this option you need to put even more focus on match preparation set-pieces to become a set-piece specialist.

To make this work it is important that there are more player roles to choose from in the set-piece creator screen, in additional to making you able to place the player almost 'where-ever' you want on the new set-piece creator screen. On corners you could have one or two more options to let your players attack from deep, which makes you able to have almost all your players to start from outside the penalty area and run into 6 yard box to disturb the oppositions man-marking. On free-kicks you could have one more player role, such as making you able to have one player who sits in off side and make a opposite run than all the others.

Short summary:
By making you able to choose between three different corner strategies in attacking set-pieces you can both upset the opposition team, change to a new setup if the original strategy ain't paying off, or use different set-piece strategies for two following matches. The attacking set-piece strategies must be practiced on to work. No matter how many different player roles for attacking set-pieces there is on FM14 I just want you to be able to have different set-piece instructions to choose from; with different player positioning which can be assigned quickly.

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Save Touchline instructions and import them into a new save

The tactic creator makes you able to create a tactic without having to adjust any of the player instructions. By using the correct shouts during matches you can adopt your basic tactic into a certain playing style. By using touchline instructions you can change your tactical setup completely in just a click of a button; from long balls to short, from much closing in to little. As the situation is on Football Manager 2013, the touchline instructions is as important as your tactical preferences and formation.

I miss the opportunity to save my main preferred touchline instructions, and import them into the new save, similar to the ability to save and import tactics, shortlists and player search filters. Hopefully FM14 will add this to the new features.

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Revive Agents and Agencies

For many Football Manager fans agents can be a pain in the ass. For the real-life manager, agents are a natural part of transfer negotiations. In Football Manager agents are only seen when negotiating contracts or when offering a player to another club.

In Football Manager 2014 I wish they would add real-life agents and agencies such as Mino Raiola, the agent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Balotelli and Paul Pogba. The agents would have the same personalities as in real life with all its pros and cons.

In the further extend of agents is to add professional agencies; corporations who tries to find new clubs for their players and who partially works with the young players to develop them to withstand pressure from the media. By reviving the agents and adding agencies in Football Manager 2014 I hope it would be an increase of promoting their players to your club by sending in a picture of the player, brief introduction to the player and strength of the player. Some agencies will be professional both when promoting the player to you and in contract negotiations, others will just try to earn as much money they can. For minor clubs who can't afford to send a scout watching the player they will need to trust the report card from the agents. The different agencies will be located in their nation with players and coaches from it, as in real life.

You can find all the different agents and agencies at Fifa.com under the officials screen for the specific country.

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Manager Contracts negotiations and managerial career progress

Able to choose your own agents
When starting your new save as a new manager of a specific club there are certain occurrences you have to take part in, such as meeting the staff, talking with the your chairman and getting the squad report by your assistant manager. Before meeting the board and finding the team to manage I would really love to have the ability to choose your agent from a list of real and generated agents (or at least that it will be assigned automatically if agents are not revived - see section above).

Revive Manager Contract negotiations
Manager contract is very basic in Football Manager 2013. Apart from being able to request your own Football Manager football philosophy, I would love if you could set some minimum request or demands for accepting a new contract, just like in real life with reference to the Jose Mourinho saga, which is going on these days.

Be able to setup a shopping list of possible transfer targets which you demands that the club approaches to sign before agreeing to a new contract or signing for a new club.

Request that the board upgrades youth facilities or other important assets to the facilities for agreeing to a new contract

Request that the board makes room for a specific favorite backroom staff of yours. This backroom staff member could exceed the limit set by the board.

Managers Coaching Attributes
When starting a new save I would really wish to have backroom staff attributes for your manager profile as well. The coaching attributes and mental attributes could start off automatically on 10 as a new manager. This way, the manager profile tab will be similar to the other managers in-game and you can compare the attributes, in additional to the AI teams to discover what football style you may prefer to use. These attributes can increase or decrease as time passes by. I can see two options for them to increase or decrease:

Increase attributes: You need to attend coaching seminars just like the general coaches to improve the attributes in additional to make them increase a long with your manager style and tactical preferences. One way to do this is that you need to read an article about team talk, scouting or f.ex attacking style of play which you need to confirm to increase the stats and coaching level.

Attributes may decrease if you can't handle morale or team talk well. Or are consistently buying poor players who don't fit your tactic in regard to attributes mental, judging player ability and tactical knowledge.

These tips are written with Daniel Hubner.

Add Favorite Personnel for your Manager Profile
I would also liked the ability to create a list of one to three favorite personnel and players when start of a new game. If not the ability to develop relationships with backroom staff members, palyers and managers who can become favorite personnel, as time passes by. Perhaps you have bought 5-star chief scout Alexandre Ceolin who have been part of your squad for two or three seasons, which may qualify him to become favorite personnel of yours.

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Enhance your Football Manager experience - Download Passion4FM's created add-ons for FM13

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FM 2013 Attacking Tactic: Earn It 3-6-1

Football Manager 2013 Attacking Tactic by Daniel Hubner

In this Football Manager 2013 Tactical experiment I wanted to create the ideal teamwork tactic, a tactic that depends on much work rate and players interacting for the benefit of the team. This tactic is created for Football Manager 2013. It can be described as an attacking tactic, but is much more than that!

When creating this FM 2013 tactic I was inspired by several concepts both from tactics I have used by some great tacticians in the Football Manager Community, as well as the real life principles of Antonio Conte. If you're unfamiliar with those, it is basically an idea about movement, tracking back and pressuring relentlessly. No player is allowed to be idle and not work hard for the team.

Check out Football Manager 2013 Attacking Tactic "Earn it" 3-6-1 a great tactic which relies on teamwork and work rate!

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Earn It 3-6-1 - The Formation

The formation of my Football Manager 2013 tactic is described as 3-6-1, but it can also be described as a 3-1-4-1-1.

There are several good points about this tactical system, as it is highly flexible, going through various shapes in defence, transition and attack. It is difficult to break down, as it creates a 5 man block at the back with wingers dropping back without the ball, and the 3+3 stockade of defenders and midfielders forms an unbreakable wall of players, resulting in opponent shooting wildly or losing possession.

The only drawbacks of this FM 2013 tactic is the space given to the fullbacks or a quick counter(but what tactic isn't suspect to counter-attacks?). The fullbacks, however, tend to cross, dwell or pass inside, due to lack of other options. If they cross, the safety of 3 central defenders in addition to the goalkeeper will always clear the ball, and if they dwell or pass inside, the Box to Box Midfielder will usually pick them up or the pass.

What to do if experiencing red card?
Remove your attacking midfielder

Team Instructions

Screenshots of Attacking / defensive play (my team in white shirts):

A counter down opposition right wing, players rushing in to the box, with plenty of opportunity to finish, pounce on rebounds etc

Loads of players flooding the box, the defensive midfielders holding his position in control of the striker and the 3 center backs deep on their half

Very little space for opposition, everyone well marked, center-backs creating an effective triangle, while my keeper easily intercepts a hopeless cross

Diamond form in the middle which is difficult to break down, the defensive midfielder providing the link between defense and offense

Attacking midfielder and striker harassing opponent, while midfield and defense form two lines of defense - very difficult to break down, while my wingers track back their respective winger

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Player roles and key attributes

Important player attributes:
First of all, as mentioned briefly in the introduction to this tactic, the key attributes to this attacking tactic is players with good work rate. That player attribute will spur the players to work all over the pitch.

Next, the player attribute Teamwork is a good addition as well as other "team mental attributes" and a good amount of stamina, as the players needs to cover a lot of ground.

Player roles and required attributes for succeeding:
The sweeper keeper should have good ratings for aerial ability and command of area, for catching all those crosses coming in, while also being an intimidating presence for opposition attack.
Player type recommendations: Wojciech Szczęsny, Manuel Neuer

You can read more about the most important goalkeeper attributes and their definition in our Football Manager Guide to Goalkeeper attributes

Central Defenders
The one in the middle should be pacey, as well as having good ratings for anticipation, heading and jumping. The two on the sides will be the tall guys, winning headers and clearing the ball.
Player type recommendations: Sergio Ramos or Thiago Silva flanked by Ryan Shawcross and Alex.

Defensive Midfielder
Don't be confused by his player role, as he will be far more creative than a regular defensive midfielder. Look for a deep-lying playmaker, but with greater emphasis on defensive attributes. They will be your creative terriers in the team having good amount of aggression and work rate.
Player type recommendation: Daniele de Rossi

Box to Box Midfielder
The box to box midfielders are the heart, soul and lungs of your team. Running even up to 15(!) km per game, they will harass the opponent all over the pitch, create and score those important goals. Look for complete players with the highlighted box to box midfielder player attributes, such as Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell, James Milner - you get the drill.

Defensive Wingers
Don't be fooled by their defensive role. They will, as the central midfielders, work up and down the pitch, tracking back in defence and driving to the byline in attack. They will man-mark any opposition wingers to track back movement, and prevent the opponent from playing, as well as intercepting passes and creating goals. Look for quick players with great work rate and stamina. Crossing is also important and dribbling and tackling is a bonus.
Players like Leighton Baines, Gareth Bale, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal come to mind.

Advanced Playmaker
The attacking midfielder is the brain of your system. He will mastermind your team, creating the chances and linking the play, as well as scoring. Think a maestro in the center, a Zinedine Zidane for your team, although you want that work rate to be there for him.
Player type Recommendation: David Silva, Shinji Kagawa, Toni Kroos, Will Hughes

Poacher
The striker is the goal-getter, pacey strikers will work, as well as the tall ones. To be honest, I haven't found the ultimate striker for this tactic, although attributes like pace/acceleration, composure, passing and finishing will be beneficial. The more complete the player is, the better so think Carlos Tevez or Edison Cavani.

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General training and Individual Training

In pre-season:
General Training: Fitness - Very High
Match preparation: 50% Tactics Only

When In season:
General Training: Balance - High
Match preparation 30% Teamwork

You can read more about how to get the players ready for competitive matches in our Football Manager guide to Pre-Season.

Individual training - Individual roles:
I tend to use individual training for my players, according to the roles they're playing in my team. It seems to give me better results, and I believe that it makes the player more complete, as opposed to focusing on one attribute. Of course, there are exceptions. If your player is already an excellent footballer, but lacks that single attribute, you can focus on that. A good example is Cristiano Ronaldo - you will not manage to make his attributes any better, but you can focus on his composure which is only 10. I did so, and after a season it went up to 11.

Goalkeepers - Sweeper keeper
Central Defenders - Ball playing defender
Defensive Midfielder - Deep lying playmakers
Central Midfielder - Box to Box midfielder
Wingers - Defensive wingers
Attacking midfielder - Advanced playmaker
Striker - Complete forward

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Player Preferred Moves - Key PPM's

Defensive midfielder:
- Try killer balls often
- Come deep to get the ball
- Dictate tempo
- Shoot with power

Central midfielder:
- Try killer balls often
- Shoot with power
- Get forward whenever possible

Wingers:
- Run with ball often
- Knock ball past opponent
- Try killer balls often
- Switch ball to other flank

Attacking midfielder:
- Try killer balls often
- Run with ball through centre
- Move into channels
- Plays one-twos

Striker:
- Run with ball through centre
- Places shots
- Move into channels
- Look to break offside trap
- Play one-twos

You can see the full list of all the PPM's in our Football Manager guide to Player preferred moves.

Set up Opposition Instructions

I use the opposition instructions used by the creator of Arrigo Sacchi's 4-4-2 FM13 tactic, a brilliant FM 2013 tactic, which I recommend to everyone.

For those who have not seen the opposition instructions of this tactic, here are how I set up opposition instructions:

Show onto foot - every player with one foot reasonable or weaker
Tackling Hard - every player with bravery 11 or lower
Closing down always on defenders with composure, concentration or decision of 10 or lower
Closing down always on mids and attackers with pace and acceleration of less than 12 - although this can be flexible, and should be judged according to pace of your own players. If a player has pace 11 and acceleration 13, you might consider applying closing down
Tight mark always on midfielders and attackers with pace and acceleration of less than 12 - although this can be flexible, and should be judged according to pace of your own players. If a player has pace 11 and acceleration 13, you might consider applying tight marking
Closing down always on players with long shots of 14 or more

Apart from this, and this is very important(!), you will need to instruct your players to man mark individually according to oppositions formation:
- Whenever you play against wingers, instruct your wingers to man mark the opposition teams wingers specific. - Whenever your opponent uses an AMC you mark him specifically with your DM.

NOTE! Pay attention to formation changes. If your opponent changes formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 you will need to put your DM back to zonal marking, or else he will mark the wrong area of the pitch and unbalance the formation!

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Preferred Touchline Instructions - Shouts

Work ball into box
Play through defense
Retain possession
Exploit the flanks
Pass into space

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Records and Achievements

Result from Europa Leauge

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Download FM13 Tactic; Earn it 3-6-1

FM13 Tactic Earn it 3-6-1
Created and works for the latest match engine; 13.3.3

How to import the tactic to Football Manager 2013?

1) Import the tactic to the specific folder: "Your Documents" > Sports Interactive > Football Manager 2013 > Tactics

2) Go to the Overview Panel of Team Tactics - choose Add Tactic - Options - Manage Tactics - Choose to open Archive Tactics and add Earn it 3-6-1

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Hope you enjoy my Tactical experiment and I'm looking forward to hearing from you, feel free to ask any questions and please post your results, as well as giving me feedback through the comment field below!

This Football Manager 2013 Tactic is created by Daniel Hübner

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Check out more Football Manager 2013 Tactical guides and tips

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Arsenal FC - New players inbound! FM13 Video Story

Football Manager 2013 Story: Arsenal FC - Season 2013/14, Episode 1 w/ Commentary

We are proud to entertain you with FootballManagerTube's amazing high-quality Football Manager 2013 video Story! The Football Manager Story about Arsenal FC comes with commentaries and shows you FMTube's career progress!
Sit back, relax, listen and enjoy the world of Shaun Skeen on Football Manager 2013!

Here is episode one in season 2013-14! Arsenal FC is on road for new trophies and victories!

After the events of last season which saw Arsenal beat the new Champions in their own backyard to secure UEFA Champions League football Shaun Skeens Arsenal side must now improve on their fourth place finish and try and challenge the other three teams ahead of him to the title.

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Football Manager 2013 - Arsenal Story (S02E01) - All or nothing! - FM Story

A new season but the same situations. As the new season arrives and the transfer window has opened, it is time for the Arsenal board and staff to clear out the deadwood and bring in some new faces, however how will Arsenal cope when a European giant comes calling for my captain? Pre-season starting and all the frustration that goes with it, how will my side deal with the pressure of the boards expectations for the new season?

Football Manager 2013 Video Stories made by FootballManagerTube

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Arsenal FC: Signed for the future! FM Story Episode 1

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Top 5 Best English Talents of nPower Championship

Top 5 Hottest Youngsters of English nPower Championship

As part of our Talent spotter we will today introduce you to the best English Talents in the first division of England.

The NPower Championship has proven to be a great market for hand-picking young talents with potential to star on the big stage. You only need to look at the likes of; Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Victor Moses, Kyle Naughton, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Kyle Walker, who all have either international caps or played in European competitions this season. It is evident that the Championship is a league where young players can nurture their talents and define ability. Nathaniel Clyne, Steven Fletcher, Robert Snodgrass, and Jonny Howson are also former N-Power Championship players now playing in the Barclays Premier League. England capped goalkeeper Jack Butland and fellow countryman Wilfred Zaha are the latest to make the step up to Premier League level having already agreed deals to sign in the summer to Stoke City (£3.5m) and Manchester United (£15m) respectively.

In this article we will introduce you to the best English Talents of nPower Championship, who can become future superstars.

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Will Hughes, Derby County, (07/04/95), CM

Will Hughes is a remarkable young English talent. The newly capped England Under-21 midfielder has the potential to go the furthest, as he became the 2nd youngest ever to appear at that level, just behind a certain Theo Walcott! Known for his flair and dribbling ability, Will Hughes has already made his mark on the County first team having made 38 appearances and scoring twice within his first 2 years as a professional footballer.

In January 2013, it was reported that the 18 year old had almost half of the Premier League clubs keeping a watchful eye over his form and future potential. Despite the fact none were willing to take the risk in the most recent transfer window, it won't be long before this young man is plying his trade at the likes of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and The Emirates.

Although he is currently being comparing to the likes of Xavi and Iniesta, his play style is more of a Box-to-Box midfielder with plenty of versatility and a game changing moment in his locker. So, keep an eye out for this young man, as I would wager my house and car that he outgrows the English youth team before the age of 21 and will likely be partnering Jack Wilshire as replacements for long-standing midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

You can read more about Will Hughes in our list of Top 10 Young Football Talents of 2013.

Matej Vydra, Watford, (01/05/92), ST

The Czech striker Matej Vydra was awarded the 2012/13 nPower Championship Player of the Year. Having notched 20 goals at a rate of a goal every second game, the Udinese loanee has been on terrific form for Watford in his first season in the English game. His manager, former Chelsea great, Gianfranco Zola has publicly stated that he wants to sign the Czech Republic international on a permanent basis, a deal which could be helped by the fact that Watford and parent club Italians Udinese share the same owners.

Matej Vydra has already been capped 7 times for the Czech national team, scoring twice in their recent 3-0 win over Armenia, the recently turned 21 year old looks set to have a bright future in the English game if he decides to remain at Watford permanently. Matej Vydra and his strike partner Troy Deeney have been instrumental in Watford’s push for promotion to the top tier of the English game, even though they were only outsiders for promotion and are now in a 4-way shootout with Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leicester for the last remain spot via the play-offs.

Watford’s current top goal scorer has shown his devastating mixture of pace and composure, scoring two goals in as many minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion is one of his seasonal highlights. His breed of a quick, composed goal scorer (similar to a younger Michael Owen) which is rarely found around the leagues at the moment and has proven to be a contributing factor in Watford’s successful season.

There is much speculation about the young Czech Republican’s future, with some even touting him to replace Borussia’s Robert Lewandowski should he leave Dortmund this summer.

Tom Ince, Blackpool, (30/01/92), AMR/L

Probably the most familiar player on this list is England under 21 international, Tom Ince. Not only is his cousin in girl band The Saturdays, but his father (and current club manager), is former England and Manchester Untied favorite Paul Ince. Tom Ince has risen through the ranks at Liverpool but when the Anfield club deemed him not worthy of a new contract in 2011, Championship side Blackpool snapped him up. The ironic January transfer bid, believed to be around £6m, from Liverpool to bring him back to the club was rejected as Blackpool value him at a higher price.

The 21 year old winger, who has played for England in every level apart from the senior team, has been quoted to saying that he is only willing to leave Blackpool for a different club should he be guaranteed first team football. Finishing third behind Matej Vydra and Crystal Palace’s 30-goal Glenn Murray in the N-power Championship’s Player of the Year is a great achievement for this youngster, who happened to win the league’s Young player of the year this season.

Although bias, his father/manager has stated that if the recent Manchester United signing of similar player Wilfried Zaha is anything to go by, then his son is valued somewhere around £25m, on comparison Tom Ince has notched 12 more goals than Zaha this season in an inferior Blackpool side.

Tom Ince is a quick, tricky winger with the ability to change any game; he is a similar player to the likes of Aaron Lennon and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain.

Sam Byram, Leeds United, (16/09/93), RB

Sam Byram is one of a unique kind, having signed his first senior contract last summer and going on to play 44 games in his first season. The majority of players are slowly worked into a team, with some often sent out on loan for a few years to gather first team experience. The 19 year old right sided defender, whom also scored 3 goals this year, has made the position at his club his own and is one of the first names on the former UEFA Champions league regulars Leeds United team sheet and although the fallen giants are much changed this year, the ever-present has been Sam Byram.

Sam Byram is a solid full back with plenty of pace and ability to overlap the player in front, let him to attract attention from many Premier League sides, with Manchester City reported to be tabling a £10m bid for him in the next transfer window. Despite the fact that Byram hasn’t yet appeared in the international set-up yet, it is only a matter of time before he follows the likes of Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, Paul Robinson, James Milner and Jonathan Woodgate from the Leeds Academy into their respective International sides.

If you want to see this boy’s ability, you show look up his goal against Oxford United in the Capital One Cup to witness something you would only expect from the likes of Gareth Bale (whom Byram also managed to keep at bay this season) and a young man by the name of Lionel Messi.

Nathan Redmond, Birmingham City, (06/04/94), Wide Midfielder

Finally, rounding off this list of Top 5 Championship starlets, we have Birmingham City winger, Nathan Redmond. The England under 19 international has yet to make an appearance in the top tier of English football, but does however, have 5 appearances and 1 goal (against Portuguese side Nacional) in the Europa League.

The 19 year old wide midfielder has been at Birmingham since he was just 8 years old and made his debut at 16 in the Capital One Cup against Rochdale. Nathan Redmond is more of a wide midfielder than winger, can play on either side of the midfield and has been one of the stars of the N-power Championship in recent times.

Interest in Nathan Redmond is high, with Barclays Premier League sides West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United have him near the top of their summer wish lists for a price of around £6m.

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This completes my list of Top 5 Best English Talents of nPower Championship. I would also like to include a mention to Wilfried Zaha and Jack Butland whom I wish the best of luck to next year as they begin their Premier League careers.

Hope you like this article written by Daniel Norman. Suggest your own English talents of nPower Championship below!

Attribution:
Image of Falmer Stadium is provided by James Boyes via Creative Commons 2.0
Image of Will Hughes and Tom Ince is provided by Matlock-Photo via Creative Commons 2.0
Image of Nathan Redmond is provided by Will bcfc via Creative Commons 3.0
Image of Sam Byram is provided by Jon Candy via Creative Commons 2.0

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Top 10 Hot Prospects of UEFA European Under-17 Championship 2013

Top 10 Ones to watch of European Under-17 Championship 2013

The 12th edition of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship is all set for kick off. This year, the final tournament will be held in Slovakia between the 5th of May and 17th of May. 8 nations will race for the title and it's predicted to become a very tight battle between some of the best nations in Europe.

For the neutral football fan the tournament will perhaps be somewhat less attractive as it lacks the presence of former title holders Holland, who have won two consecutive trophies in a row, two times champions Spain (2007, 2008), runners up in 2012 Germany (2009), France (2004) and football mad England (2010). But for the passionate football fan this tournament will give you the chance to get acquainted with some new bright football talents. For professional scouts it's a nice occasion to see how the hot prospects handle pressure from the media and press.

Over 100 young soccer talents, born after 1 January 1996, will be measured by their performances by the media, football fans and scouts from the very best clubs in Europe. The UEFA Under-17 European Championship is the chance for every young footballer to increase their reputation and perhaps be snapped up by world class clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan and Real Madrid.

The hot prospects of Euro U17 will follow in the footprints of former European Under-17 starlets such as Karim Benzema, Bojan Krkic, Stephan El Shaarawy, Wayne Rooney and Mario Götze among others. Last season Max Meyer (Schalke 04 & Germany) was named the Golden Player of the tournament. Who can earn the title as Golden Player of the tournament this year?

In this article we'll take a closer look at the Top 10 Hot Prospects of UEFA European Under-17 Championship 2013; Get to know some of the hot prospects of the final round.

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Alberto Cerri, Parma

Alberto Cerri is one of many profiles of the Italian Under 17 squad and can be recognized wearing shirt number 9. Alberto Cerri was trusted with the captain band in two matches of the elite round of European Under-17 Championship. He is one of the reasons why Italy Under-17 qualified for the final round, as he scored two decisive goals, one against Holland in the 78th minute and the other against Norway.

Cerri was born in Parma 6 April 1996. He is described as a very mature player. He is 190cm tall, weighs 82kg and is right footed. The powerful striker with much influence in the squad is physically strong, has good anticipation and technique. Cerri is good at creating space for others, has good first touch and can hold up the ball when needed. The attacking minded forward has proven to be good at positioning himself and can become vital for the Italian teams struggle for the semi-final.

Alberto Cerri got promoted to the first team of Parma before this season and earned his professional debut at March 30th 2013 playing 16 minutes against Pescara making him the youngest debutant in Serie A in the history of Parma. His record stands at 12 goals in 22 appearances for the Italian Under-17 national team and has featured in the youth levels of the Italian national team since 2011 when he was called up for Italy under-16. Daniel Zoratto, the head coach of Italy Under-17, regards Alberto Cerri as one of the key players for promotion to the semi final in the tournament.

Could he end up being awarded the title as Golden Player of the tournament?

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Valmir Berisha, Halmstad BK

Valmir Berisha is perhaps the decisive cause why Sweden qualified for their first European Under-17 Championship by scoring a late goal in the extra time against Hungary. Valmir Berisha can be described as a versatile forward and has some of the similarities of a younger Edin Dzeko. Valmir Berisha has been an important player for Sweden Under-17 in the elite round. The Halmstad forward has recorded 5 goals and 2 assists in 3 appearances of the Under-17 elite round. The lethal left footed forward of Albanian origin can be described as a mature player with good positioning, great finishing and technique. He has good strength and has also scored some goals using his head. Valmir Berisha was in negotiations with Celtic earlier this year, but unfortunately Celtic and Halmstad never agreed on the transfer price. He has also been on a trial with Spanish Espanyol at the age of 14, and has been followed by Stoke and German HSV. Perhaps this tournament would become the big breakthrough for this young hot prospect?!

Valmir Berisha is together with Gentrit Citaku and Isak Ssewankambo one of the profiles of Sweden Under-17, but is labelled as one of the best Swedish players in his age group. He is born 06.06.1996 and wears the number 9 shirt for Sweden.

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Adrian Grbic, VfB Stuttgart

Adrian Grbic is the star of the Austrian Under-17 squad together with Valentino Lazaro. He is described as one of the best talents in Austria for his age group and has potential to become an important player for the Austrian national team. Adrian Grbic was born 04.08.1996 and was bought by VfB Stuttgart before this season transferring from Rapid Vienna, where he was the centre of attention. At Stuttgart he is a fellow team mate of German striker Timo Werner.

Adrian Grbic has been an important player for the qualifiers of Austria Under-17 to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship 2013 recording 2 assists and 4 goals in 480 minutes of game play (6 appearances). The creative left winger has proven to be lethal this season, recording 16 goals in 17 appearances for the B-jugend of VfB Stuttgart, and has scored 8 goals in 11 appearances for the Austrian Under-17 team.

Adrian Grbic is a quick-footed left winger, who has shown some massive signs of improvement this season. The right footed technician is a creative player with much flair. His unpredictable play and long shot abilities makes him a real attacking threat. Adrian Grbic could be compared to his role-model Cristiano Ronaldo based on the step-over and attempts to quickly take on opponents in front of him. The European Under-17 Championship can become an important step in the football career of Adrian Grbic.


Can he score the dream goals needed for the Austrian team to promote from group A, where they will encounter two neighbours; Slovakia and Switzerland?

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Alen Halilović, Dinamo Zagreb

Alen Halilovic is one of 10 players in the Croatian Under-17 Euro squad playing for Dinamo Zagreb. He was born 18th of June 1996 in Dubrovnik and is regarded as a remarkable hot prospect. The 170cm tall wonderkid got his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb on 29th September 2012, and became the youngest player ever playing for Dinamo Zagreb. In the next playing round he scored his first goal and became the youngest ever goalscorer in the Croatian First Division. This season he has been trusted with 16 appearances for Dinamo, scoring 2 goals, and has also featured in the UEFA Champions League given his debut against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Croatian Lionel Messi has only shown short glimpses of his huge potential in the qualifiers to the 2013 European Under-17 Championship. Alen Halilovic has played four matches making two assists, facing opponents such as Spain and France. Alen Halilovic is a left-footed attacking midfielder with free-kicks and lovely long shots as his specialty. He is often compared to both Luka Modric and Lionel Messi because of his excellent technique, flair and dribbling ability. The silky left footed maestro likes to humiliate his opponents by fierce direct running at high speed, placing the ball behind the goalkeeper with elegant long shots or making an easy lob over the goalkeeper when in one on one situations. Alen Halilovic has the technique, ball control, anticipation, vision and creativity to become the Golden Player of the tournament.

All eyes will be on number 10, the most valued player in the tournament, Alen Halilovic the hot prospect of Euro Under-17 2013

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Gennaro Tutino, Napoli

A fellow teammate of Alberto Cerri is Gennaro Tutino which he has an excellent partnership with in the attacking line. The number 7, Gennaro Tutino of Italy Under-17, can be described as a right inside forward. He played the majority of matches in the qualifiers to the European Under-17 Championship. While Gennaro Tutino still aids his youth development by playing in the Napoli Primavera C, where he recorded 3 goals in 21 caps, he also features in the youth levels of the Italian national team regularly. For Italy under-17 he recorded 5 goals in 21 appearances. He has played 5 matches in the qualifiers to the Euro Under-17 and scored one important goal against Albania in the first match of the qualifiers.

This technically gifted winger can play as both left winger and striker and was born in Napoli 20.08.1996. Gennaro Tutino is 177cm tall, weighs 66kg and is right footed. Gennaro Tutino has strong legs which aids his quickness and agility, and has some of the similarites of Stephan el Shaarawy. His main strengths are in attacking parts of play where he is excellent at getting into the available space and is a real threat in one on one situations. Gennaro Tutino has good technique and dribbling because of his low center of gravity.

Look out for this hot prospect in the tournament!

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Josip Basic, Hajduk Split

Josip Basic and Alen Halilovic could become the is the captain of Croatia Under-17 and wears the number 7 shirt which may make you quickly think of Cristiano Ronaldo. Josip Basic, the hot prospect of Croatia, has been a very important player for the qualifiers to the European Under-17 Championship. The right winger (or central forward) has scored some important goals in the qualifiers and recorded 1 assist and 4 goals in 6 appearances for Croatia Under-17, which makes him the teams top scorer. Josip Basic was born in Split on March 2nd 1996 and is 176cm tall weighing 71 kg. He moved to Hajduk Split in 2010, and got his professional debut 7 April 2013 against Inter Zaprešic.

The versatile winger has some of the similarities of Alen Halilovic and has put him in the shadow after receiving the captaincy of the Croatian national team. Josip Basic has very good speed, technique and dribbling and has some of the same skills as Alen. Josip Basic has formerly been followed by Liverpool who are very keen on securing the signature of the bright Croatian wonderkid. With an excellent performance at Euro Under-17 2013, there can be an increase of interest in this bright talent.

Can Josip Basic lead Croatia Under-17 to their first Euro U17 victory?

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Valentino Lazaro, FC Red Bull Salzburg

As equally important Josip Basic is for the Croatian team, Valentino Lazaro is for the Austrian team. He is the most valued player in the Austrian team and wears the number 10 shirt. Valentino Lazaro was born on 24. March 1996 in Graz. He is regarded as one of the brightest Austrian talents. The 180cm tall hot prospect of Greek and Angolan origin was snapped up by FC Red Bull Salzburg in 2011. He got quickly noticed by Inter Milan, but signed a professional first team contract with the Austrian team instead. He got his professional debut in the start of November 2012 where he substituted the older brother of Veton Berisha, Valon. Since then Valentino has earned 4 matches for Red Bull Salzburg. Valentino Lazaro has recorded an overall of 10 matches for Austria Under-17, 3 of them in the qualifiers to the Euro Under-17 elite round. He has made 2 assists in these 3 matches.

The attacking midfielder can be described as an elegant team player who works hard both to win possession and create chances for his side. With his remarkable technique and dribbling he feeds his teammates with brilliant passes or makes some incredible dribbles to get the required space for his team mates to work in. Valentino Lazaro likes to come deep in the field and would become an excellent playmaker. He reminds me of Zinedine Zidane with his short flick-ons and running with the ball, but most of all he is hard working and a team player, which I value more!

Finally back after a long injury, Valentino Lazaro can become vital for the Austrian teams promotion to the final.

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Federico Bonazzoli, Inter Milan

Federico Bonazzoli is regarded as one of the best Italian talents coming through the Nerazzurri academy. The left footed striker has shown how remarkably lethal his left foot is the last couple of months. In the last couple of weeks he has trained with the first team of Inter Milan. Federico Bonazzoli is one of the youngest in the tournament, but can prove to become one of the best. In October, Federico Bonazzoli, scored a hat-trick against Lichtenstein in only 10 minutes! He has recorded 3 goals in 6 appearances and has scored a total of 12 goals in the youth league. Since being called up for the Italian Under-17 team he has recorded an overall of 3 goals in 10 appearances.

Federico Bonazzoli who can be described as a natural striker similar to Giampaolo Pazzini, was born 21th of May 1997 in Manerbio, a small city near Brescia. Bonazzoli's best skills can be summed up on being excellent at getting in the right position. His off the ball movement and technique has proved to give him good results. He has many aspects to still work on and develop further, but Federico Bonazzoli can become one of the best Italian strikers ever!

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Fran Brodic, Dinamo Zagreb

Fran Brodic quickly took the spotlight from Alen Halilovic previously this year. The young striker born 8. January 1997 is regarded as the hottest prospect in Croatia. The new wonderkid has been followed by the best teams in the world, such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Inter Milan. Fran Brodic scored the final goal against Spain Under 17, which sealed their fate. He has recorded 4 assists and 2 goals in 5 appearances and has been the most important player for the Croatian Under-17 teams qualifiers to the European Championship. Fran Brodic has had a great start to 2013. He got his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb on 14th April 2013 and beat Alen Halilovic in becoming the youngest ever playing for the first team of Dinamo with only four days.

Fran Brodic got promoted to the Croatia Under-17 after an amazing record for Croatia Under-16, 7 goals in 9 appearances. The lethal striker normally wears the number 9 shirt. He is described as a quick player with good strength and physicality. The most striking skills would be his calm and composure, which makes him able to score goal after goal. Fran Brodic has also good technique.

Fran Brodic, the new Croatian Wonderkid can quickly become the Golden Player of the Tournament - Watch out Italy!

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Sascha Horvath, Austria Vienna

Sascha Horvath is another hot prospect born in 22. august 1996 in Austria. The little technician has played every match for Austria Under-17 in European Under-17 Championship 2013 (6 caps, 1 assist). Sascha Horvath is a versatile central midfielder who has been trusted with the number 6 shirt at Austria Vienna. He can also play as a defensive or attacking midfielder. He is 164cm tall and weighs 65 kg. Sascha Horvath is yet to make his debut for Austria Vienna but has all the skills needed to become a great Austrian player. Hermann Geger, a Austrian national amateur coach has this to say about the skills of Sascha Horvath;

He is technically strong, fast and has a high game intelligence. The whole package is spectacular. Because it does not matter that it is smaller.

Sascha Horvath has played in the Austrian Regionalliga Ost this season recording 4 assists and 1 goal in 19 matches. For Austria Under 17 he has recorded 3 goals in 10 appearances.

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Other Important Players for the Final Round Teams

Anton Mitryushkin The 186cm tall Spartak Moscow goalkeeper is the captain of the Russian Under-17 team. He has recorded 12 caps for Russia Under-17 and 12 caps for Russia Under-16. Anton Mitryushkin will be an important player for the Russian teams way to the final. Russia is in the group of death together with Croatia, Italy and Ukraine.
Date of birth: 08.02.1996 in Krasnoyarsk.

Isak Ssewankambo is a central defender or defensive midfielder who is under contract with Chelsea. The Swedish ball winning midfielder has recorded 6 assists in 6 appearances in the European Under-17 Championship. Born on 27 February 1996 in Angered in Sweden, has played 5 matches for the Under-21 team of Chelsea in the last couple of months.

Elio Capradossi is a central defender contracted by AS Roma. He was born on 11. March 1996 in Kampala, Uganda. Elio Capradossi has recorded amazing 16 caps for Italy Under-17 and has played all matches in the European Under-17 Championship 2013.

Petar Mamic is yet another Dinamo Zagreb talent. The talented left full back gave many good performances for the Croatian Under-17 in the qualifiers to the European Under-17 Championship 2013. The Croatian hot prospect was born 6. March 1996 and has recorded 2 goals in 5 matches, which is pretty amazing, given his position on the pitch. Could Petar Mamic become the new Sime Vrsaljko?

Andriy Boyarchuk is the second top-scorer of the tournament if we look away from players who are not in the final round of the tournament. His record stands at 2 assists and 5 goals in 6 appearances. He scored a hat-trick against Estonia in the elite round and also the decisive goal against Germany, which knocked them out of the tournament. He was born 23. April 1996 and is under contract with Shakhtar Donetsk. Like Poland is known for producing great goalkeepers, Denmark for their great midfielders, Ukraine has now managed to develop a great hot prospect who can follow in the foot paths of Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko.

Daniil Buranov is a Spartak Moscow attacking midfielder. He was born 11. February 1996 in Moscow and is 178cm tall. In the Euro Under-17 Championship the technical midfielder has recorded 4 assists and 1 goal in 6 matches. He has an overall record of 2 goals in 12 appearances for Russia Under-17 and has also 10 caps for Russia Under-16. He was promoted to Spartak II in January. The hot prospect with number 8 shirt can also play as central midfielder.

Filip Lesniak is a hot prospect born in Kosice in 14. May 1996. The Slovakian talent is under contract with Tottenham Hotspurs and is a central midfielder.

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Download Football Manager 2013 Shortlist of Best Young Talents U18

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Arsenal FC - All or nothing! Football Manager 20013 Story

Football Manager 2013 Story: Arsenal FC - Season 2012/13, Episode 10 w/ Commentary

We are proud to entertain you with FootballManagerTube's amazing high-quality Football Manager 2013 video Story! The Football Manager Story about Arsenal FC comes with commentaries and shows you FMTube's career progress!
Sit back, relax, listen and enjoy the world of Shaun Skeen on Football Manager 2013!

Here is the final video of season 2012-13 for Arsenal FC in FM13!

After Shaun Skeens Arsenal FC were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League his side must now fight for the right to play in the competition come next season! Will the Arsenal players be able to get them self up for the challenge or will the Real Madrid result have an affect on the players moral? Only one way to find out!

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Football Manager 2013 - Arsenal Story (S01E10) - All or nothing! - FM Story

Here it is! The last day of the season, my side must take at least nine points from the remaining three games to make sure that we will defiantly guarantee UEFA Champions League football for the next season. That will be no easy task though as I have to host North London rivals Tottenham and then travel to the new/soon to be Barclay's Premier League champions Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge. It is not going to be easy, lets hope for the best!

Football Manager 2013 Video Stories made by FootballManagerTube

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Arsenal FC: Signed for the future! FM Story Episode 1

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Arsenal FC - Getting tight in race for fourth! FM13 Story

Football Manager 2013 Story Arsenal FC Season 2012/13, Episode 9 w/ Commentary

We are proud to entertain you with FootballManagerTube's amazing high-quality Football Manager 2013 video Story! The Football Manager Story about Arsenal FC comes with commentaries and shows you FMTube's career progress!
Sit back, relax, listen and enjoy the world of Shaun Skeen on Football Manager 2013!

Here is the ninth video of season 2012-13 for Arsenal FC in FM13!

Following the results from the last episode; which will be considered poor from Shaun Skeens point of view. The Gunners must make sure that the Premier League is their main focus, slipping down the points tally last month has done them no favours and has just piled more pressure on manger Shaun Skeen.

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Arsenal; Getting tight in race for fourth - Football Manager 2013 Story (S01E09)

It has all fell apart for the English side from North London. What looked like it could become an great year with UEFA Champions League qualification and a trophy in the cabinet, it looks like neither will happen. What a terrible month for the Arsenal, how will Shaun Skeen motivate his side to turn it around.

Football Manager 2013 Video Stories made by FootballManagerTube

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Arsenal FC: All or nothing! FM Story Episode 10

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Arsenal FC - Trophies becoming a distant memory? - FM13 Story

Football Manager 2013 Story Arsenal FC Season 2012/13, Episode 8 w/ Commentary

After the events of the last Football manager 2013 video Story episode, which had a great start but poor ending, how will Shaun Skeens Arsenal react to the defeat from Stoke? With some very important games this month which include games in the UEFA Champions League and in the FA Cup. A Giroud master class really caught the eyes of spectators this month and maybe even you?

We are proud to entertain you with FootballManagerTube's amazing high-quality Football Manager 2013 video Story! The Football Manager Story about Arsenal FC comes with commentaries and shows you FMTube's career progress!
Sit back, relax, listen and enjoy the world of Shaun Skeen on Football Manager 2013!

Here is episode eight in season 2012-13 at Arsenal FC at Emirates Stadium.

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Arsenal; Trophies becoming a distant memory? - Football Manager 2013 Story (S01E08)

We are not starting to enter squeaky bum time. Shaun Skeens Arsenal will have some channelling if they really want to maintain their UEFA Champions League spot next season. On the other hand, the Gunners will not need finish in the top four if they manage to win the competition but before they do that they have to advance past Basel. Find out how they do.

Football Manager 2013 Video Stories made by FootballManagerTube

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Arsenal FC: Getting tight in race for fourth! FM Story Episode 9

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