Player Roles in Soccer Manager 2021
Each position in your starting 11 is given a role, which is how you would like them to play. All players have a preferred role however, you are still able to put players into roles that are not in their preferences. Therefore, remember that this will definitely have an effect on how they perform in matches. Here are all the possible roles for each position and what they mean.
Goalkeeper
Keeper
Performs just as any keeper, with the responsibility of protecting the goal.
Modern Keeper
Basically a Sweeper Keeper. This is a goalie that is quick and fast and is able to come off the goal-line to clear the ball. This basically means that your goalkeeper plays both as the keeper and as the last man back. Very few goalkeepers are capable of this role.
Defense
General Defender
The basic role of a Center-Back. These defenders are well-balanced in terms of their defensive abilities
Stopper
As the name suggests, this type of Center-Back. will be the main tackle-maker, playing more defensive as the Center-Back.
Ball-playing defender
The opposite of the Stopper. This kind of CB will be looking to create a play with his strong passing abilities.
Full back
Plays a more defensive role and stays back while attacking.
Wing back
Plays a more offensive role and pushes forward to help out in attack
Midfield
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Plays a defensive role in the midfield, making the tackles in the middle of the pitch
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Tends to start the play deep in the midfield, playing passes forward from the deep midfield.
Box-to-Box Midfielder
Helps out in both attack and defense, moving up and down the pitch. Usually fits with a well-rounded midfielder with good stamina
General Midfielder
Similar to the General Defender, this role is a basic and balanced role for midfield players
Playmaker
Tends to control the midfield with his presence, supplying his surrounding teammates.
Advanced Playmaker
Focuses on providing chances for attacking players rather than for the entire team.
Wide Midfielder
Plays as a normal midfielder but positions far out wide. Tends to provide support in both attack and defense
Winger
Plays wide but focuses mainly on coming forward and providing for the attacking players.
Attack
Wide Forward
Plays like a winger, but focuses on scoring goals rather than providing assists. It is better to play the wide forward with an inverted foot, to allow for cutting in
Support Striker
Maintains a close partnership while providing full support to the main striker
General Forward
The basic role for an attacker, well balanced like the General Defender and Midfielder
Target Man
Stays up-front in a good position ready to receive the ball and score the goal
Finisher
Likes to push against the defensive line and beat the offside trap with pace
Deep-Lying Forward
Tends to drop back and play as the provider for other forwards and wingers