Football Manager 2024 has 45 player roles, grouped here by position. A role describes how a player is expected to behave within that position: for example, whether a full-back holds the flank or moves into midfield, or whether a forward drops to link play or stays high to finish. The useful question is not just which role sounds right, but what it asks the player to do and what space or defensive cover the rest of your tactic must provide.
How to read FM24 player roles
The list below follows Tom Hancock’s FourFourTwo guide to FM24 roles, published on 20 October 2023. The explanations are concise paraphrases of that guide, not a claim to reproduce Sports Interactive’s full in-game descriptions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When comparing two roles in the same position, look at their starting zone, movement, main contribution and effect on team balance. A role can ask a player to defend, press, create, carry, link play or finish; the name alone is not a universal tactical instruction. The same role may work differently depending on the team instructions and nearby players.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Goalkeeper roles
Goalkeeper
A traditional shot-stopper who generally stays near the line. The role does not rule out comfort on the ball, but its defining distinction here is a less aggressive position behind the defence.
#1 Best Overall
Sweeper-Keeper
Handles ordinary goalkeeper duties while coming out to deal with loose balls behind the defensive line. That higher starting position can also let the keeper launch counter-attacks, but it means the space behind the defence matters.
Centre-back roles
Wide Centre-Back
Designed for either side of a back three, this role can also support midfield from a central defensive pair. It offers a way to add movement or support from a defender without treating every centre-back as a purely fixed central presence.
Central Defender
The straightforward option for clearing danger and defending centrally. How active the player is can vary with the tactic.
Libero
Protects space behind the defensive line and sweeps, then can carry the ball forward to help build attacks. That combination makes the role different from a defender whose priority is simply to hold the line.
Ball-Playing Defender
Combines core defensive duties with possession and the ability to start attacks. Choose this profile when you want a defender involved in progression, rather than asking the player only to remove danger.
No-Nonsense Centre-Back
Prioritises getting the ball clear over retaining possession through passing. It is the more direct defensive choice when safety takes precedence over building from the back.
Full-back and wing-back roles
Full-Back
Protects wide areas from a back four or back five and contributes to attacks. Compared with more attack-focused options, it is a general-purpose balance between defending the flank and supporting forward play.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Wing-Back
Places greater emphasis on attacking contribution than a full-back and can be used in a back three or four. Its forward involvement should be balanced by teammates who cover the space it leaves.
No-Nonsense Full-Back
Focuses on moving the ball away from danger and is often associated with a conventional back four. It is a simpler defensive brief than asking the wide defender to become a major source of progression.
Rank #2
- Football Manager 2014 PC & Mac. *English game play, on disc manual included English, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish* Printed manual in French. Includes ONE user activation code. BRAND NEW Factory Sealed DVD Box by Sega UK for worldwide use. Ship daily via USPS 1ST CLASS(4 - 7 Business days)w/FREE delivery confirmation & Shipment Notification. Platform: Windows XP/Vista/7/8. MAC OS X 10.6.8. PEGI: 3. System Requirements: OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, Processor: Intel Pentium 4, Intel Core, AMD Athlon, Graphics: NVidia GeForce FX 5900 Ultra, ATI Radeon 9800, Intel GMA X3100, 128MB VRAM, Direct X 9.0c compliant Memory: 1GB RAM, 3GB HDD. For Mac: Mac OS X 10.6.8, 10.7, 10.8 Processor: Intel Core, 1.8GHz+. Graphics: NVidia GeForce 7300 GT, ATI Radeon X1600, Intel GMA X3100, 128MB VRAM, OpenGL 2.0 compliant. Memory: 1GB RAM, 3GB HDD Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Linux Processor: Intel Pentium 4, Intel Core, AMD Athlon, 1.8GHz+. Graphics: NVidia GeForce 7300 GT, AMD Radeon HD 2400 Pro, Intel HD 3000/4000, 128MB VRAM, OpenGL 2.0 compliant Memory: 1GB RAM, 3GB HDD. Earlier cards or laptop chipsets may only display the match in 2D and are not supported. Online play requires broadband connection. Note: Computers with high-performance hardware will provide the best game performance. Requires Internet Connection and free STEAM account to activate. NOTICE: Product offered subject to your acceptance of the Steam Subscriber Agreement ("SSA"). You must activate this product via the internet by registering for a Steam account and accepting the SSA. Please see steampowered agreement from their web site to view the SSA prior to purchase. If you do not agree with the provisions of the SSA, you should return this game unopened to your retailer in accordance with their return policy. Please check software compatibility before purchased. NO OPENED BOX RETURN(Please read Amazon Software/Video game's return policy)
- The best-selling, incredibly realistic football management drives on with over 1,000 improvements and enhancements in Football Manager 2014. The 3D match engine has seen extensive improvements, including enhanced AI, improved lighting and player animation, individual player character and kit models, more realistic player reaction to on-field incidents and a range of optimisations which combine to make this the best looking and fastest FM Match Engine yet. On the pitch, redesigned tactics management makes the player roles and team strategies even more prominent. Improvements to rival managers’ AI allow them to adapt their tactics more readily over time.
- FM 2014 features a revamped transfer module where opposing clubs and managers adopt a more realistic approach when making or responding to transfer offers. In addition, a number of new ‘real world’ transfer clauses have been added, such as the facility to loan a player back to the club he’s just been bought from and the option to offer a combination of cash and loan players, as well as new contract clauses such as a sub bench appearance fee. On top of this, the old ‘turn-based’ system of transfer negotiations can now be done two ways, the tried and tested system and a new ‘live’ system, similar to that used in FM’s contract negotiations.
- The 3D match engine has seen extensive improvements, including enhanced AI, improved lighting and player animation, individual player character and kit models, more realistic player reaction to on-field incidents and a range of optimisations which combine to make this the best looking and fastest FM Match Engine yet. Major changes have also been made to FM 2014’s user interface. Key areas have been redesigned – including the training overview page, the transfer centre and the news homepage – while widespread changes have been made across the game’s user interface. The language employed throughout the game has also enjoyed a major overhaul and now corresponds more closely to the language of real world football.
Complete Wing-Back
An attack-minded wide defender who still retains defensive ability and pushes forward to contribute to attacks. The role offers more forward involvement than a basic full-back, so consider who protects the flank when the player advances.
Inverted Wing-Back
Moves infield while the team has possession, acting as an auxiliary midfielder. Unlike a conventional wide defender, this role can help add bodies centrally, while leaving the outer channel for another player to occupy.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Inverted Full-Back
Introduced in FM24, the role changes its function by phase: it acts as a central defender in possession and a traditional full-back out of possession. Sports Interactive described it as making its debut and functioning “as a central defender in possession and a traditional full-back out of possession” in its FM24 Console feature announcement. This is not just a full-back who drifts inside; the in-possession and out-of-possession jobs are explicitly different.
Midfield roles
Defensive Midfielder
Sits in front of the back line to protect the defence, support players ahead in possession and help set the tempo. It is a flexible defensive starting point rather than a role focused exclusively on pressing or playmaking.
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Operates in a similar area to a defensive midfielder but focuses on starting attacks. It trades some of the purely protective emphasis for creative distribution from deep.
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Presses opponents and looks to regain possession. Its main contribution is winning the ball, not acting as the team’s primary creator.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallAnchor Man
A defensively focused deep midfielder who wins possession and passes to a more creative teammate. Compared with a deep-lying playmaker, the emphasis is on protection and simple distribution.
Half-Back
A hybrid defensive midfielder and extra centre-back who generally stays deep and has little attacking responsibility. The role can reinforce the defensive structure, but contributes less as an advancing midfielder.
Regista
A freer, more aggressive playmaker who can roam and create across the pitch. Compared with a more positionally restrained deep creator, the Regista is given more licence to influence different areas.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE: Dive into the NFL Gameday board game, perfect for football enthusiasts. Enjoy strategic gameplay that brings the excitement of the field to your tabletop.
- FAMILY FUN FOR ALL: Designed for up to four players, this NFL board game is ideal for family game nights. Suitable for adults and kids, it offers engaging play for everyone.
- STRATEGIC PLAY: Test your skills with this NFL football board game. Plan your moves carefully to outsmart opponents and score touchdowns, making it a thrilling experience.
- PORTABLE DESIGN: With compact dimensions of 9.5 inches, this NFL game day board is easy to store and transport. Take it to gatherings or play at home for endless fun.
- SAFE AND DURABLE: Made from high-quality plastic, this NFL board game is built to last. It includes small parts, so it's recommended for ages twelve and up.
Roaming Playmaker
Similar to a Regista, but with more limited roaming in the FourFourTwo guide’s description. The distinction is useful when choosing between broad freedom to create and a more contained roaming brief.
Segundo Volante
Often used as part of a double pivot, this role is primarily defensive-minded but arrives late to support attacks. It can add a runner from a deeper position without making that player’s main job purely offensive.
Central Midfielder
A flexible role that adapts to the team’s needs in different situations. It is the broad option when you do not want the role itself to impose a narrower specialty such as ball-winning or roaming playmaking.
Box-to-Box Midfielder
Works between both penalty areas. The role calls for a blend of defensive strength, technical ability and some threat from range, rather than specialization at one end of the pitch.
Advanced Playmaker
Operates higher up the pitch, looks for space and aims to turn defence into attack quickly. It gives a creative player a more advanced starting zone than the deep-lying playmaker.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Mezzala
Drifts into wide areas between central midfield and winger territory, with limited defensive responsibility. It can add movement into the channels, but the team needs to account for the space left centrally or behind the player.
Carrilero
A midfield shuttler who links lines and connects midfield with defence. Its value is in covering and joining areas of the pitch, rather than being defined primarily as a scorer or focal creator.
Flank roles
Wide Midfielder
Covers defensive, midfield and attacking responsibilities on the flank, and is especially associated with a 4-4-2 in the guide. It has a broader two-way brief than a winger.
Winger
Plays a similar wide role to the wide midfielder but has less defensive and midfield responsibility. It is the more attack-oriented option when the team wants width and forward threat.
Defensive Winger
Presses the opposing wide player and helps hold up play in advanced areas. It combines flank defence with a forward outlet rather than focusing on one-on-one attacking alone.
Wide Playmaker
Moves between the flank and central spaces to find openings and attack, and may also provide defensive cover. This offers a creative alternative to a player whose main task is to stay wide and run at defenders.
Inverted Winger
Typically starts on the flank opposite their stronger foot and moves inside. That movement can open room for the full-back and let the winger cut in with the ball.
Inside Forward
Attacks the box from a wide position, offering creativity and a scoring threat. Compared with the inverted winger’s emphasis on moving inside with the ball, the inside forward’s key distinction is attacking the penalty area.
Wide Target Man
Provides a wide aerial outlet and uses physical presence against opposing wide players. This is a flank option for a team seeking a physical target rather than a conventional dribbler.
Raumdeuter
The name means “space interpreter.” Instead of relying on one-on-one skill, the role looks to find space in the final third.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Attacking roles
Attacking Midfielder
An advanced creative outlet and additional goal threat. It is the broad attacking-midfield choice when the team wants a player between midfield and the forward line.
Advanced Playmaker
Makes themselves available to teammates and tries to initiate attacks quickly with decisive passing. In this attacking position, the role is about becoming a forward-facing creative link.
Recommended Free Tools
Trequartista
A hybrid between midfield and the most advanced forward, seeking the ball in dangerous areas with little defensive responsibility. The tactical trade-off is creative freedom and threat high up the pitch for less defensive work.
Best Value
- A virtual game master does it all… It gives you the rules, manages the scores, and spices up the game. Keeps gameplay smooth and exciting with automatic rule explanations, real-time scorekeeping, and fun commentary.
- 500 Football Questions with True or False Answers: Packed with fast-paced trivia that’s easy to learn but tough to master - perfect for quick rounds and competitive play.
- Questions cover 5 topics: The Big Game, Legends of the Game, Franchise Fever, Monday Night Moments, and Draft Day Decisions! Explore a variety of football knowledge areas, from Super Bowl showdowns to legendary players and unforgettable plays.
- 2-5 players: Great for game nights, parties, or family gatherings - designed for small groups who love football and fun.
- Includes 7+ and 14+ modes with harder questions: Choose your challenge level, with easier questions for kids and tougher ones for die-hard fans and trivia pros.
Enganche
A more fixed creative focal point who links play in the final third. Compared with the Trequartista, it is the less roaming option.
Shadow Striker
Works alongside a strike partner, attacks scoring positions and closes down opponents. It adds forward runs and pressing from behind the main striker.
Deep-Lying Forward
Drops into deeper spaces to link play and create for other attackers while remaining a scoring option. The role connects the forward line to midfield rather than simply occupying the highest position.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTarget Man
Uses physical presence to occupy defenders, hold up the ball for teammates and threaten goal. The role gives others a focal point to play into.
Poacher
Prioritises getting into scoring positions and finishing, while also contributing around the box. It is the more finish-focused choice than a forward whose main job is to link play or create.
Complete Forward
Combines traits associated with a Deep-Lying Forward, Advanced Forward, Target Man and Poacher. It can lead a front two or play alone, offering a broad set of attacking functions rather than one narrow specialty.
Pressing Forward
Works to harry opponents in possession and win the ball back, with pressing taking priority over scoring. It suits a forward brief built around disrupting the opponent as well as contributing up front.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →False Nine
False Nine is the final attacking role in this 45-role list. The FourFourTwo guide’s accessible text does not provide a detailed description, so this reference does not assign it specific movement or tactical behaviour beyond its role name.
How to choose between similar roles
Start with the behaviour your tactic needs, then check whether the rest of the team can cover its trade-offs. A wide player moving inside may need a full-back to provide width; an advancing wing-back may need midfield or defensive cover; a roaming creator may leave a zone that another midfielder must occupy.
- Need defensive protection? Compare a Defensive Midfielder, Anchor Man or Half-Back with more creative midfield roles.
- Need to progress from deep? Consider the Deep-Lying Playmaker, Ball-Playing Defender or Libero, each contributing from a different position and in a different way.
- Need width or central support? Contrast a Winger or Full-Back with an Inverted Winger or Inverted Wing-Back.
- Need a forward to link play? Compare a Deep-Lying Forward with a Target Man or Poacher: the first drops to connect, the second offers a physical focal point, and the third prioritises finishing.
- Need pressure from the front? The Pressing Forward prioritises harrying opponents; the Shadow Striker also closes down while attacking scoring positions from alongside a strike partner.
FM24’s terminology should not be carried forward unchanged into later editions. Sports Interactive’s FM26 tactical evolution article describes a revised role system, including separate in-possession and out-of-possession formations and renamed, changed or new roles. The names and explanations in this article are specifically for FM24; FM26 examples such as No-Nonsense Goalkeeper and Wide Forward are not part of this list.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
