When acquiring players, I've tended to focus on finding a matching playing style. But at what point does talent (aka rating) outweigh playing style? 1 point? 5 points, 10 points?
Below are two examples of scenarios I encounter frequently in the game. Let's assume that in the examples below the salaries, ages, and positions are all the same so the only thing I'm evaluating is rating and playing style.
Example 1: There are two players who are 70 rated. Player A plays the same playing style as the manager but Player B does not, I'll always go with player A.
Example 2: Player A is 70 and plays the same playing style but Player B is 72 but plays a different style. I'd probably go with Player B in this instance.
Again, salaries, ages, and positions are equal so it's all about rating and playing style.
At 5 Points, Playing style wont matter. Thats a big difference in skill. Most Importantly though, It depends on your roster makeup. It doesnt hurt to have a few guys out of your system, but too many and it will come into play. Pay attention to trends of the players you want fitting into a certain system. You may want to change it, unless that would put you at risk of losing irreplaceable Managers or Coaches. Irreplaceable is relative to the drop off in this replacement or your clubs reputation.
Truly, I pay more attention to the players age and makeup of his skill set. Id take a Defender 3 overall points lower if his defense and pass are better. This would be the case if his attacking & finishing were much lower than the other player in consideration.
I also like to have one player that is a great scorer even if he cant pass. But aside from him, I pick players that can pass and score even if slightly lower rank. Attacking players and midfielders that can pass and score are more versatile when switching formations. Pay attention to Defense with Midfielders, as it also adds versatility. You may find some attackers with defense, but its rare and only a real added value if a close call between two players.