Thread by @FootbalIEcon

If you're gonna nutmeg Zidane, you need to get your redraft right.

Yet your competition think the same, so how do we select our reinforcements?

Here are the key factors you must consider to maximise your Global Cup redraft.

#sorare

First, some quick details on the redraft game mechanic

- Before the R16, you’re given 50pts to spend.

- You must buy 1 player from each position, for a total of 4 players.

(These two previous rules apply to ALL THREE redrafts.)

- There are 3 redrafts in total, before R16, Quarters and Semifinals, so every knockout round but the final.

- Prices change based on results. Netherlands players increased in value by around 2-5 points after the win. But French players have not changed at the time of writing.

- Once you redraft, those players are yours regardless of price changes after. But, if you try to change your redraft once a player has increased in price, you will now be subject to the new price.

So, how can we maximise our rank gain from the redraft?

An obvious one but I'll mention it just in case, DONT pick anyone who doesn't qualify for the R16, they are now useless.

Fixture Runs 🏃‍♂️

An important factor is the team’s R16 fixture, and potential following fixtures.

Look at a world cup chart like this one by Sofascore, to see how the fixtures will play out, should your team progress.

Some teams will have tougher runs than others.

Also, consider your current selection of players. You don’t want to have all your players on the same side of the draw, as you will be guaranteed to lose a portion of your cards.

Future Redrafts 📜

50pts is a lot of money to spend, but we don't know what the price changes will be like in future rounds.

In the R16 redraft, 50pts can get you 3-4 good cards, however, this may not be the case in the next redraft.

You may not need to use your R16 picks all the way to the final, but consider that this is the cheapest they will ever be.

Form 🔥

Momentum is a huge factor in short-form knockout competitions.

While you may look straight to the elite cards, lesser teams in good form can put together very deep runs.

Look for players who are hitting form.

KDB may be the superior player, but he's in poor form while the likes of Frenkie, Enzo, or Rabiot have been smashing.

Weaknesses 🤡

We have to select one player from each position, so consider the weaknesses in your squad.

Big names will appeal, but if you've opted for a low-end keeper (for example) then upgrading that could be optimal.

Draft specific to your squad, this is about maximising your rank gain from the extra 4 players.

Usage 🧠

This is a big one.

There are 4 MDs left, and with extra redrafts coming, you need to consider how much you will actually use a player.

You may pick a good player, but two MDs later you haven't used them once as you don't want to bench your alternatives.

Assets like Richarlison or Depay look appealing, but are you ever gonna play them over Messi/Neymar/Mbappe?

Regret theory comes in here, people choose the option with the least regretful downside.

Bench Richie and he hits 100, that's rough.

Bench Messi for a tough fixture, you’re gonna be kicking yourself for overthinking when the best player itw hits 100.

Don't kid yourself about how risky you're willing to be.

Tactics 🎲

Finally, consider the difference in gameplay in the knockouts, compared to the groups.

We may expect tighter games, but we will see the top teams revert to their preferred tactics to win.

In the groups, top teams could afford to play more ‘free’ due to weaker opposition, and a focus on finishing top.

Now in the knockouts, it's all about winning a single game.

So we need to consider that teams like POR or ENG may revert to defensive football, yielding possession.