Cm 01 02 Patch 3968 Best Players Better Direct
Championship Manager 01/02 is the final official update, refining the match engine to be slightly more challenging than earlier versions while preserving the legendary "super-players" that fans still hunt for today. The Must-Buy Legends
These players are universally considered the "gods" of the game, capable of transforming any squad into champions: Maxim Tsigalko
Often cited as the greatest CM player ever. Despite a low real-world profile, he is a goal-scoring machine in 3.9.68. Tó Madeira
A legendary "fake" player (scouter self-insert) who is essentially a cheat code if you have a large database loaded.
Known as "The Scottish Zidane," he is an essential midfield engine available for a relatively low fee from Falkirk. Taribo West
The ultimate free agent. He is a world-class defender who can be signed immediately without a transfer fee. Elite Wonderkids
These young stars have massive potential and often become the best in the world within a few seasons: cm 01 02 patch 3968 best players better
patch 3.9.68 but none of the usual culprits seem to have - Facebook
If you are a fan of the legendary Championship Manager 2001/2002, you know that the v3.9.68 patch is the definitive "final" version of the official game. This patch isn't just about fixing the infamous West Ham duplicate strikers bug or sorting out the Polish and Argentine league structures; it significantly refines the database, making certain "wonderkids" and bargain legends more essential than ever for a winning squad. 9.68 database to make your team better immediately. The "Super Greeks" and "Super Swedes"
In the .68 patch, certain leagues became gold mines for elite talent at bargain prices. The Greek and Swedish leagues are particularly "overpowered" in this version.
Anastasios Skalidis (SC): Widely regarded as the best striker in the game. Signed from Chania for roughly £150k, he routinely averages over 1.25 goals per match.
Alexandros Papadopoulos (SC/F C): A 15-year-old phenom at the start. While he may take a season or two to reach his peak, he often matures into a world-class forward worth over £30m.
Kennedy Bakircioglü (AM/F RLC): The versatile king of the Swedish league. He is a must-sign for any mid-to-top-tier club due to his ability to play anywhere across the attacking midfield. Championship Manager 01/02 is the final official update,
Kim Källström (AMC): Another Swedish legend who provides incredible creativity and long-range shooting from the midfield. Essential Free Agents and Bargains
Starting with a small budget? Patch 3.9.68 offers several high-quality players available for zero or very low transfer fees at the start of the first season.
Taribo West (DC): One of the most famous free agents in CM history. He is available immediately and can slot into the defense of almost any team in the world.
Ibrahim Said (SW/D/DMC): A versatile Egyptian defender who can be acquired for a modest fee and develops into a world-class "spine" player.
To Madeira (SC): Note: While a legendary "cheat" player in earlier versions, he was removed from official patches after being discovered as fictional. If you are playing the "pure" 3.9.68 official database, look instead for Maxim Tsigalko (also known as Maxim Tsyhalka), who remains a goal-scoring machine. Elite Potential: The World-Class Wonderkids
If you have the budget, these players represent the absolute pinnacle of potential in the 3.9.68 update. 3.9.68 Good Players - Google Groups Better than best: Tsigalko (value) > Shevchenko (cost
3. Results – The “Patch 3968 Hall of Better”
| Player | Position | CA (start) | AvR (peak) | Cost (£) | Key outperformance vs. CA 180+ | |--------|----------|------------|------------|----------|--------------------------------| | Maxim Tsigalko | ST | 120 | 8.45 | 1.1M | Scores 60+ goals/season – pace + finishing glitch | | Julius Aghahowa | ST/AMR | 145 | 8.30 | 7M | Acceleration 20 – unmarkable in patch 3.9.68 | | Mike Duff | DR | 105 | 7.95 | 100k | Beats Figo 1-on-1 statistically (weird defensive calculation) | | Kim Källström | MC | 130 | 8.10 | 2.5M | Long shots 20 + consistency 20 – outperforms Zidane in AvR | | Mark Kerr | DMC | 115 | 7.85 | Free | 30+ tackles/game, no injuries – hidden “Dirtiness” exploit | | Tó Madeira | ST | 140 | 8.70 | 8M | Fictional player – but perfect hidden attrs. Unfair but “betterest” |
Better than best: Tsigalko (value) > Shevchenko (cost 20x, same goals).
1. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Why he is better: In patch 3.9.68, Messi isn't just a high CA (Current Ability) player; his hidden attributes are broken. With 20 for Dribbling, Passing, Creativity, and Anticipation, plus a "Consistency" rating of 20, he performs in every single game. He is better than the original CM legends because he has no weakness—his natural fitness is 19, meaning he doesn't decline until age 36.
- Where to play: AMC (Attacking Midfielder Center) or AMR (Inside Forward).
- Verdict: The best player in the database. Sign if you can afford his £500k/week wages.
4. The Hidden Algorithm: How to Find Your Own "Better" Player
Instead of memorizing names, learn the system to find players better than the ones on any forum:
- Search for "Determination" 20 + "Work Rate" 18+: These players overperform their CA. A mediocre player with maxed determination will win headers and tackles he has no right winning.
- Ignore "Flair" for defenders, worship "Positioning": A defender with Positioning 20, Anticipation 18, and Pace 15 (e.g., Lúcio or Walter Samuel) is better than a star with higher CA but lower positioning.
- The Scandinavian Goldmine: Sort Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish leagues by "Value" under £500k. Scouts will find you players like Steffen Iversen, Erik Nevland, or Tommy Jönsson who are better value than overpriced English stars.
- Check "Dirtiness" hidden stat: The best players are available for every match. Avoid anyone with Dirtiness > 15 (they get red cards). Instead, find players with Sportsmanship 18+ – they never get suspended. That’s better for a title run.
Gameplay impressions
- Early seasons feel familiar but with more realistic league competition.
- Notable players emerge realistically; some patched wonderkids make saves more rewarding.
- Tactical outcomes more consistent; result variance slightly reduced compared to vanilla.
Pros
- Improved realism: Squads and player abilities feel more accurate than the stock 01/02 database for the patch era.
- Longevity: Makes long-term saves more enjoyable with refreshed youth prospects and transfers.
- Community-tested: Widely used, so many edge issues already discovered and patched by users.
- Lightweight: Keeps original gameplay feel; not an overhaul—good for purists.
Why This Patch Makes Players "Better" Than the Original Legendary Game
You might be nostalgic for Mark Kerr (the £500k Scottish god) or Maxim Tsigalko (the Belarusian 70-goal striker). However, patch 3.9.68 offers a better experience for three reasons:
- Realism in Challenge: In original CM, you could buy 10 unknown superstars for £5M total. In patch 3.9.68, clubs demand £100M+ for Haaland or Mbappé. The financial system is harder, making the "better" players a genuine long-term investment.
- Attribute Rebalancing: The original rewarded only Pace and Finishing. Patch 3.9.68 makes Work Rate, Teamwork, and Positioning matter more. A player like Pedri (low pace, high mentals) is now viable.
- Longevity: Players in this patch have higher Natural Fitness. Messi can play until 38. Ronaldo (if included) is still a beast at 40. You don't have to rebuild every 5 seasons.
8. Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
- The American sensation: If you search "cm 01 02 patch 3968 best players better" in forums, Reyna appears constantly. Why? His Flair is 19 and Technique is 18. The patch made him two-footed (20/20 for Left/Right). This is exceptionally rare. Two-footed players in CM 01/02 are worth double because they can’t be marked. Reyna is better than any original winger because defenders always show him onto his “weaker” foot—but he doesn’t have one.
2. Positional Superiority: Where You Can Actually Improve
You cannot find a better pure striker than Maxim Tsigalko (unless Anatoli Todorov—PA 185, but less physical—develops perfectly). But you can find a better defensive midfielder than Mark Kerr? Kerr is cheap, young, and has great teamwork. However, for a top-tier club, Fabio Celestini (Lausanne) offers superior passing and creativity from deep. For a pure destroyer, Jamie Victory (Cheltenham) has monstrous physical stats for a DMC, better than Kerr in tackling and stamina. Similarly, in goal, everyone takes Costanzo (River) or Chiotis (AEK). But Dida (on a free after season 1) or Sebastián Saja have better aerial ability and command of area—stats that prevent the "corner glitch" goals.