The long awaited FIFA 17 was finally launched this week, with gamers across the globe desperate to get their hands on a copy as soon as possible.

One of the game’s most famous features is Career Mode, where you can take control of any club you like and take them to the top of world football, if you’re good enough.

Many virtual managers will have had plans for their new side drawn out for weeks now, and with the game now on many doorsteps across the world time has run out to decide who you’ll pick.

One team who present a great challenge for any manager are Southampton, on the back of two record-breaking seasons it is a tough task without the added problems of the club having sold their top talents once again.

The Saints are at a crucial point in their progress with a European campaign on the horizon and fans pining for constant improvement in domestic competitions.

If you decide to take on this challenge then here at Shoot! we’ve got your back! Here is the complete guide to Southampton on FIFA 17.

The Spine

A strong spine is a must in any successful side, whether that be in real life or the virtual world, especially if you want to make your mark as a so-called ‘smaller side’.

Big impact transfers are all well and good, but with sides on a smaller budget you need a solid side to put them into and get the best out of them. So, who can you build you team around at St. Mary’s?

Fraser Forster

The England international will be the base of any success you achieve as manager on the South Coast. His spectacular reutrn form injury last season, which in-turn sparked a change in fourtunes for Ronald Koeman’s side, proved just how crucial he is to The Saints, no need for investment here.

Virgil Van Dijk

The former Celtic man was one of the signings of the season in the Premier League last summer, with his ability to carry the ball out of the back four as well as keep it tight at the back, the Dutchman will be crucial against the top sides, at home and abroad.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

A recent addition from Bayern Munich, the Dane has the rather daunting task of filling the rather sizeable boots of the departed Victor Wanyama.

Aged just 21, however, the central midfielder looks quite the prospect, and you should look to make him the crux of a solid midfielder which can allow you forward men to wreak havoc on opposing defences.

Sofaine Boufal

A bit of an unknown quantity for Premier League fans, the former Lille man looks as if he can take English football by storm, and has often been compared to the likes of title winners Riyad Mahrez and Eden Hazard.

The 23-year-old starts out life on FIFA 17 rated at a modest 80, however, his stand out assets are his pace and dribbling rated at 85 and 87 respectively, whilst his other ratings offer plenty of room for speedy growth.

The Objectives

When you launch up your long-awaited first Career Mode on FIFA 17, you’ll instantly notice some sizeable changes to what you can effect as manager.

EA have added board level management aspects alongside the standard elements of a traditional FIFA Career Mode, all of which you are judged on by the board. There are five areas in which you have to impress your owners; domestic success, continental success, brand exposure, financial and youth development. These five factors are ranked in terms of importance, of which there are five levels; very low, low, medium, high and critical.

When taking over at Saints, the you are told that the board’s highest priority is youth development, which is understandable considering the club’s financial stature in world football and it’s spectacular record for producing young talent.

With youth development being ranked as a ‘high’ priority by the board, your tenure will largely be judged on whether or not you can promote these young players to the first team, whilst maintaining a competitive level in the Premier League and on the continent.

The other four factors are all ranked as being of ‘medium’ importance to the board, which leaves you in a tricky situation. Because youth development is highest on the list, the instant inclination would be to focus heavily on that aspect of management, however, neglect your other duties for too long and you could find yourself out of a job quicker than expected.

The Youngsters

Nathan Redmond

A quick glance at the Southampton youth ranks and you’ll notice that the current generation of up-and-comers don’t quite include a Gareth Bale or Luke Shaw, there are some talented players but nothing too great to shout about right now.

However, in summer signing Nathan Redmond, you have a pacey and skillful wide man who, if nurtured correctly, could go on to be your main man.

Matt Targett

Saints’ current first choice left-back is former Chelsea man, Ryan Bertrand and, if fit, you have no reason to drop him or sell him. However, if unavailable or after he has moved on you have a ready made and top class replacement waiting in the wings.

Whilst Bertrand may off a little more the pair are almost interchangeable, which is vital when you consider that continental success is something you should really be striving for at Southampton.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

As mentioned before, the 21-year-old is one you’ll want to hold onto as you look to challenge on both domestic and European fronts.

His development and experience at one of the biggest clubs in world football mean that he won’t be one to shy away from a big occasion, and he could prove crucial when you get to crunch time in the latter stages of the season.

Weakest Area

Southampton lost yet another crop of top talent over the summer, yet the man who left probably the largest hole is Graziano Pelle. When the Italy international made the lucrative move to China, he left behind Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez to fill his boots.

Whilst all three are good options to start up-top at St. Mary’s, they may not be the marquee strikers you’re after in order to take The Saints to the next level. On starting the Career Mode you’re given £42m to play with by the board, so you’ve got the cash to bring a big name to the South Coast.