What are Traits?
First of all, remember that traits are different from specialities. Traits enable a player to perform certain ‘moves’ when controlled by you. They also increase the chance that a player will use those moves, when controlled by the CPU.
Traits
The following traits are in alphabetical order, to make it easier if you’re looking for something specific.
Some of these traits are no longer active in the latest edition of FIFA, or only used in player career mode.
‘CPU AI Only’ means that they’re only active when the player and his team are being controlled by the CPU. They won’t apply when you’re controlling the player as they’re all actions you can do manually.
1-on-1 Rush
Goalkeeper will rush out to close down an attacker during a 1-on-1 situation.
Acrobatic Clearance
Virtual Pro only.
Enables spectacular defensive clearances. Tends to work when the defender is facing his own goal.
Argues with Officials
Not active in Career Mode
This trait would affect cut scenes following a refereeing decision. The player would be remonstrating with the referee.
Avoids Using Weaker Foot
Will avoid using weaker foot to shoot, even when it might provider a better angle. Players without this trait are more likely to shoot with whatever foot suits their stance and the angle from goal.
Backs Into Player
Useful trait for hold up play. The player will back into the defender, shielding the ball from them.
Beat Offside Trap
Attackers with this trait will look to time their runs and utilise their pace to get in behind defences.
Bicycle Kicks
Virtual Pro only.
Unlocks ability to perform overhead bicycle kicks when attacking.
Cautious With Crosses
Opposite of ‘Comes for Crosses’. This makes goalkeepers conservative about coming to claim crosses.
Chip Shot
CPU AI Only
Will try and chip the goalkeeper, even if he is only just off of his line.
Chipped Penalty
Not active in Career Mode
Enables cheeky dinked or ‘panenka’ style penalties.
Comes For Crosses
Opposite of ‘Cautious with Crosses’. Makes goalkeepers take more risks to claim crosses.
Crowd Favourite
Not active in Manager Career Mode
Popular with the fans.
Diver
Players with this trait are more likely to go down under minimal contact.
Dives Into Tackles
CPU AI Only
Makes a defending player more aggressive, choosing to dive into a tackle rather than jockey an attacker. Also increases the likelihood of employing a sliding tackle.
Diving Header
Virtual Pro only.
Enables players to dive to connect with balls they might otherwise miss.
Driven Pass
Not active in Manager Career Mode | CPU AI Only
This would enable and increase the chances of a player making low driven passes.
Early Crosser
CPU AI Only
Players with this trait are more likely to attempt a cross before getting level with the penalty area. Providing they have high crossing and curve attributes, they can be very effective. It also seems to add curl to early crosses, rather than sending it diagonally straight towards the goal.
El Tornado
Not active in Manager Career Mode
Enables players to use the El Tornado skill move.
Fancy Flicks
Not active in Manager Career Mode
Enabled cute touches and backheels to quickly move the ball.
Finesse Shot
Improves quality of finesse shots by maximising the amount of curl applied to the shot.
Flair
Allows players to perform flair touches, fancy flicks, rabona crosses etc. Seems to now encompass a range of traits that used to exist, such as fancy flicks and stutter penalty.
Flair Passing
Virtual Pro only.
Enables extravagant passes, flicks and one-twos.
Giant Throw-In
This trait increases the maximum distance of a throw-in, even more than the Long Throw-In trait. A throw-in of this kind can comfortably reach the middle of the pitch (by width) without bouncing. Just like long throws, let the quick throw-in lapse and your preferred taker should appear.
Go and check out FIFA 19 players with the Giant Throw-In trait.
GK Flat Kick
Virtual Pro only.
Adds distance to goalkeeper drop kicks by keeping it low and driven.
GK Long Throw
Increases distance that goalkeepers can throw the ball. Players with this trait can accurately find players in the opponent’s half.
GK Up For Corners
This trait will automatically send the goalkeeper into the opposition box towards the end of a match if they are drawing or losing.
Inflexible
Not active in Manager Career Mode
Injury Free
Previously called ‘Solid Player’. Reduced likelihood of injury from collisions or fatigue.
Injury Prone
Increased likelihood of injury through collision or fatigue.
Leadership
Players with this trait are likely to be automatically picked for captaincy.
Long Passer
CPU AI Only
Increases the likelihood that a player will attempt long passes, to pick out a striker or to switch the play.
Long Shot Taker
CPU AI Only
Will attempt shots on goal from distance if afforded the space.
Long Throw-In
This trait increases the maximum distance of a throw-in. Player with throw traits are more likely to be made to take a throw in, providing you don’t rush and take a quick throw.
One Club Player
Similar to Leadership, makes a player likely to be automatically picked for captaincy.
Outside Foot Shot
This trait allows players to shoot at goal with the outside of their boot. This tends to cause an opposite curve to shots taken with the inside of the foot.
Playmaker
CPU AI Only
These players request the ball more often, receive it more and will attempt to move it quickly.
Power Free Kick
Makes players attempt powerful, driven shots by taking a longer run up and smashing the ball at goal. CPU controlled players are more likely to attempt this kind of free kick than curved or finesse free kicks.
Power Header
Players with this trait are less likely to try cushioned or looping headers, and will instead power a header directly on target or into the ground. It also makes a player more likely to be present in the area during a corner kick.
Puncher
A goalkeeper with the Puncher trait will be more likely to punch crosses and lofted through balls. Rather than catching the ball
Rushes Out Of Goal
Goalkeepers with this trait won’t hesitate to rush off their line to gather a through ball.
Saves with Feet
Goalkeeper uses their feet to save low shots from close range, which is faster than getting down to save with gloves.
Second Wind
Virtual Pro only.
Gives the player a stamina boost after the 80 minute mark if their team is drawing or losing.
Selfish
Makes a player less likely to want to pass the ball, and more likely to dribble or shoot.
Set Play Specialist
Increased accuracy from free kicks.
Skilled Dribbling
Not active in Manager Career Mode
Enables close control when dribbling under pressure.
Speed Dribbler
CPU AI Only
Players with this trait are more likely to attempt to dribble with the ball at high speed.
Stutter Penalty
CPU AI Only
When taking a penalty, a player with this trait will stutter during their run up.
Sweeper Keeper
Not active in Manager Career Mode
Will rush off his line and smother the ball at an attacker’s feet if in the area, or take possession out side.
Swerve Pass
Virtual Pro only.
This doesn’t affect passing accuracy, but maximises curl applied to passes.
Takes Finesse Free Kicks
Players with this trait rely on accurate placement and curve rather than power to score free kicks.
Target Forward
Good at hold up play and winning first time headers.
Team Player
Like Leadership and One Club Player, increases the likelihood that this player will be given the captaincy automatically.
Technical Dribbler
CPU AI Only
Increases likelihood that a player will attempt an extended or mazy run with the ball.
Through Ball
Enables the ability to play through ball passes that can open up a defence.
