Favorite or interesting roles

[VinceLombardi]

I'm looking for tactical inspiration. And I am curious if anybody has any player roles/duty/PI or player pairings that they find they regularly lean on or feature in their tactics? What are they and what do you like about them?

For example, I'm finding a lot of success with Pressing Forward (S). I really like the way he pressures the holding midfielder in defense. Then when the team gets the ball, he rushes forward into that space between the midfield and defense to set up a pass in transition. And if the help isn't needed in transition, he immediately focuses on getting behind the defense. He isnt very creative, but he moves vertically up and down the field efficiently and quickly. 

Others I use a lot include the Box to Box midfielder and DLP(d) from the DM strata, both of which I suspect will be common choices. 

A pairing I really like is 2 DM (s) with hold position PI. They have really solid positioning in defense and create a very reliable double pivot. 

Anybody have anything else they find they rely on regularly for their tactics?

[BigV]

6 hours ago, VinceLombardi said:

I'm looking for tactical inspiration. And I am curious if anybody has any player roles/duty/PI or player pairings that they find they regularly lean on or feature in their tactics? What are they and what do you like about them?

For example, I'm finding a lot of success with Pressing Forward (S). I really like the way he pressures the holding midfielder in defense. Then when the team gets the ball, he rushes forward into that space between the midfield and defense to set up a pass in transition. And if the help isn't needed in transition, he immediately focuses on getting behind the defense. He isnt very creative, but he moves vertically up and down the field efficiently and quickly. 

Others I use a lot include the Box to Box midfielder and DLP(d) from the DM strata, both of which I suspect will be common choices. 

A pairing I really like is 2 DM (s) with hold position PI. They have really solid positioning in defense and create a very reliable double pivot. 

Anybody have anything else they find they rely on regularly for their tactics?

I would say quite a lot of roles, i don't really like 19 cause of it's issues but i've always favoured a deep lying DM with a BBM and AP or roaming AP with a ball winner. Inside forwards for both wide players and full backs on Attack. Upfront I usually use complete forwards but found it very rare in 19 so far that are pacey and that can pass- players like kane, lewandowski etc. I now play adv forward as I try to get in behind teams now rather than the more all around option. The roles are similar but one is more a hold up and the other is a runner. 

[Manjusaka]

A single no-nonsense defender on cover duty coupled with IWB(D) and a half-back. The IWB(D) behaves like side center backs in a standard 3-man defence but in the meantime pushes forward when in possession to support attack and ball recycling, just like what Azpilicueta did in real life in Conte's Chelsea.

[BadanieLuck]

I really like Halfbacks, Registas or DLPs in the DM position. They just do so many important tasks. They are vital for the build up play, recycle possession, provide cover for the wingbacks to push forward, break up counter attacks and create from deep. There is nothing more beautiful than a perfectly weighed long-range pass from deep.

Usually combine them with a more forward thinking midfielder.

[herne79]

A Trequartista at AMC behind 2 strikers, or offset at AMCL/R behind a single striker at STCL/R.

Also love a BWM(D) using a player with a lot of Aggression.

[Gegenklaus]

I like the combo of a W(s) - in midfield strata - Mezzala(a) next to him and an IWB(s) behind them. 

And also; IW(a) - CM(s) and a WB(s) behind them.

And of course the Shadow Striker - a striker that starts deep, helps with build up but also attacks the box. 

[AndySummers]

My favourite pairing in '18, and which has carried over into '19, is the combination of a wide playmaker (s) with a wingback or complete wingback (a). I use this in my two tactics that currently predominate; a 442 where the playmaker is on the left of midfield paired with an attacking wingback. And then in a bespoke asymmetric, offset 4321-style formation, where the playmaker is on the right of midfield and both creating space for - and feeding in - an attacking complete wingback.

The playmaker is a great addition for me in the 442, as he helps to redress the balance of being outnumbered in the middle of the pitch. I tend to combine that with a deep lying playmaker (d), for security and to give the wingback the licence to maraud.

Favourite role would be the mezzala. Used correctly, it can be devastating.

[sgw]

Halfbacks They're the first position I start with when building a new formation. If I can't get one in (say, because of a three man defence) I always try and have a CD who can build from the back instead. I love the way they slot in to the back line when I set my fullbacks or wingbacks to charge forward.

[VinceLombardi]

1 hour ago, Gegenklaus said:

I like the combo of a W(s) - in midfield strata - Mezzala(a) next to him and an IWB(s) behind them. 

And also; IW(a) - CM(s) and a WB(s) behind them.

And of course the Shadow Striker - a striker that starts deep, helps with build up but also attacks the box. 

I've been playing around with the Mez (a) as you described. Haven't quite got it nailed down, but I'm liking what I see. Something there for sure. 

Have you had success with the Shadow Striker in FM19? It defined my team in FM16. Was a great role, but I've been disappointed so far this year.

I see the halfback is popular, but I feel like I'm missing something there. I've just never been impressed. Always feel like I'm giving up a solid defender and creator in a DLP (d) for a HB that doesn't give me much in attack and makes the defense unstable because the CD get too wide. I feel like Im giving up a lot to get a little.

When you play the HB do you drop a CM back to play that pivot role? Are you using the extra man back to get more aggressive elsewhere?

[Manjusaka]

33 分钟前, VinceLombardi说:

I've been playing around with the Mez (a) as you described. Haven't quite got it nailed down, but I'm liking what I see. Something there for sure. 

Have you had success with the Shadow Striker in FM19? It defined my team in FM16. Was a great role, but I've been disappointed so far this year.

I see the halfback is popular, but I feel like I'm missing something there. I've just never been impressed. Always feel like I'm giving up a solid defender and creator in a DLP (d) for a HB that doesn't give me much in attack and makes the defense unstable because the CD get too wide. I feel like Im giving up a lot to get a little.

When you play the HB do you drop a CM back to play that pivot role? Are you using the extra man back to get more aggressive elsewhere?

I use a half-back because I drop a center back lol

[Gegenklaus]

1 hour ago, VinceLombardi said:

I've been playing around with the Mez (a) as you described. Haven't quite got it nailed down, but I'm liking what I see. Something there for sure. 

Have you had success with the Shadow Striker in FM19? It defined my team in FM16. Was a great role, but I've been disappointed so far this year.

I do like the Mezzala - he gets goals and assist. And he operates in the half space, combining with the the winger while the IWB supports. Just what I want. 

I use the Shadow striker in a strikerless deep 4-1-4-1-0. He comes really deep but I want that. Helps with build up. Being a central option and once we break through he charges the box often getting on the ball from a cut back. 

[westy8chimp]

TM/AF partnership is my favourite role combo. I tinker with everything and like to play a lot of different styles... But what I will always enjoy more than anything is an energetic striker running the channels in tandem with a winger or wing back and loading crosses in the box for a big man. 

[VinceLombardi]

1 hour ago, westy8chimp said:

TM/AF partnership is my favourite role combo. I tinker with everything and like to play a lot of different styles... But what I will always enjoy more than anything is an energetic striker running the channels in tandem with a winger or wing back and loading crosses in the box for a big man. 

Yeah my striker pair is currently big man and bigger man. Playing with a PF (s) with hold position for the muscle. PF (a) with channels. W (a) on both wings.

I'm working on my 3 striker set and alternate striker pairings. I've debated a TM, but I don't know how I feel about the ball magnet aspect. I avoid playmaker roles for the same reason.  

[yonko]

I'm fan of playmaker roles. Specifically AP/DLP/RPM at CM position. I just love someone who dictates the play like Xavi used to IRL for Barca/Spain or how KDB does it for City. 

[Piperita]

Not a role but a pairing: Wide Playmaker (Support) with a Wingback (Attack) in the fullback slot. Best combined with a Inverted Winger (Attack) on the opposite flank. Perfect for fast attacks and counters. 

This year I also grew to like the Target Man (Support) because these big strong boys run places! 

In the beta I also had a short love affair with the NNC because their clearances were surprisingly accurate for my lone striker up front. Sadly now they are 'just' solid but still a good pick.

Every year I want to make a formation with a Halfback and/or a Regista (and I dream of a double Segundo Volante (Attack) formation) but my teams lack the right players and once the right window starts I have found a different working formation. Maybe this year with Camacho...

[Hoosier_76]

10 hours ago, herne79 said:

A Trequartista at AMC behind 2 strikers, or offset at AMCL/R behind a single striker at STCL/R.

Also love a BWM(D) using a player with a lot of Aggression.

@herne79 what striker pairing have you been using in front for the treq? In 18 I had a lot of success with a treq behind an AF and CFs but not so much this year. I love trequartistas, but I'm always a little unsure I'm setting them up to be the most effective.

[mrgoal100]

En ‎20‎/‎12‎/‎2018 a las 16:07, VinceLombardi dijo:

I'm looking for tactical inspiration. And I am curious if anybody has any player roles/duty/PI or player pairings that they find they regularly lean on or feature in their tactics? What are they and what do you like about them?

For example, I'm finding a lot of success with Pressing Forward (S). I really like the way he pressures the holding midfielder in defense. Then when the team gets the ball, he rushes forward into that space between the midfield and defense to set up a pass in transition. And if the help isn't needed in transition, he immediately focuses on getting behind the defense. He isnt very creative, but he moves vertically up and down the field efficiently and quickly. 

Others I use a lot include the Box to Box midfielder and DLP(d) from the DM strata, both of which I suspect will be common choices. 

A pairing I really like is 2 DM (s) with hold position PI. They have really solid positioning in defense and create a very reliable double pivot. 

Anybody have anything else they find they rely on regularly for their tactics?

Target man - poacher

[herne79]

10 hours ago, Hoosier_76 said:

@herne79 what striker pairing have you been using in front for the treq? In 18 I had a lot of success with a treq behind an AF and CFs but not so much this year. I love trequartistas, but I'm always a little unsure I'm setting them up to be the most effective.

AF/CFs or DLFs for a front 2.  A lone AF or Poacher if just one striker.  But it depends on which players you have available.

[Piperita]

On 21/12/2018 at 11:37, Manjusaka said:

A single no-nonsense defender on cover duty coupled with IWB(D) and a half-back. The IWB(D) behaves like side center backs in a standard 3-man defence but in the meantime pushes forward when in possession to support attack and ball recycling, just like what Azpilicueta did in real life in Conte's Chelsea.

I need to try that! That sounds amazing and exactly like what I missed from my back threes. 

Do you use the front seven like you would in every other back three defense or do you use a specialised formation? And I guess narrower width to really put them into position? 

[Rashidi]

Yeah I understand there are people who seem to think forward roles don't offer too much movement, but i just did a game with someone else Serie B side and some of these roles just ripped open defences with some exquisite through balls. To say SI has a big job ahead of them trying to balance central attacking play is an understatement. Those who can get these roles now to play well, are just going to destroy sides when the inevitable patch comes. When i decide what roles are my favourites, it depends on what they bring to the game. I try to envisage how passing moves are done and how passes are received. I like football that is dynamic with lots of exciting football, so my style of football is and has always been cavalier. I like to see controlled passing followed by quick transitions, and sometimes i just want quick transitions from the back to the front. 

I feel that many current managers seem to favour this style of management. They can sometimes tell their sides to pass the ball around patiently looking for passes, before a move results in a few direct thrusts. Sometimes all we see is a 3 pass move from a defender to the end of the net. I favour both, so when i consider my favourite roles, it boils down on how they fulfil my expectations.

At the moment my favourite roles in terms of fun factor:

Libero - By far the best role in the game at the moment. Easily a role that can rip up defences clinically, brings a dimension to camping football which I haven't seen for a while. Pity we can only use one. If SI had allowed us to use two of them, its game over for the AI. Played in a back 5 configuration, with the right role and duty setup, its devastating, giving sides a chance to evolve into a wide 343 in attack or even a 325 in attack. On a recent show i was using a system like this with Lyon and they were just ripping into sides.  The libero is that punch that can surprise defences from a deeper position.

Targetman - FM19 has made some role changes, there have been tweaks and one of the roles that has seen a major change imho is the TM. In previous editions the only difference between TM and DLF(A) was the propensity to see passes go to the TM, too much imho.  Now, the role is a lot simpler, plays exactly how i want it too. Drops deep when it has to, holds the ball up and brings others into play. It's perfect. And, to top it off, its not as "magnetic" as it was in FM18 where it attracted too much attention.

Poacher - Simple effective no nonsense striker

Advanced Forward - A go to when sides go attacking and leave space behind.

Wingers/IF - I have seen quite a few matches now where this role seems to just explode down the flanks. In my save i use this role for Mane and Salah, and Mane is just destroying defences with his running. I never used to like the 4231, but with the right player it can be rip roaring fun.

Mezzala - This has been one of my favorites for a while, played in a certain configurations its one of the best roles for creating overloads.

IWB - The cheat role, you want to create some crazy overloads, this is the role, combined with other roles. There is a combo with two other roles that will create some nice attacking variation.  I may do this on a Twitch stream soon, but i need to sort things out at home, once the holiday season is done i may have time.

Do i use other roles all the time? I do. These are my go to roles in most of my saves. If I have players for them I will usually pick a tactic to play them, which probably explains why on some of my shows i go ..." Yes, I can play the Libero, SWEET!"

 

 

[Vega09]

6 minutes ago, Rashidi said:

On a recent show i was using a system like this with Lyon and they were just ripping into sides.  The libero is that punch that can surprise defences from a deeper position.

Hi Rashidi, where can i see your shows? 

[Manjusaka]

一小时前, Piperita说:

I need to try that! That sounds amazing and exactly like what I missed from my back threes. 

Do you use the front seven like you would in every other back three defense or do you use a specialised formation? And I guess narrower width to really put them into position? 

I played with two W(A) and two CM(A) in the midfield and a very simple DLF(S)-AF partnership. When I design this formation it is based on the attacking needs of a big team. So it is very heavy in the front with counter-press and a high engagement line. In possession I play with a wide width and defensively I play with a narrow width. Unfortunately the unconventional back three is not very stable in defence. Once the central defender is dragged out of position there will be a hole behind for a through ball and the IWBs often cannot align with the central defender to play an offside properly. So as I said this is really a big-team only tactic to break through the bus. 

I think it may be worth trying to provide the width at the WB stratum but I really don't know if it will help with the instability in defence.

[VinceLombardi]

Awesome feedback from everybody. Really enjoying all the ideas. It got me out of my box, and I gave the "ball magnet" roles (playmakers, targetman, etc) another chance. It's been successful enough that I think it's going to cause a slight redesign of the system to accommodate.

Started with a AP (a) from the CM spot. Wonderful. I'm really impressed about the subtlety of the ball being drawn to them. In '16 the other players would force every 3rd or 4th pass to the playmaker whether he was open or not. This is much more natural and the team doesn't force the pass. Combined with an excellent spacial use, this AP (a) is really performing for me.

Looking at the Targetman next. 

Does anybody have any opinions between the Roaming Playmaker and the Regista from the DM spot? 

[Rashidi]

2 hours ago, VinceLombardi said:

Does anybody have any opinions between the Roaming Playmaker and the Regista from the DM spot?

Both are very underrated roles, the Regista works well when you have a solid lone DM if you have a good enough backline. Since he punches forward i kinda like him more than a DLP(S) if i elected to play a 41221. It really depends on the quality in your team.

The RPM is very underrated, if you have a player with good decisions, dribbling, basically the same as a regista then this role is very very nice. In FM18 I really enjoyed playing with that role.  I do feel people need to be a bit more imaginative with how they use it. I rather not give detailed instructions and let you try it out. I kinda feel the joy is actually in the discovery. Let me know how it goes. Oh and don't sell the DLF(S) short, I know he has taken some flak lately, but the movement you want to pay attention to is the transition just before they attack the final third, that's when his movement really kicks in. If you are having trouble with that role then the TM(S) is an easier role to get working.

[VinceLombardi]

57 minutes ago, Rashidi said:

 I rather not give detailed instructions and let you try it out. I kinda feel the joy is actually in the discovery.

Definitely. I'm going to check them both, and a number of other roles I have avoided up till now. Still trying to hammer out my base formations.

[bdixon]

19 hours ago, Rashidi said:

Yeah I understand there are people who seem to think forward roles don't offer too much movement, but i just did a game with someone else Serie B side and some of these roles just ripped open defences with some exquisite through balls. To say SI has a big job ahead of them trying to balance central attacking play is an understatement. Those who can get these roles now to play well, are just going to destroy sides when the inevitable patch comes. When i decide what roles are my favourites, it depends on what they bring to the game. I try to envisage how passing moves are done and how passes are received. I like football that is dynamic with lots of exciting football, so my style of football is and has always been cavalier. I like to see controlled passing followed by quick transitions, and sometimes i just want quick transitions from the back to the front. 

I feel that many current managers seem to favour this style of management. They can sometimes tell their sides to pass the ball around patiently looking for passes, before a move results in a few direct thrusts. Sometimes all we see is a 3 pass move from a defender to the end of the net. I favour both, so when i consider my favourite roles, it boils down on how they fulfil my expectations.

.....

 

The statement in bold is how I crave my teams to play.

Any recommendations for a lone striker role for when the opposition is sitting deep?

[westy8chimp]

15 hours ago, VinceLombardi said:

Does anybody have any opinions between the Roaming Playmaker and the Regista from the DM spot? 

Regista is a beautiful role... Especially if you give your wbs/wingers some space to run into. The long diagonal passes are great. 

Rpm a bit more all action as they have more 360 movement and passing variation. 

[mikcheck]

And do you feel the need to give him get further forward PI when you're playing him from DM spot and nobody in MC strata?

[VinceLombardi]

6 hours ago, bdixon said:

The statement in bold is how I crave my teams to play.

Any recommendations for a lone striker role for when the opposition is sitting deep?

With a single striker, I am playing the PF (s). It let's me get him back on defense so I always defend with the whole team, and he gets to his place on the back line pretty quick on attack. Early in that move forward, he can be a great option to get a pass in transition. 

You lose that one move counter attack over the back line, because he isn't always ready to jump on a cleared ball that a more aggressive duty striker gets you. But he doesn't isolate himself as quickly in transisition and gives your support a chance to start getting forward before the striker gets to the box.

[VinceLombardi]

4 hours ago, westy8chimp said:

Regista is a beautiful role... Especially if you give your wbs/wingers some space to run into. The long diagonal passes are great. 

Rpm a bit more all action as they have more 360 movement and passing variation. 

Yeah the Regista ended up being my pick as it fit my system a bit better. There may be some place for an RPM in a play or two, but the Regista has a more predictable movement -- which is what I needed.

[yonko]

On December 22, 2018 at 05:16, Rashidi said:

Wingers/IF - I have seen quite a few matches now where this role seems to just explode down the flanks. In my save i use this role for Mane and Salah, and Mane is just destroying defences with his running. I never used to like the 4231, but with the right player it can be rip roaring fun.

Weirdly I think the IF is not quite working as before for me. They don't seem to cut inside as much even when you play a player with "cuts inside" PPM and playing on the opposite side of his strong foot. Instead they seem to go up on the outside like regular Winger and cross with their weaker foot.

This may be related to the opposition sitting deep and narrow defending well. I suspect this is the cause for all attacking movement and actions problems currently in the ME which hopefully SI is working on solving. 

On December 22, 2018 at 08:50, VinceLombardi said:

Does anybody have any opinions between the Roaming Playmaker and the Regista from the DM spot? 

 

23 hours ago, Rashidi said:

Both are very underrated roles, the Regista works well when you have a solid lone DM if you have a good enough backline. Since he punches forward i kinda like him more than a DLP(S) if i elected to play a 41221. It really depends on the quality in your team.

The RPM is very underrated, if you have a player with good decisions, dribbling, basically the same as a regista then this role is very very nice. In FM18 I really enjoyed playing with that role.  I do feel people need to be a bit more imaginative with how they use it. I rather not give detailed instructions and let you try it out. I kinda feel the joy is actually in the discovery. Let me know how it goes. Oh and don't sell the DLF(S) short, I know he has taken some flak lately, but the movement you want to pay attention to is the transition just before they attack the final third, that's when his movement really kicks in. If you are having trouble with that role then the TM(S) is an easier role to get working.

Using Coutinho as RPM specifically is one of my favorite things. The role used to have Dribble More preselected but now it's optional (Risky Passes were optional but now preselected). So either add it to the role or use someone like Coutinho who has "Run With Ball Often" PPM. "Move Into Channels" can also be added and useful.

Regista and RPM are dominant and demanding playmaker roles. So the player in either role has to be a dominant star player. The difference is that RPM is more mobile and more of a goalscoring threat than the Regista. Also the former is available to use as CM or DM, while the latter only as DM.

[BigV]

6 hours ago, yonko said:

Weirdly I think the IF is not quite working as before for me. They don't seem to cut inside as much even when you play a player with "cuts inside" PPM and playing on the opposite side of his strong foot. Instead they seem to go up on the outside like regular Winger and cross with their weaker foot.

This may be related to the opposition sitting deep and narrow defending well. I suspect this is the cause for all attacking movement and actions problems currently in the ME which hopefully SI is working on solving.

Yeah I can vouch for this, martial and sanchez for me do very little, even if they are the main focused side. Dribbles seem inexistent for wide IF's regardless of how well their dribbling attribute is. It may work for some tactics but others (4-3-3 DM WIDE) it doesn't. They have really low passing attempted/succeeded which i find very strange considering it's a big focus. I have seen juan mata and phil jones kick more opposite foot passes like messi would do with his left foot, it's unreal. I've noticed my wing back support now cuts in and plays like an IF when towards the byline, this FM is weird and broken in so many ways except a few tweaks could make this the best ever. 

[Piperita]

I think I'm reviving this thingy because after my week of experimentation I have some new roles I love to play whenever I get the chance

——Raumdeuter

With proper support (i.e. an offensive line that creates space and is creative) these guys score. A lot! With some acceleration, good mentals (Anticipation, Decision, Off the Ball) and the 'Avoids' Offside Trap PPM they find spaces even in the deepest lines. Combined with the 'Runs Rarely' and 'Gets ibto Opposition Area' they also aren't too shabby when it comes to supporting attacks — they run behind lines and if they can't score almost immediately, they play a pass back to the marauding AMC or opposite winger or striker. 

——Narrow Wingers (Support)

I blame Pavon for this one. Wingers with PPMs making them go narrow (Cuts inside, Moves into channels) generate a weird amount of possession and can both score and assist in multiple ways. Especially combined with aforementioned Raumdeuter and a dropping Striker? Amazing!

I also teach these roles One-Twos and am currently experimenting with some additional traits. Arriving late into the Box was a nice addition but right now I am training my youth replacement to get into the area instead.

——Complete Wingback (Support)

They define the game if given room to run into! As the only wide players they are both creators and playmakers AND also bring some defense to the table, even though some more support would be sensible. I already look forward to the moment my team is the undisputed number one because CWBs are key to my new wallbreaking tactics!

With players in front of them, they look for automatic over- and underlaps which works especially fine with these narrow wingers (and I guess wide IF?). This also 

——Enganche

What can I say? I spend roughly a decade retraining my big lump of a Target Man, first to an DLF, then to this role. With the added physical stats it has far, far more staying power to let deeper players get into positions. 

Watching games in full, it gets surprisingly little action for a playmaker role but in smaller spaces it is an amazing recycler who keeps dying attacks alive and with some good open space there are some nice-to-look-at passes! 

Just too bad they tend to get pretty bad ratings in narrower formations unless they deliver the final pass instead of the penultimate one...