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    Defensive midfielder Profiles

    Anchor, Half-Back, DLP, Regista, BWM. Each one solves a different problem and creates a different gap. Pick the wrong one and your back four has nobody screening them.

    Example Football Manager player profile - Anthony Jouen

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    Filter by position
    Silas Gnaka profile photo

    Silas Gnaka

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    Strong tackling and marking abilities.
    Good physical attributes for a defensive role.
    CDM26 yrs
    €750K
    Key Attributes
    MagdeburgCIV
    Jean Hugonet profile photo

    Jean Hugonet

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High Tackling and Marking make him effective at breaking up opposition play.
    Strong Aggression and Determination ensure he is proactive in defensive duties.
    CDM25 yrs
    €800K
    Key Attributes
    MagdeburgFRA
    Hidemasa Morita profile photo

    Hidemasa Morita

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Defend
    Excellent passing and vision for playmaking
    Strong positioning and teamwork for defensive duties
    CDM28 yrs
    €9.0M
    Key Attributes
    Gets Forward Whenever PossibleDictates TempoTries Long Range Passes
    Sporting CPJapan
    Ayyoub Bouaddi profile photo

    Ayyoub Bouaddi

    DM • Deep-Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision for playmaking
    Strong Tackling and Positioning for defensive duties
    CDM20 yrs
    €109.0M
    Key Attributes
    Dictates Tempo
    Man UtdFRA
    Kobbie Mainoo profile photo

    Kobbie Mainoo

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    Strong passing and technique make him ideal for distributing the ball.
    Good composure and vision allow him to control the tempo of the game.
    CDM21 yrs
    €74.0M
    Key Attributes
    Runs With Ball Through CentreComes Deep To Get BallPlays One-Twos
    Man UtdEngland
    Ayyoub Bouaddi profile photo

    Ayyoub Bouaddi

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Strong Positioning and Anticipation help in defensive duties.
    CDM19 yrs
    €112.0M
    Key Attributes
    Man UtdFrance
    Everton Silva profile photo

    Everton Silva

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision make him excellent at distributing the ball.
    Strong Tackling and Positioning support defensive duties.
    CDM20 yrs
    €67.8M
    Key Attributes
    Man UtdBrazilian
    Everton Silva profile photo

    Everton Silva

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Good Technique and Teamwork support playmaking duties.
    CDM20 yrs
    €67.8M
    Key Attributes
    Man UtdBrazilian
    Jørgen Andersen profile photo

    Jørgen Andersen

    MC • Box to Box • Support
    High stamina and work rate make him effective in both attack and defense.
    Excellent passing and vision for linking play.
    CDM21 yrs
    €165.0M
    Key Attributes
    Gets Into Opposition AreaGets Forward Whenever PossibleMoves Ball To Right Foot Before Dribble Attempt
    Paris SGDenmark
    Ayyoub Bouaddi profile photo

    Ayyoub Bouaddi

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Defend
    High Passing and Technique make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Strong Tackling and Marking support defensive duties.
    CDM20 yrs
    Free Agent
    Key Attributes
    Manchester UnitedFrance
    Kobbie Mainoo profile photo

    Kobbie Mainoo

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    Excellent passing and vision for distributing the ball.
    Strong composure and anticipation to control the tempo.
    CDM22 yrs
    €112.0M
    Key Attributes
    Runs With Ball Through CenterTries Killer Balls OftenCurls Ball
    Man UtdEngland
    Christ Ravynel Inao Oulaï profile photo

    Christ Ravynel Inao Oulaï

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    Excellent passing and technique for distributing the ball.
    Strong mental attributes like composure and decisions enhance playmaking.
    CDM20 yrs
    €37.0M
    Key Attributes
    TrabzonsporCIV
    Luciano Galeano profile photo

    Luciano Galeano

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Defend
    High Passing and Vision make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Strong Positioning and Decisions support defensive duties.
    CDM20 yrs
    €39.0M
    Key Attributes
    Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble
    TottenhamBrazilian
    Jonathan Ngoy profile photo

    Jonathan Ngoy

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Defend
    High Passing and Technique make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Good Decisions and Composure allow him to maintain possession under pressure.
    CDM21 yrs
    €52.0M
    Key Attributes
    Likes To Switch Ball To Wide Areas
    TottenhamGerman
    Mikey Parker profile photo

    Mikey Parker

    DM • Segundo Volante • Support
    High Passing and Decisions make him effective in transitioning play.
    Strong Stamina and Work Rate allow him to cover ground effectively.
    CDM23 yrs
    €23.0M
    Key Attributes
    Gets Forward Whenever PossibleDictates TempoLooks For Pass Rather Than Attempting To Score
    Eintracht FrankfurtScottish
    Unknown Player profile photo

    Unknown Player

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Support
    High tackling and marking make him effective in breaking up opposition play.
    Strong physical attributes like stamina and pace support his role in midfield battles.
    CDM22 yrs
    €104.0M
    Key Attributes
    ChelseaEcuador
    Enzo profile photo

    Enzo

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision for playmaking
    Strong Anticipation and Composure for controlling the game
    CDM23 yrs
    €103.0M
    Key Attributes
    Thường Xuyên Chọc Khe Hiểm HócSút XaChơi Ban Bật
    ChelseaArgentina
    David Watson profile photo

    David Watson

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High stamina and natural fitness make him effective in a demanding role.
    Strong tackling and marking abilities suit defensive responsibilities.
    CDM20 yrs
    €16.5M
    Key Attributes
    Blue LockSCO
    Laércio Faria Nunes profile photo

    Laércio Faria Nunes

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High aggression and tackling make him effective in breaking up opposition play.
    Strong physical attributes like stamina and agility support his defensive duties.
    CDM19 yrs
    €74.0M
    Key Attributes
    Tries Killer Balls Often
    VfL WolfsburgBrazil
    Adam Wharton profile photo

    Adam Wharton

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Good Composure and Decisions help in maintaining possession under pressure.
    CDM25 yrs
    €75.0M
    Key Attributes
    Comes Deep To Get BallPlays One-Twos
    BrentfordEnglish
    Serhat Kaya profile photo

    Serhat Kaya

    MC • Advanced Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision make him ideal for creating opportunities.
    Strong Technique and First Touch enhance his playmaking abilities.
    CDM21 yrs
    €37.0M
    Key Attributes
    Shoots From DistanceComes Deep To Get Ball
    BrentfordTurkish
    Unknown Player profile photo

    Unknown Player

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High Tackling and Teamwork make him ideal for breaking up opposition play.
    Strong Positioning and Anticipation support defensive duties.
    CDM18 yrs
    €59.0M
    Key Attributes
    SC FreiburgAmerican
    John Buckley profile photo

    John Buckley

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Vision for playmaking
    Strong Teamwork and Work Rate for midfield control
    CDM28 yrs
    €6.2M
    Key Attributes
    Tries Killer Balls OftenDictates TempoTries Tricks
    BlackburnEngland
    Malcom Edjouma profile photo

    Malcom Edjouma

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    Strong tackling and marking abilities.
    Good physical presence with strength and jumping reach.
    CDM27 yrs
    €650K
    Key Attributes
    FCSB
    Rodri profile photo

    Rodri

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High Tackling and Aggression make him effective in winning the ball.
    Strong Physical attributes like Strength and Stamina support defensive duties.
    CDM18 yrs
    €21.0M
    Key Attributes
    Man UFCSpanish
    Rodri profile photo

    Rodri

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High Tackling and Strength make him effective in winning the ball.
    Good Work Rate and Teamwork support defensive duties.
    CDM18 yrs
    €21.0M
    Key Attributes
    Man UFCSpanish
    Felix Alschner profile photo

    Felix Alschner

    DM • Deep Lying Playmaker • Support
    High Passing and Technique make him effective in distributing the ball.
    Good Positioning and Decisions support his role in controlling the midfield.
    CDM17 yrs
    €450K
    Key Attributes
    Blue LockGER
    Unknown Player profile photo

    Unknown Player

    MC • Mezzala • Support
    High Passing and Vision make him effective in linking play.
    Strong Work Rate and Teamwork support his role in midfield transitions.
    CDM26 yrs
    €190.0M
    Key Attributes
    Shoots From DistancePlays One-Twos
    Man CityHungarian
    Paul Pogba profile photo

    Paul Pogba

    MC • Box to Box • Support
    Strong passing and vision make him effective in linking play.
    High stamina and work rate allow him to cover large areas of the pitch.
    CDM21 yrs
    €82.0M
    Key Attributes
    Runs With Ball Through CentreShoots From DistanceDwells On Ball
    ArsenalFrench
    João Gomes profile photo

    João Gomes

    DM • Ball Winning Midfielder • Defend
    High tackling and marking make him effective in breaking up play.
    Strong positioning and work rate ensure he maintains defensive shape.
    CDM26 yrs
    €37.0M
    Key Attributes
    Gets Forward Whenever Possible
    LilleBrazil
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    Pick a position, read the role theory first

    The cards above are uploaded player profiles. If you're trying to figure out which role a player should be playing (or which type of player your tactic actually needs), start with the articles below. Each bucket links to the guides that explain the role distribution, the pairings that work, and the antipatterns that don't.

    Centre-backs

    Stopper, Cover, BPD: every back four is a triangulation between aggression, recovery, and progression. Pairings here decide how high your line can hold and whether you keep clean sheets against pace.

    Player pairings

    Centre-Back Pairings

    Stopper-Cover, BPD-CD, two BPDs. How centre-back duties shape your defensive shape.

    12 min readRead
    Foundations

    Defensive Line and Line of Engagement

    The pairing rule for Defensive Line and Line of Engagement, all 9 combinations, and the gap that costs goals.

    TacticsPlayersGuides
    About UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsDisclaimer

    Built by someone who had too much extra time on their hands after FM 25 was cancelled

    A product by2nd Foundry2nd Foundry
    12 min readRead
    Squad building

    Reading FM Attributes for Tactical Fit

    The 13/15/17 working tiers in FM, hidden attributes that scouting won't show, and the per-role priorities that actually matter.

    12 min readRead
    Squad building

    Recruitment by Tactical Fit

    Scout for system fit, not stat stars. The shortlist filters in FM that map to your tactic, and the role-attribute matrix to use.

    12 min readRead

    Full-backs and wing-backs

    The position whose duty changes the entire shape of the team. Attacking full-backs turn 4-4-2 into 2-4-4 in possession; defensive full-backs let your front three stay aggressive without leaving the centre-backs alone.

    Player pairings

    Full-Back and Winger Pairings

    Overlap, underlap, IF + attacking WB. The same-channel rule for full-back and winger pairings, and the cases where it doesn't apply.

    12 min readRead
    Foundations

    Wing Play vs Central Play

    Build through the wide areas or through the middle? A working framework for picking the right one for your squad.

    10 min readRead
    Foundations

    Mentality, Duty & Roles

    How Mentality, Duty, and Role interact in FM, why duty trumps mentality every time, and the role-on-top-of-duty composition rules.

    12 min readRead
    Squad building

    Recruitment by Tactical Fit

    Scout for system fit, not stat stars. The shortlist filters in FM that map to your tactic, and the role-attribute matrix to use.

    12 min readRead

    Defensive midfielders

    Anchor, Half-Back, DLP, Regista, BWM. Each one solves a different problem and creates a different gap. Pick the wrong one and your back four has nobody screening them.

    Player pairings

    Midfield Pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2

    Double pivots and flat pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2: when each pairing works, when it collapses, and the AMC unicorn that rescues both.

    12 min readRead
    Player pairings

    Midfield Trios

    Holder, runner, creator: the role distribution rule for three-man midfields, the AMC variants, and the antipatterns that break them.

    12 min readRead
    Foundations

    Mentality, Duty & Roles

    How Mentality, Duty, and Role interact in FM, why duty trumps mentality every time, and the role-on-top-of-duty composition rules.

    12 min readRead
    Foundations

    Pressing Triggers and Intensity

    Counter-Press, Regroup, Stand Off, Trigger Press: what each pressing instruction does in FM and how to pair them without contradicting.

    12 min readRead

    Central midfielders

    The role that does the most invisible work. Box-to-Box, Mezzala, Carrilero, Roaming Playmaker: the right pick depends on what the players around them are doing as much as the player's own attributes.

    Player pairings

    Midfield Trios

    Holder, runner, creator: the role distribution rule for three-man midfields, the AMC variants, and the antipatterns that break them.

    12 min readRead
    Player pairings

    Midfield Pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2

    Double pivots and flat pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2: when each pairing works, when it collapses, and the AMC unicorn that rescues both.

    12 min readRead
    Foundations

    Mentality, Duty & Roles

    How Mentality, Duty, and Role interact in FM, why duty trumps mentality every time, and the role-on-top-of-duty composition rules.

    12 min readRead
    Squad building

    Recruitment by Tactical Fit

    Scout for system fit, not stat stars. The shortlist filters in FM that map to your tactic, and the role-attribute matrix to use.

    12 min readRead

    Attacking midfielders

    The number ten lives in the half-space behind the striker. Trequartista, Enganche, Shadow Striker, AP: each variant trades creativity for off-ball discipline differently, and your midfield pivot has to pick up the slack accordingly.

    Player pairings

    Midfield Trios

    Holder, runner, creator: the role distribution rule for three-man midfields, the AMC variants, and the antipatterns that break them.

    12 min readRead
    Player pairings

    Midfield Pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2

    Double pivots and flat pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2: when each pairing works, when it collapses, and the AMC unicorn that rescues both.

    12 min readRead
    Playing styles

    Tiki-Taka vs Positional Play

    Why circulation density and zonal occupation aren't the same thing in FM, and the half-space occupation rule that decides build-up.

    12 min readRead
    Squad building

    Reading FM Attributes for Tactical Fit

    The 13/15/17 working tiers in FM, hidden attributes that scouting won't show, and the per-role priorities that actually matter.

    12 min readRead

    Wingers and wide midfielders

    Inside Forward, Inverted Winger, traditional Winger, Wide Playmaker. The choice is whether the wide player attacks the half-space or hugs the touchline, and whether your full-back is the one providing width or not.

    Player pairings

    Full-Back and Winger Pairings

    Overlap, underlap, IF + attacking WB. The same-channel rule for full-back and winger pairings, and the cases where it doesn't apply.

    12 min readRead
    Foundations

    Wing Play vs Central Play

    Build through the wide areas or through the middle? A working framework for picking the right one for your squad.

    10 min readRead
    Playing styles

    Gegenpressing: A Full Guide

    Klopp-style gegenpressing in FM, including squad profile, line-and-press pairing, sustainable workload, and the antipatterns to avoid.

    12 min readRead
    Squad building

    Recruitment by Tactical Fit

    Scout for system fit, not stat stars. The shortlist filters in FM that map to your tactic, and the role-attribute matrix to use.

    12 min readRead

    Strikers

    Poacher, Complete Forward, False 9, Pressing Forward, Target Man. The striker role is the load-bearing piece for everything else: a False 9 changes what your wide forwards have to do, a Pressing Forward changes what your defensive line is allowed to be.

    Player pairings

    Striker Partnerships in FM

    Target Man and Poacher, False 9 and Inside Forward: the striker partnerships that solve isolation, plus the pairings that contradict.

    12 min readRead
    Playing styles

    Gegenpressing: A Full Guide

    Klopp-style gegenpressing in FM, including squad profile, line-and-press pairing, sustainable workload, and the antipatterns to avoid.

    12 min readRead
    Playing styles

    Counter-Attacking Excellence

    Sit deep, win the ball, and break in three passes. The roles, instructions, and squad profile that make it work.

    11 min readRead
    Squad building

    Recruitment by Tactical Fit

    Scout for system fit, not stat stars. The shortlist filters in FM that map to your tactic, and the role-attribute matrix to use.

    12 min readRead