Want to kick-start you FIFA career mode? Look here

Video games are massively popular and it is no surprise there are a healthy contingent of people who play football games such as Football Manager, FIFA, New Star Soccer and Pro Evolution to name but a few. Alongside this pastime people have documented their virtual careers as player and manager. Here Dylan Bures takes a look at how to get ahead in FIFA’s career mode by looking towards the Czech Republic

As an active FIFA player and Career Mode (formerly manager mode) enthusiast, I often see a certain question asked, that question being; “Who are the best youngsters in the game?” and I’m here to answer that…well, kind of.

Youth is an investment when it comes to FIFA. You’ve probably heard of the obvious choicess such as Romelu Lukaku or Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, but I know of a few hidden gems. You see, the Czech Republic has consistently put out great youth talent in the past decade or so, and it’s very under-appreciated. Just look at Sparta Praha with the likes of Hušbauer, Kadlec, Krejčí, and Vaclík. The future is bright for the Czech Republic, and the same can be said for their players in FIFA 13.

I have used all of the following players in a Career mode with Brighton, starting in The Championship and then through to promotion into the Premier League.

Tomáš Kalas: Although he is a hefty $11,000,000-$14,000,000, he is definitely worth it if you can afford the price tag. He starts as a solid 72 (rating) at the age of 18, but after 4-5 years of being a starter I have worked him up to a 89 and I expect him to peak around 93 or so. He is rock solid CB who wins practically every header and gains a lot of pace after some time.

Marek Suchý: Another centre back, Suchy isn’t necessarily young, being 24, but he’s another great grab if you need a solid option. With a price tag around $5,000,000 he’s fairly cheap for mid-table teams in top flights and is a great investment. He starts as a 72, just like Kalas, and grows to around 85-86 which is remarkable for a four year period. He works well with Kalas in the back; Suchy reads the passes and play whilst Kalas wins the physical challenges and headers.

Vaclav Kadlec: You knew his name was going to pop up if you’re familiar with Czech Football. The 20 year old is reported by many to peak at 75, growing 6 points from his starting overall of 69. However, I’m here to tell you that they’re wrong; this prolific striker has grown to an 83 for me and continues to improve. He has unbelievable pace (98 sprint speed, 97 acceleration) and after two or three seasons his mental attributes turn him into a perfect hit man for the counter attack. The best part is he is only about $2,000,000 to $3,000,000.

Matěj Vydra: My other striker, Vydra is actually unlisted by many databases because his estimated peak is under 75, but again they’re wrong! The 19 year old (in-game) is a bargain for about $2,000,000. He starts as a 68 but has grown to be an 85(!) for me. That’s a 17 point increase in rating! Although not the fastest player in the game, he has the ability to pull goals out of absolutely nothing and turn games around. In his first 2 seasons with me, he had scored a combined total of 56 goals. Mix Kadlec’s and Vydrato get yourself a lethal combo that will produce goals no matter who you play.

I recommend buying Vydra and Kadlec together and in your first season. They grow together and build chemistry which in turn further increases their lethality

Vladmir Darida: I have named two pairs of players who work well together, this player right here is final piece in the puzzle. Darida is by far my favourite player in the game. The 21 year old has a massive price tag of $16,000,000 but he is well worth it. He starts at a mediocre 75, but peaks at anywhere between 89-94 depending on your luck. His through balls are absolutely deadly and he can pick a part any defence he comes across. Combine this with Kadlec and Vydra and the end product is a hard-to-handle trio that will rip open any defence in the game. The only negative of Darida is that he has low stamina and his growth doesn’t really make it any better so you’ll find yourself having to rest him on jam-packed weekends.

These five players together create an amazing team that is incredibly fun to play with. It takes some time to get to the point where they are playing at their prime, but it’s well worth the wait and I highly recommend signing these young players.

Helpful Tip: I also recommend signing 2 scouts (Make sure they are both five stars in judgement and experience), then scout the Czech Republic, Mexico, and Spain as they produce the best prospects. My youth academy has given me three 90+ potential players. Plus, the Czech names are just random mixes of existing Czech players and there seems to be an infinite number of Vydra’s, so you get a bit of comedy (and confusion!) thrown in too.