Player Roles Guide for Football Manager 2023 – 2024

Putting players in the right positions is just the beginning; the next step is to get them to play roles that fit your plan. A player positions guide for Football Manager.
Updated for FM 2023 and FM24

Do you understand what your Segundo Volante, Regista, Carrilero, and Mezzala are?

Don’t worry; this complete guide assists you in each and every role.

Which position should you assign your player to?

Indeed, even just coming up with a tactic is difficult than one may think!

How do Roles Appear?

It is pretty simple to determine how effective a player is in their potential roles in Football Manager 2023.
A pop-up box with multiple shaded circles adjacent to the roles appears when a player role is selected.

The player does better in that role when the circle is greener (fuller), and conversely, when the circle is more red (less full), the player performs worse.

So how can this be changed to improve a player?
A player can learn a new role through training, development, tactics, and game time can a player learn a new role.

(1) Goalkeeper Roles

1.1 Goalkeeper

Explained The Goal Keeper role:

The Goalkeeper role is having your keeper’s main focus on making saves from shots and collecting crosses. Essentially your keeper is the last line of defense and is the “traditional” keeper. Despite being traditional, depending on their attributes they can still play key passes and have excellent distribution.

Goalkeeper (G) – GK Defend
Instructions	None
Natural playing styles	Core	Attacking	Defensive
	Balanced	Balanced	Balanced

Roles Of Goal Keeper:

• Defend – There is only one role and that is to stop goals going in. Simple and straightforward, defend the net.

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1.2 Sweeper Keeper

Explained The Sweeper Goal Keeper role:

Chance Prevention: Control the space behind the defensive back line.
This Goalkeeping role is a mixture between being a standard keeper and a Libero in essence. They will clean up balls from out wide or come out far; potentially even outside their box to play as an extra player or to initiate passes and start counter-attacks with direct through balls. A sweeper keeper does not necessarily mean a brilliant distributor – it means that they can come out quickly and clean up balls which then puts them in an advantageous position to restart play, including long clearances.

Roles Of Sweeper Goal Keeper:

• Defend duty – The keeper will play a lot more cautiously but still try to start attacking or counter-attacking plays. They do not venture too far out of their box when in possession.
• Support duty – The keeper will stray just outside their penalty box and look to be more influential in starting plays or counter-attacking measures.
• Attack duty – A very “brave” keeper who will travel far outside their area and be heavily involved with the ball at their feet.

Player Instructions of Sweeper Goal Keeper:

• Support and Attack duty – Take More Risks
• Attack duty – Dribble More

Hidden player instructions: rush out more, use more creative freedom

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(2) Defending Roles

2.1 Wide Centre-Back

Explained The Wide Center-Back role:

The main duty of this role is to stop the opponent’s offense and clear the ball from danger. Unlike standard central defenders, however, the Wide Centre-Back is encouraged to stay wide in position and support the midfield like a full back.

Roles Of Wide Center-Back:

• Defend – The player is more like a traditional centre-back in a back five. They will provide support in wide areas at times, but from deep. Less likely to overlap or under-lap and more likely to provide a diagonal backwards passing option.
• Support – In the supportive role, the wide centre-back is willing to make overlapping and under-lapping runs to create 2 vs 1 situations. In this essence, they play more of a “fullback” role in supporting the midfield.
• Attack – With an attack duty, the player is willing to make regular overlapping and under-lapping runs to create 2 vs 1 situations, and also has a higher tendency to dribble with the ball.

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2.2 Central Defender

Explained The Central Defender role:

Main job is to clearing the ball from danger when necessary includes being good on the feet and keeping possession. In some tactics this means being effective with your feet and maintaining control.

Roles of Central Defender:

• Defend duty – The defender will be more of a “traditional” defender with this role. They will be with their defensive partner(s) in working to break up attacks, preventing the ball from going into the box and marking opposition as a part of your tactic.
• Stopper duty – The stopper is the defender who will step up a bit more and close down players, marking earlier in the defensive plays.
• Cover duty – This role will make your defender play more as a sweeper, they will drop back a bit further then your defensive partner(s) and sweep up balls and mark overlapping players (has to be made specific with tactics).

Player Instructions of Central Defender:

• Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often
• Defend duty – Hold Position
• Stopper duty – increase pressing intensity
• Cover duty – decrease pressing intensity

Hidden player instructions of Central Defender:

• Stopper duty – Hold Position (but move into a more advanced position to close down)
• Cover duty – Hold Position (but move into a deeper position to sit off)

Player Traits of Central Defender:

• Complementary player traits: Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
• Contrasting player traits: Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Shoots From Distance, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

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2.3 Libero

Explained The Libero role:

A libero is a defender who plays behind the rest of the back line, covering and sweeping across the spaces behind other defenders.
After a reclaim, the job expanded to include passing forwards – frequently to launch a counter-attack – and eventually driving into midfield with the ball or running forward off the ball to initiate an attack.

One fantastic advantage of this duty is that it allows an additional man to be further back to handle defensive blunders and take possession of faulty or lost balls.

Roles of Libero:

• Support duty – When your team is in possession and looking to start attacking play, the libero will step into a midfield role.
  In essence, a deep lying playmaker.
• Attack duty – With the Attack duty on, the libero has nearly unlimited freedom to move forward and present a goal scoring threat either in the box or from a distance.

Player Instructions of Libero:

• Decrease pressing intensity, Take More Risks
• Attack duty – Get Further Forward, Dribble More, Shoot More Often

Hidden player instructions of Libero:

• Move into a deeper position to sit off, use more creative freedom
• Support duty – carry the ball more

Player Traits of Libero:

Complementary player traits of Libero:

• Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Dictates Tempo, Likes to Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often
• Attack duty – Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Shoots From Distance, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

Contrasting player traits of Libero:

• Dwells On Ball, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely
• Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Stays Back At All Times

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2.4 Ball Playing Defender

Explained The Ball Playing Defender role:

This is the more prevalent role in modern football, with defenders being required to play out of the back and be excellent in passing.
They will still be responsible for defending and stopping opponent assaults, but they are encouraged to play long balls or move forward with splitting balls and passes.
This is really key for counter attacks.

Roles Of Ball Playing Defender:

• Defend duty – The defender will not venture forward with this role; they will continue to execute defensive tasks and play passes out of the back, but their position will be in line with the defensive line or their partner.
• Stopper duty – Like a conventional Central Defender, they will close down players before entering the box. This is fantastic for ball-players as if received or intercepted, they are a little more advanced to pass out – but can be caught out if not careful.
• Cover duty – In this role, the defender drops deeper and plays passes across the back, to the wings, or from behind the defensive line.

Player Instructions Of Ball Playing Defender:

• Slightly increase passing directness, Take More Risks
• Defend duty – Hold Position
• Stopper duty – increase pressing intensity
• Cover duty – decrease pressing intensity

Hidden player instructions Of Ball Playing Defender:

• Carry the ball more, use more creative freedom
• Stopper duty – Hold Position (but move into a more advanced position to close down)
• Cover duty – Hold Position (but move into a deeper position to sit off)

Player Traits Of Ball Playing Defender:

• Complementary player traits: Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Dictates Tempo, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stays Back At All Times, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries Long Range Passes
• Contrasting player traits: Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Plays No Through Balls, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely

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2.5 No-Nonsense Centre Back

Explained No-Nonsense Centre Back role:

The “old-school” defence role, with only one goal in mind: clear it and stop attacks.
The purpose of the defender assigned to this job is to win the ball and clear it up the pitch while taking no risks.
Even if the risk is low, these clearances may involve sending it to the stands rather than looking for a pass.

Roles Of No-Nonsense Centre Back:

• Defend duty – As with the Central Defender, they must keep in line with their defensive partner and break up attacks.
• Stopper duty – They will charge ahead, attempting to stop the ball or close down players before entering the penalty box.
• Cover duty – Will drop a little deeper to catch any long balls.

A No-Nonsense Centre Back is a type of defender who prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness in their defensive play. They focus on defending their team’s goal and disrupting the opposition’s attacks with a minimum of fuss. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of a No-Nonsense Centre Back include:

1. Defensive solidity: A No-Nonsense Centre Back is primarily responsible for providing a solid defensive foundation for their team. They are expected to be physically strong, aggressive, and dominant in the air. They must be able to read the game well and make timely interceptions and tackles to prevent the opposition from scoring.
2. Clearing the ball: A No-Nonsense Centre Back is not afraid to clear the ball away from danger when necessary. They will not take unnecessary risks in their defensive play and will prioritize getting the ball out of danger as quickly as possible.
3. Leadership: No-Nonsense Centre Backs are often leaders in their team’s defense, providing a vocal and commanding presence on the field. They must be able to communicate effectively with their teammates and organize the team’s defensive shape.
4. Winning aerial duels: No-Nonsense Centre Backs often excel in winning aerial duels against opposing attackers. They must be able to time their jumps well and use their physical strength to outmuscle their opponents.
5. Limiting mistakes: A No-Nonsense Centre Back is expected to limit their mistakes and not take unnecessary risks in their defensive play. They must be able to make simple and effective decisions that prioritize their team’s defensive stability over any potential attacking opportunities.

Player Instructions No-Nonsense Centre Back:

• Increase passing directness, Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often, Take Fewer Risks
• Defend duty – Hold Position
• Stopper duty – increase pressing intensity
• Cover duty – decrease pressing intensity

Hidden player instructions No-Nonsense Centre Back:

• Use more tactical discipline
• Stopper duty – Hold Position (but move into a more advanced position to close down)
• Cover duty – Hold Position (but move into a deeper position to sit off)

Player Traits No-Nonsense Centre Back:

• Complementary player traits: Plays No Through Balls, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times, Tries Long Range Passes
• Contrasting player traits: Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Dictates Tempo, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Shoots From Distance, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

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2.6 Inverted Full-Back (IFB) – NEW IN FM24

Explained Inverted Full-Back role:

(3) Midfield Roles

3.1 Defensive Midfielder [DESTROYER]

Explained Defensive Midfielder role:

As a midfielder, their primary responsibilities include safeguarding the defensive line while the team is not in possession, and providing assistance to the midfield and forward players during possession. Additionally, they play a critical role in retaining possession and setting the pace of play to enable the defense and offense to regroup or maneuver into position.

Roles Of Defensive Midfielder:

• Defend duty – They will stay more defensive, similar to being an extra central defender but stay ahead of the defensive line and look to recycle possession efficiently.
• Support duty – With this role, the defensive midfielder will be more in line with the midfield, supporting attacking moves but staying a touch further back – almost in a screening or safety role to be on guard of a counterattack.

Player Instructions of Defensive Midfielder:

• Defend duty – decrease pressing intensity, Hold Position, Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often.

Player Traits Of Defensive Midfielder:

• Complementary player traits:
  Defend duty – Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times.
• Contrasting player traits:
  Defend duty – Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Shoots From Distance, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks.

Here is a diagram of the defensive midfielders passing options in a 4-3-3 Formation:

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3.2 Deep Lying Playmaker

Explained Deep Lying Playmaker role:

This player operates in the areas between the defense and midfield, with the objective of initiating attacking moves by distributing the ball to players or spaces further up the field. While their primary focus is on creativity, they must also fulfill their defensive responsibilities. In essence, they function as a deep-lying playmaker, utilizing their a creative passer from deep.

Roles Of Deep Lying Playmaker:

• Defend duty – This duty will make the player focus more on the defensive side of the game and support attacks but mostly just from passes. Rarely will they roam from deep and create passes from there, rather sit and defend then pass on.
• Support duty – Fulfilling their defensive duty but will bring the ball out of the defense to open more opportunities to pass or create an opportunity. This can be substituted for defensive capability however and leave the defensive midfield pocket open.

Player Instructions Of Defensive Midfielder:

• Hold Position, Shoot Less Often
• Defend duty – decrease pressing intensity, Dribble Less
• Support duty – Take More Risks

Hidden player instructions Of Deep Lying Playmaker:

• Collect the ball more, use more creative freedom, focus play (this role is a playmaker focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often)

Player Traits Of Deep Lying Playmaker:

• Complementary player traits Deep Lying Playmaker:

1. Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Stays Back At All Times, Stops Play.
2. Defend Duty – Runs With Ball Rarely.
3. Support Duty – Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Tries Killer Balls Often

• Contrasting player traits Deep Lying Playmaker:
  

1. Arrives Late in Opponents’ Area, Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Plays No Through Balls, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Shoots From Distance.
2. Defend Duty – Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks.
3. Support Duty – Plays No Through Balls.

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3.3 Ball Winning Midfielder:

Explained Ball Winning Midfielder role:

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3.4 Anchor Man:

Explained Anchor Man role:

This player’s primary responsibility is to occupy a central position between the defense and midfield. Their main objective is to retrieve the ball, intercept offensive plays, and when they regain possession, distribute the ball to a more creative teammate. This player’s positioning is relatively fixed, as they do not typically advance too far forward nor drop back as a Libero or extra center-back. Consequently, they are not often called upon to press opposing players who are too far forward.

roles  Anchor Man:

• Defend duty – There is just one role for this position, and it makes sense considering their role. They are best suited in a structured system who have the straight-forward task of anchoring the defense, not being too creative nor dribble – essentially as risk free as possible.

Player Instructions of Anchor man:

• Decrease pressing intensity, Hold Position, Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often, Take Fewer Risks

Player Traits of Anchor man:

• Complementary player traits: Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
• Contrasting player traits: Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Shoots From Distance, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks.

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3.5 Half Back:

Explained The Half Back role:

The Half Back position can be described as a hybrid role, combining features of both an aggressive sweeper and a defensive midfielder. In possession, the Half Back tends to drop back deeper than a traditional defensive midfielder, with the objective of providing an option for efficiently recycling possession and guarding against counter attacks.

Roles of half back:

• Defend duty – This is yet another position with a primarily defensive role, where the player’s main responsibility is to assist in the team’s defense and they typically do not venture forward into attacking positions.

Player Instructions of half back:

• Decrease pressing intensity, Hold Position, Dribble Less

Hidden player instructions of Half Back:

• drop deep more

Player Traits of Half Back:

• Complementary player traits:
  Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
• Contrasting player traits:
  Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Likes To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks.

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3.6 Regista:

Explained The Regista role:

3.7 Roaming Playmaker:

Explained The Roaming Playmaker role:

This player’s strategy involves receiving the ball from a distant location and advancing it towards the opponent’s goal by utilizing skillful runs, precise passes, and imaginative tactics. Their objective is to move towards the region outside the opposing team’s penalty box in order to generate scoring opportunities or attempt a shot on goal.

Roles Of Roaming Playmaker:

• Support duty – The primary responsibility of the Support role is to act as a Roaming Playmaker, providing support for the attacking players across the entire midfield. Their role involves facilitating forward-thinking play and contributing to the team’s offensive efforts.
  

Player Instructions Of Roaming Playmaker:

• Roam From Position, Take More Risks

Hidden player instructions Of Roaming Playmaker:

• Collect the ball more, carry the ball more, use more creative freedom, make more surging forward runs, track back more, focus play (this role is a playmaker focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often).

Player Traits of Roaming Playmaker:

• Complementary player traits: Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often
• Contrasting player traits: Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times

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3.8 Segundo Volante:

Explained The Segundo Volante role:

The term “Segundo Volante” literally translates to “Second Steering Wheel”. This position in soccer is primarily defensive in nature, with the player providing support for the attack from a late position. They often carry the ball and make late runs into the attacking area, acting as the “second steering wheel” to support the play. Instead of being the main player, they work best alongside a more central player like an Anchor Man or Ball Winning Midfielder.

Roles of Segundo Volante:

• Support duty – The Segundo Volante aims to provide support to the attacking play, but selectively chooses opportunities to arrive late in the opposition’s penalty area.
• Attack duty – The role of the Segundo Volante involves getting further forward and frequently arriving late in the opposition’s penalty area. They also attempt more shots on goal to increase their attacking contribution.

Player Instructions of Segundo Volante:

• Attack duty – Get Further Forward

Hidden player instructions of Segundo Volante:

• Carry the ball more
  • Support duty – make more surging forward runs.

Player Traits of Segundo Volante:

Complementary player traits:

• Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Runs With Ball Through Centre
  • Attack duty – Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Plays One-Twos

Contrasting player traits:

• Dwells On Ball, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
  • Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet

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3.9 Central Midfielder:

Explained The Central Midfielder role:

The role of the Central Midfielder is to serve as a versatile and industrious link between the defense and the attack. This position requires the player to perform a range of tasks across the center of the pitch, which is why the Central Midfielder benefits from having both tactical awareness and technical ability. They are expected to provide support for both defensive and attacking play, as needed.

Roles of Central Midfielder:

• Defend duty – This position requires the player to prioritize defensive midfield actions, such as staying deep, tracking opposing midfielders, blocking passing lanes, and controlling the tempo and pace of their team.
• Support duty – This role involves a more balanced approach, with the player contributing to both the attack and defense as needed. They tend to operate in the central area of the pitch and distribute the ball accordingly.
• Attack duty – In this position, the player is expected to move forward into the attacking third and provide support for the forwards.
• Automatic duty – The midfielder will switch between the above roles depending on the team’s overall strategy and mentality.

Player Instructions of Central Midfielder:

• Defend duty – decrease pressing intensity, Hold Position
• Attack duty – Get Further Forward

Player Traits of Central Midfielder:

Complementary player traits:

• Defend duty – Stays Back At All Times
• Attack duty – Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Plays One-Twos

Contrasting player traits:

• Defend duty – Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Plays One-Twos
• Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Stays Back At All Times

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3.10 Box-to-Box Midfielder:

Explained Box-to-Box Midfielder role:

The role Box To Box Midfielder exhibits a relentless energy that allows him to make significant contributions in both defense and attack. He plays a crucial role in supporting the forwards by advancing forward and even making late runs into the box to receive crosses and create scoring opportunities. Additionally, he is capable of unleashing powerful shots from long distances. On the defensive end, he actively pressures opposing attacking midfielders and assists in safeguarding the defensive line.

Roles of Box-to-Box Midfielder:

• Support duty – The box-to-box midfielder epitomizes the supportive role in a team, being involved in every facet of the game without overstepping boundaries or encroaching on other players’ responsibilities. As a support player, this position has a significant impact on the game’s outcome.
  

Player Instructions of Box-to-Box Midfielder

• Roam From Position
• Hidden player instructions: make more surging forward runs, track back more

Player Traits of Box-to-Box Midfielder

• Complementary player traits: Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area
• Contrasting player traits: Stays Back At All Times

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3.11 Advanced Playmaker:

Explained Advanced Playmaker role:

The Advanced Playmaker’s primary objective is to drop into the gaps between the opposing team’s midfield and defense, creating space for himself to be available for his teammates’ passes. By doing so, he aims to initiate swift counterattacks and transform the team’s defense into a potent attacking force.

Roles of Advanced Playmaker:

• Support duty – the Advanced Playmaker will stay in the hole and look to spray passes to support players and forwards.
• Attack duty – the Advanced Playmaker will look to run at the defensive line from deeper positions, aiming to craft out crossing or through ball opportunities as he moves into the final third.

Player Instructions of Advanced Playmaker

• Shoot Less Often, Take More Risks
  • Attack duty – Dribble More
• Hidden player instructions: sit between the lines more, make more lateral runs, collect the ball more, use more creative freedom, focus play (this role is a playmaker focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often)

Player Traits of Advanced Playmaker

Complementary player traits:

• Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Does Not Move Into Channels, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Looks For Pass Rather Than Attempting To Score, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls often
• Attack duty – Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

Contrasting player traits:

• Attempts Overhead Kicks, Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Lob Keeper, Moves Into Channels, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Shoots From Distance, Tries First Time Shots
  • Attack duty – Runs With Ball Rarely.

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3.12 Mezzala:

Explained Mezzala role:

The modern version of the Mezzala involves a central player who prefers to move towards the sides of the pitch and operate within the half-spaces. Essentially, the Mezzala can be seen as a central or half-winger, who primarily defends in an advanced position on the field, with fewer defensive duties compared to other midfielders.

Roles of Mezzala:

• Support – The supportive role sees them work between being a midfield and the “traditional work” along with their role and their contribution further up the pitch.
• Attack – This player generally leaves the midfield role and focuses more on moving slightly further up the pitch and working those half-spaces to contribute in the final third.

Player Instructions of Mezzala

• Get Further Forward, Stay Wider, Move Into Channels, Roam From Position
  • Attack duty – Take More Risks
• Hidden player instructions: make more dribbles into channels

Player Traits of Mezzala

Complementary player traits:

• Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Moves Into Channels, Plays One-Twos
  • Attack duty – Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Tries Killer Balls Often

Contrasting player traits:

• Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dwells On Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
  • Attack duty – Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes

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3.13 Carrilero:

Explained Carrilero role:

The Carrilero, commonly referred to as the ‘shuttler,’ plays a supportive role and is typically deployed as part of a midfield trio or as two central midfielders in a diamond formation. The key responsibility of the Carrilero is to cover the lateral areas of the pitch and connect the defensive midfield with the attacking midfield. Unlike the Box To Box Midfielder, the Carrilero is not expected to shuttle between both boxes but instead, shuttles between different lines of the midfield.

Roles of Carrilero:

• Support – The only role that makes sense, a Carrilero strictly is a supportive player who covers the lines or “railways” in the midfield position. They are deceptive in their play as they are not very noticeable and aren’t a vertical midfield player. They “shuttle” the ball between the two phases of play and support the team in that aspect.

Player Instructions of Carrilero

• Stay Wider
• Hidden player instructions: make more lateral runs

Player Traits of Carrilero

• Complementary player traits: Moves Into Channels
• Contrasting player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area

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(4) FLANK Roles

4.1 Wing Back