Football Manager 2023 will be coming later this year and one very fun way of playing the game is to employ ‘Moneyball’ tactics, but how exactly is that possible?

The game follows an annual release schedule and, while it has yet to be announced, we are confident that Football Manager 2023 will be released later this year.

It is likely to be announced relatively soon and, as a result, we’ve taken a look at how to play the Moneyball way.

It was made famous in baseball by Billy Beane, who inspired the Oakland A’s to an incredible unbeaten run, and brought in undervalued players from other teams to do so.

Moneyball tactics are surprisingly effective in Football Manager, too, with players being able to utilise the strategy to build their teams and achieve real success.

How to use Moneyball tactics in FM23

Josh Dasilva of Brentford celebrates after scoring their sides first goal

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Josh Dasilva of Brentford celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

We’re going to be utilising the rules set out in Soccernomics, the brilliant insight into the sport from Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski.

Alex Stewart of The Athletic ran a superb series on The Set Pieces, in which he used strict Moneyball rules throughout a five-year span with Bristol City.

The rules are as follows…

  • Net wage spend is more important than transfer spend.
  • Don’t splash out on new players or sell old ones when you take over a club – which is termed as New Manager Syndrome.
  • Don’t buy players based solely on their performances at international tournaments.
  • There are overrated nationalities – English, Brazilian and Dutch in particular.
  • Sell at the right time – move players on when they hit 30, although this rule does not apply to goalkeepers, as they peak later in their careers.
  • Utilise all of your scouts when assessing a player and also ask the Director of Football their opinion if you have one.
  • Buy players when they are in their early twenties.
  • Centre-forwards are often more expensive than they need to be.
  • If a club offers more than a player is worth, sell them. Also, attempt to replace them before they leave.
  • Don’t buy players needlessly – develop from within.
  • One of the key rules from another outlet is to identify and replace your weakest player in every transfer window, as opposed to trying to make the best players even better.

We’ll add our own rules here as well, so as to give you a clearer idea of which clubs you should choose.

  • Moneyball can be used at any football club but you’ll likely have more fun using a lower-league side initially.
  • Brentford have successfully utilised Moneyball tactics to go from the Championship to the Premier League. You can do similar.
  • Pick a team that is ambitious and has a reasonable wage budget – the transfer budget isn’t as important.
  • Avoid teams that want you to sign high-reputation players, such as PSG, as it can derail the entire project.
  • Base your approach around a solid defence, as opposed to relying on centre-forwards, who are over-valued.
  • Invest in your backroom team. Bring in the best scouts and coaches that you can, so they can give you the best advice possible.
  • Trust in your approach, even if you feel like you’re struggling. Don’t panic buy players and keep faith in the process.

These are the basics of a Moneyball approach in Football Manager 2023. Don’t hesitate to keep checking the rules to make sure you’re doing the right things.

We wish you all the best if you do decide to go ahead with a Moneyball save in the upcoming game!

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