If Dream League Soccer is like managing a farm, then player development is your fertilizer. The more targeted and smarter your upgrades, the better your team harvest. Skill boosting isn’t about being lucky—it’s about being strategic.
If you’re like me and you’ve spent hours grinding matches in Dream League Soccer (DLS), then you know how satisfying it is to build a dream team from scratch. But beyond signing world-class players, the real game-changer is how you develop them. Whether you’re aiming to boost speed, accuracy, stamina, or technical finesse, this guide will walk you through practical, non-generic tips to improve your squad’s performance.
Let’s break it down in a way even a 10-year-old football fan would understand—no fluff, no filler, just game-winning advice.
What Does Player Development Mean in DLS?
In Dream League Soccer, player development means increasing a player’s stats (attributes) so they perform better in matches. These include Speed, Acceleration, Shooting, Passing, Stamina, Strength, Tackling, and Goalkeeping (for keepers only). The higher the stats, the better the player.
For example, I once had a silver-rated striker who couldn’t score to save his life. But after focused training on his shooting and acceleration, he became a goal machine. That’s the power of development.
Key Methods of Skill Boosting in DLS
There are three primary ways to boost player skills in DLS:
1. Training with Coaches
This is the safest and most direct method.
Types of coaches: Technical, Physical, Goalkeeping, and All-Round
Tip: Match the coach to your player’s position. Don’t waste a goalkeeping coach on an outfield player.
Pro Tip: Stack coaches before training. The more you stack, the bigger the boost.
Example: Use 3 Technical Coaches on a winger like Vinícius Jr. to boost Dribbling, Ball Control, and Shooting in one go.
2. Using Gems for Player Upgrades
Yes, gems are valuable in DLS. But many players hoard them without using them wisely.
You can spend gems to instantly level up a player.
Use this for superstars only, not for average players.
Don’t waste gems upgrading a bench-warmer.
Smart Tip: Invest gems in versatile players who play multiple roles, like a CM who can also play as CB or CAM.
3. Earning XP Through Matches
Every match adds to a player’s experience (XP), even if it’s just a little.
Play more Career Mode matches for faster XP gain.
Friendly matches won’t give XP, so don’t waste your time grinding them.
Players in action gain more XP. Benched players? None.
Real-life Scenario: My custom defender “Obi” leveled up faster just because I kept him in every starting lineup—even when he was weak. His experience shot up fast.
Advanced Tips for Effective Player Growth
Now let’s get serious. If you want to take your team from average to elite, these are the strategies you should apply:
Focus on Key Stats Per Position
Don’t try to boost every attribute. That’s like trying to teach a fish how to climb a tree.
| Position | Priority Stats |
|---|---|
| Striker | Shooting, Acceleration, Strength |
| Winger | Speed, Dribbling, Passing |
| Midfielder | Stamina, Passing, Ball Control |
| Defender | Tackling, Strength, Stamina |
| Goalkeeper | Reflexes, Diving, Handling |
A defender with 90 Strength and 87 Tackling is way more effective than a 91-rated CB with no defensive boost.
Maximize Your Player Roles
In DLS, some players have multiple preferred roles (e.g., CAM/CM or CB/CDM). These roles matter when assigning coaches or training.
Multi-role players are flexible during substitutions.
Develop their primary skill area first, then add versatility.
My Take: I upgraded a CAM with passing and stamina first. Later, I used him as a CM, and he bossed the midfield.
Train Young Players Early
Younger players grow faster.
Players under 25 years old respond better to coaches.
Older players (30+) cost more to train and show fewer results.
Invest early and enjoy long-term returns.
Example: I signed a 22-year-old LW with 76 OVR. After six months of training, he became my fastest and deadliest winger.
Rotate and Test Players
Don’t be afraid to test different players in different formations and strategies.
Some players shine better in a 4-3-3 than in a 3-5-2.
Performance boosts when players are placed in their best-fit roles.
Pro tip: Use training matches to test performance without risking Career Mode progress.
Should You Use Coins or Gems?
Here’s the blunt truth:
Coins are great for signing players and light training.
Gems are premium currency. Use them for:
Legendary Coaches
Instant upgrades
Re-signing top players
Never spend gems to speed up building upgrades. That’s like buying fuel for water plants.
Player Development Summary (Pro Tips)
| Method | Best For | Cost Type | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training with Coaches | Focused stat boost for any player | Coins/Gems | High |
| XP via Matches | Long-term growth for starters | Free | Medium |
| Direct Upgrades (Gems) | Quick boost for key players | Gems | Very High |
Mistakes to Avoid
Wasting coaches on old players – They won’t grow much.
Trying to boost all stats equally – Focus wins matches.
Training bench players – Only train what you plan to use.
Ignoring stamina – A skilled but tired player is useless in the 70th minute.
Not testing formations – A good player in the wrong position is a liability.
Final Thoughts
The DLS Player Development Guide offers a practical roadmap for improving player performance in Dream League Soccer. It explains how to boost stats using methods like coach training, gems, and match XP, while emphasizing smart decisions like prioritizing key stats per position, focusing on younger players, and avoiding common mistakes. With a mix of personal tips, stat tables, and strategic advice, the guide helps players build stronger teams through skillful development rather than just star signings.
I’ve used these same tips to turn average players into DLS legends. And I believe you can do the same. So, start small, train smart, and remember: a great team isn’t bought—it’s built.
