THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
For all players on the NT (and all players in general), make sure they only play between 48 and 90 minutes of game time each week (INCLUDING the Cup/scrimmage, that's 3 games a week). I know it's hard because they're probably your best player, but otherwise their Game Shape gets absolutely killed (I see a lot of average and mediocre's out there, NOT GOOD). Players in bad Game Shape can drop at least 1-2 Ratings points compared to normal.
This will help your own team AND help me with the NT. Thanks!