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Understanding CA, RCA and PA

These three values help explain why attributes may change after an edit.

CA, PA, Recommended CA and Match CA with RCA

What the numbers mean

ValueMeaning
CA - Current AbilityThe player's current ability budget, from 1 to 200.
RCA - Recommended CAFMRTE's estimate of the CA needed for the player's attributes and positions.
PA - Potential AbilityThe ceiling for normal development. Keep CA at or below PA.
info

RCA is a recommendation. Role ratings are separate percentages that show how well the attributes fit a role.

A worked example

To raise Passing from 13 to 20:

  1. Open the player's Information page and note CA, RCA and PA.
  2. Set Passing to 20 and check the new RCA.
  3. Set CA yourself or tick Match CA with RCA.
  4. If CA exceeds PA, raise PA or reduce the edit.
  5. Select Save Changes and check the player in Football Manager.

How close should CA and RCA be?

Matching CA to RCA keeps the ability budget consistent with your chosen attributes. Football Manager can still change attributes through training, development and ageing. Freezer can hold selected values.