Holding CM
A pivotal role in modern football, this defence-minded midfielder focuses on guarding their backline during attacks, and covering off against counter attacks, with limited attacking support.
Focus
Ball-Winning
The Ball-Winning focus tasks the Holding Midfielder with aggressively intercepting passing as part of their defensive focus.
Defend
When instructed to Defend, the Holding Midfielder will move slightly higher to offer a passing option, but will otherwise focus on defending.
Deep-Lying Playmaker CM
The key cog to building up play from the back, this defensively positioned midfielder will often be the catalyst for attacks.
Focus
Build-Up
When set to Build-Up, the Deep-lying Playmaker will move forward and offer a passing option to support attacks.
Defend
With a Defend focus, the Deep-lying Playmaker will focus on closing down passing lanes and staying back while their team attacks.
Playmaker CM
This player tends to be the creative fulcrum of a midfield, given license to roam and create space and opportunities for attacks. Likely to be out of position if the opposition counters.
Focus
Roaming
When set to Roaming, the Playmaker will have freedom to explore the pitch to find the best spaces to support attacks.
Attack
When set to Attack, the Playmaker will move forward to support attacks higher up on the field.
Half-Winger CM
A midfielder who provides width when their team is in possession, moving along the flanks to offer a wide threat. Particularly effective when one of three central midfielders.
Focus
Balanced
When Balanced, the Half Winger will alternate equally between attacking and defending in a measured way.
Attack
When set to Attack, the Half Winger can advance freely, sacrificing defensive responsibilities.
Box-To-Box CM
This player operates between the two boxes, operating as neither the last line of defence, nor the final part of the attack, but involved in everything in-between.
Focus
Balanced
When asked to be Balanced, the Box-to-box Midfielder will cover the centre of the pitch in attack and defence.