How do the various player stats in DLS affect gameplay?

It’s important to say that DLS is a ‘game’ and is not intended to be a full and accurate simulation of the sport of soccer (if it was then matches would be 90 minutes long) As with any video game, part of the ‘game’ is to discover yourself how different stats affect the game, whilst managing elements of unpredictability inherent in any real football match  

It is intended though that the stats have a meaningful bearing on gameplay in line with real life strengths and attributes of players, and here is some background information: 

SPE - Speed 

• This stat affects how fast a player can run at top speed. 
• A player’s top speed decreases as their ENERGY reduces.  
• A player’s top speed also decreases when dribbling, inversely proportional to their CON stat. So, a player with a high CON stat will dribble faster than a player who has a lower CON stat, but shares the same SPE stat. 
• All this combined means that it’s entirely possible for a player with a lower SPE stat to run faster than a player with higher SPE stat, whether they are dribbling or not. 

• See also, ACC, which sets how quickly a player can reach their top speed. 

ACC - Acceleration 

• This stat controls how quickly a player can reach their top speed. 
• A higher stat means they will reach their top speed faster. 

STA - Stamina 

• This stat affects how quickly a player’s energy depletes when running during a game. 
• A player with higher STA will lose less energy by running the same distance & intensity as a player with lower stat. 
• The STA stat also affects how much a player’s energy is boosted at half time. 

• This stat impacts more on some positions than others as players in those positions run more, and with more intensity than others. For example, a centre-back will typical cover far less distance than a midfielder during a game. 

CON - Ball Control 

• This stat affects a variety of elements around a player’s skill or natural ball control ability. 
• Higher values mean: 

• A player’s speed reduces by less when dribbling 
• A player can more quickly attempt a kick following a first touch of the ball 
• A player can take more touches closer together when dribbling, for example to change direction quicker when dribbling. 
• A player’s touches of the ball keep the ball closer to the player 
• A player has a greater chance of performing ‘skill’ kicks such as Rabonas and Overhead Kicks 

• A player has a greater chance of using ‘skill’ controls, such as heel-chops etc. 
• A player is more likely to successfully execute a ‘skill shot’ (double tap or swipe). See also SHO stat. 
• A player is more likely to successfully execute of a skill move (e.g. Step-over, Marseilles turn, Heel-Flick) 

STR - Strength 

• This stat controls the impact on a player when two players come together or collide. 
• A higher stat compared to the other player means that player will be less impacted by a collision, and therefore more able to gain or maintain control of the ball, or complete execution of a kick. 
• The stat also affects the impact of a player stumbling after being tackled. A higher stat means they will stumble for less time. 

TAC - Tackling 

• This stat affects the likelihood of a successful tackle. 
• In particular, the stat affects: 
• the distance from which a player can perform a standing tackle 
• the distance from which a player can perform a sliding tackle  

PAS - Passing 

• This stat affects the accuracy of passes. 
• Players with a higher stat will be more accurate with all types of pass. 

SHO - Shooting 

• Players with a higher SHO stat will have more successful shots. 
• In particular, the SHO stat: 
• affects the accuracy of shots. Players with a higher stat will be more accurate for all types of shots 
• influences how much ‘assist’ is applied to shots. ‘Assist’ moves a shot away from the keeper 
• effects the players ability to keep a shot down / low – which increases the chance of scoring. Players with a low shooting stat are more likely to kick shots higher and potentially over the bar. 

• increases the chance of a ‘skill shot’ being successful (alongside CON) 
• increases the chance of a special kick or header being used (e.g., Overhead kick, Diving header etc.) 
• increases the amount of spin/curl on a free kick 

GKH – Keeper Handling 

• This stat indicates a keeper’s handling and ‘presence’. 
• In particular, a higher GKH stat: 
• increases the likelihood of catching a shot, compared to deflecting it  
• increases the chance of the keeper coming to claim a cross into the box 
• increases the keeper’s stability when performing a catch / save when opposition players are close or colliding with the keeper 

GKR – Keeper Reactions/Shot stopping 

• This stat indicates a keeper’s shot stopping ability. 
• In particular, a higher GKR stat means: 
• faster reaction time for shots 

• increased chance of saving a shot relative to the shot speed and save distance  
• increased chance of an ‘anticipate’ save – which is where a keeper makes a save without having had time to react 

ENERGY/Battery Icon – Player Energy 

• This stat controls the fatigue, or lack of, of a player, and its impact on their performance. 

• Below a certain level the other stats are reduced gradually as the energy drops. 
• This is most noticeable for player speed, but a tired player will perform worse in all areas.