Top Midfield Roles In FM23: Dominate The Game!

Hey guys! Are you ready to dominate the midfield in Football Manager 2023? Choosing the right midfield roles is absolutely crucial for dictating the tempo, winning possession, and creating killer chances. In this guide, we're diving deep into the best midfield roles FM23 has to offer, helping you craft the ultimate midfield maestro setup. So, buckle up, and let's get tactical!

Understanding Midfield Roles

Before we jump into specific roles, it's super important to understand the basics. Midfield roles in FM23 are broadly categorized into defensive, central, and attacking functions. Each role comes with a set of instructions that define a player's behavior, both in and out of possession. Think of it like this: you're the conductor of an orchestra, and your midfielders are the instruments. Each instrument (or player) needs to play its part perfectly to create a harmonious symphony (your team's performance).

Key attributes also play a massive role. A ball-winning midfielder needs high tackling, aggression, and strength, while a deep-lying playmaker thrives on vision, passing, and composure. Don't just shove any player into any role; tailor your selections based on their strengths. Understanding these nuances can be the difference between a midfield that's overrun and one that completely controls the game. I cannot stress this enough guys; you may have the best tactics but if your personnel are not suited to your tactic you will always struggle. Always be aware of player attributes when implementing tactics into your save.

The Anchor Man: The Defensive Rock

The Anchor Man is your quintessential defensive midfielder, sitting just in front of the defense and breaking up opposition attacks. They're the shield that protects your backline, winning tackles, intercepting passes, and generally making life difficult for the opposition's attacking players. Think of players like N'Golo Kanté or Casemiro – always in the right place at the right time to snuff out danger.

Key Attributes: Tackling, positioning, aggression, strength, stamina, and teamwork. A good work rate is also essential, as they'll need to cover a lot of ground. Guys, trust me, having a solid Anchor Man can transform your defense from leaky to rock-solid. They are the unsung heroes, quietly doing the dirty work that allows your more creative players to shine. I would say a player of this ilk is almost mandatory if you play with attacking fullbacks. Without them you are extremely susceptible to the counter attack with only two central defenders covering the entire defensive third.

The Ball-Winning Midfielder: The Aggressive Retriever

Similar to the Anchor Man, the Ball-Winning Midfielder (BWM) is focused on winning back possession, but they're typically more aggressive and proactive in their approach. They'll close down opponents quickly, put in hard tackles, and generally disrupt the opposition's rhythm. The BWM is all about winning the ball back as high up the pitch as possible. These guys are terriers, always snapping at the heels of the opposition.

Key Attributes: Tackling, aggression, work rate, stamina, strength, and bravery. They also need decent passing ability to distribute the ball quickly after winning it back. Be warned, though: their aggressive nature can lead to fouls and yellow cards, so choose players with good decision-making to avoid unnecessary suspensions. For me the ball winning midfielder role is the most aggressive role of the defensive minded midfielders. If you choose this role you need to be wary of how many yellow cards they may accumulate throughout the season.

Central Midfield Maestros

The Deep-Lying Playmaker: The Creative Hub

The Deep-Lying Playmaker (DLP) operates from a deeper position, dictating the tempo and spraying passes to teammates all over the pitch. They're the quarterback of your team, possessing excellent vision, passing range, and composure under pressure. Think of players like Toni Kroos or Luka Modrić. These guys can unlock defenses with a single pass, and their ability to control the game from deep is invaluable.

Key Attributes: Passing, vision, technique, composure, decisions, and anticipation. They also need decent tackling ability to contribute defensively. The DLP role comes in two flavors: defend and support. The defend duty will see them sit deeper and focus more on protecting the defense, while the support duty will encourage them to get forward more and contribute to attacks. The DLP for me is a must have for any team looking to maintain possession and dictate the game from deep.

The Central Midfielder: The All-Rounder

The Central Midfielder (CM) is your classic box-to-box player, contributing both defensively and offensively. They'll win tackles, make interceptions, support attacks, and even chip in with the occasional goal. The CM is a versatile role that can be tailored to suit different tactical approaches. They're the engine of your team, providing energy and dynamism in the middle of the pitch. I like to use a combination of a defensive minded central midfielder along with a more attacking version.

Key Attributes: Work rate, stamina, tackling, passing, technique, and off the ball movement. The specific attributes you prioritize will depend on the player's specific role within the team. For example, a CM(D) will need better tackling and positioning than a CM(A). When I am looking for a CM I am looking for a player who has well rounded stats. They do not need to excel in any particular area but they must be very good at most.

The Mezzala: The Wide Playmaker

The Mezzala is a more specialized central midfielder role that drifts wide, creating space and opportunities for teammates. They're essentially a hybrid between a central midfielder and a winger, providing creativity and attacking threat from the half-spaces. Think of players like Kevin De Bruyne or Thomas Müller. These guys can unlock defenses with their clever movement and incisive passing.

Key Attributes: Passing, technique, vision, off the ball movement, work rate, and stamina. They also need decent crossing ability to deliver accurate balls into the box. The Mezzala role is best suited to teams that play with a narrow formation, as they'll provide the width and attacking impetus. I personally have found the Mezzala role to be a very effective attacking option to have in your tactic.

Attacking Midfield Maestros

The Attacking Midfielder: The Creative Spark

The Attacking Midfielder (AM) operates in the space between the midfield and the attack, creating chances and scoring goals. They're the creative hub of your team, possessing excellent vision, passing range, and finishing ability. Think of players like Bruno Fernandes or Paulo Dybala. These guys can unlock defenses with their clever passes, dribbling skills, and eye for goal.

Key Attributes: Passing, vision, technique, finishing, off the ball movement, and composure. The AM role comes in different duties, such as attack, support, and defend. The attack duty will see them push forward and look to score goals, while the support duty will encourage them to link up with the midfield and create chances for others. The AM role is perfect for players that like to play in the hole and pick out the runs of on rushing wingers or strikers.

The Advanced Playmaker: The Dribbling Maestro

The Advanced Playmaker (AP) is similar to the attacking midfielder, but they're more focused on dribbling and creating individual moments of magic. They'll take on defenders, create space with their trickery, and generally cause havoc in the opposition's defense. Think of players like Lionel Messi or Neymar. These guys can turn a game on its head with their individual brilliance.

Key Attributes: Dribbling, technique, flair, passing, vision, and finishing. They also need decent work rate and stamina to contribute defensively. The AP role is best suited to players with exceptional dribbling skills and a penchant for the spectacular. Guys, having an AP in your team can be a real game-changer, especially against stubborn defenses.

The Shadow Striker: The Goal-Poaching Midfielder

The Shadow Striker (SS) operates just behind the main striker, looking to exploit space and score goals. They're essentially a second striker, possessing excellent finishing ability, off the ball movement, and anticipation. Think of players like Thomas Müller or Dele Alli. These guys can pop up in unexpected places and score crucial goals.

Key Attributes: Finishing, off the ball movement, anticipation, composure, and technique. They also need decent passing and vision to link up with the attack. The SS role is best suited to teams that play with a single striker, as they'll provide the extra attacking threat. This is one of my favourite roles to use guys. I often find my SS outscores my main striker when using this role.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right midfield roles in FM23 is a delicate balancing act. You need to consider your players' strengths, your tactical approach, and the opposition's weaknesses. Don't be afraid to experiment and tweak your setup until you find the perfect combination. Remember, a well-oiled midfield can be the foundation for success in Football Manager 2023. So get out there, experiment with these roles, and dominate the game!