All of the player roles and duties that can be used in central attack playing positions are analysed below. Central attack includes all of the roles/duties that are available in the AMC and STC playing positions.
Introduction & Role Analyser
Goalkeeper Roles | Central Defence Roles
Central Midfield Roles | Flank Roles | Central Attack Roles
Analysed below for each central attack role is:
- Game description – the description of the role/duty as given in the game.
- Player instructions – the player instructions given by the role/duty. Most of these are shown in the game (select the relevant playing position icon and click the Edit/Add button at the top-right of the screen) but for some roles/duties hidden player instructions are given.
- Complementary player traits – player traits that make a player more likely to follow the role/duty’s player instructions.
- Contrasting player traits – player traits that make a player less likely to follow the role/duty’s player instructions
Attacking Midfielder
Game description:
The Attacking Midfielder operates higher up the pitch than a standard midfielder, so he cannot drive into space from deep in the manner of an attacking Central Midfielder.
Requiring excellent technical and mental skills, his role is to fashion chances for himself and others in the final third before the opposition defenders reduce the time and space he has to make the play.
Player Instructions
- Attack duty – Get Further Forward
Player Traits
Complementary player traits:
- Attack duty – Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Plays One-Twos
Contrasting player traits:
- Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Stays Back At All Times
Advanced Playmaker
Game description:
The Advanced Playmaker aims to drop into the holes between the opposition’s midfield and defence, making himself available for his teammates’ passes and aiming to turn defence into attack in an instant.
Player Instructions
- Shoot Less Often, Take More Risks
- Attack duty – Dribble More
Hidden player instructions: sit between the lines more, make more lateral runs, collect the ball more, use more creative freedom, focus play (this role is a playmaker focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often)
Player Traits
Complementary player traits:
- Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Does Not Move Into Channels, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Looks For Pass Rather Than Attempting To Score, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often
- Attack duty – Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Round Keeper, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
Contrasting player traits:
- Attempts Overhead Kicks, Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Likes To Lob Keeper, Moves Into Channels, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Shoots From Distance, Tries First Time Shots
- Attack duty – Runs With Ball Rarely
Trequartista
Game description:
While similar to the Advanced Playmaker in that he aims to drop into the holes between the opposition’s midfield and defence, the Trequartista does far less defensively and simply drifts around looking for space when the team is not in possession.
As such, the rest of the team needs to carry him when defending, but use him as the main outlet when attacking.
Player Instructions
- Significantly decrease pressing intensity, Ease Off Tackles, Move Into Channels, Roam From Position, Dribble More, Take More Risks
Hidden player instructions: collect the ball more, make more dribbles into channels, use more creative freedom, focus play (this role is a playmaker focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often)
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Round Keeper, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Moves Into Channels, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
Contrasting player traits: Dives Into Tackles, Does Not Move Into Channels, Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
Enganche
Game description:
The Enganche is the side’s prime creator, a hook that joins midfield and attack and operates behind the strikers and a playmaker who sticks to his position and becomes a pivot to his team as they move around him. Unlike the Trequartista, it is a more stationary role as the Enganche acts as the focal point instead of moving around into larger areas of space.
Player Instructions
- Hold Position, Dribble Less, Take More Risks
Hidden player instructions: use more creative freedom, focus play (this role is a playmaker focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often)
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Dictates Tempo, Does Not Move Into Channels, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often
Contrasting player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Likes To Round Keeper, Moves Into Channels, Plays No Through Balls, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
Shadow Striker
Game description:
The Shadow Striker operates as one of the team’s main goalscoring threats. Usually coupled with another forward in support, the Shadow Striker aggressively pushes up into goalscoring positions as the ball moves into the final third and looks to close down opposing defenders when out of possession.
Player Instructions
- Increase pressing intensity, Get Further Forward, Move Into Channels, Dribble More, Take More Risks
Hidden player instructions: make more dribbles into channels
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Likes To Round Keeper, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Moves Into Channels, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
Contrasting player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Does Not Move Into Channels, Dwells On Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
Deep Lying Forward
Game description:
The Deep Lying Forward’s main function is to link the attack to the midfield.
He aims to drop deep into space and hold up the ball before supplying linking passes to teammates, moving the ball back to midfield support, spreading it wide to the flanks and, if he has time to turn, playing in his strike partner.
Player Instructions
- Move Into Channels, Hold Up Ball, Take More Risks
Hidden player instructions: make more dribbles into channels
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Moves Into Channels, Plays With Back To Goal, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often
Contrasting player traits: Does Not Move Into Channels, Dwells On Ball, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Rarely, Runs With Ball Through Centre
Advanced Forward
Game description:
The Advanced Forward’s main role is to lead the line and look to spearhead attacking moves.
His primary duty is to be the focal point of attacking moves and he is required to both score and create goals.
His secondary role is to chase down misplaced through balls or clearances from deep, win possession and lay off passes or crosses to his teammates.
Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward, Move Into Channels
Hidden player instructions: make more dribbles into channels
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Moves Into Channels, Plays One-Twos
Contrasting player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Does Not Move Into Channels, Dwells On Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
Target Man
Game description:
A Target Man can transform an average team into a good one by using his sheer physicality to disrupt the opposition’s defence and open up space for his strike partner and supporting midfielders.
The Target Man uses his strength and aerial presence to bring teammates into play rather than relying on technical ability.
Player Instructions
- Hold Up Ball, Dribble Less
- Attack duty – Get Further Forward
Hidden player instructions: focus play directly (this role is a target-man focal role which instructs a player’s teammates to pass to him more often with increased passing directness)
Player Traits
Complementary player traits:
- Plays With Back To Goal, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stops Play
- Attack duty – Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Plays One-Twos
Contrasting player traits:
- Comes Deep To Get Ball, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Likes To Round Keeper, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
- Attack duty – Stays Back At All Times
Poacher
Game description:
The Poacher sits on the shoulder of the last defender looking to break the defensive line and run onto through balls from midfield.
Although the Poacher is always ready to run at his marker and is happy to cross the ball when required, his main aim is trying to put the ball in the back of the net.
His focus on scoring goals is so extreme that he rarely offers much help in constructing moves, preferring instead to remain central and sniff out opportunities in and around the box.
Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward, Dribble Less, Take Fewer Risks
Hidden player instructions: shoot more often when inside the opposition penalty area, use more tactical discipline
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Attempts Overhead Kicks, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Plays No Through Balls, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely, Tries First Time Shots
Contrasting player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Dwells On Ball, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Likes To Round Keeper, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Looks For Pass Rather Than Attempting To Score, Plays With Back To Goal, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stays Back At All Times, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
Complete Forward
Game description:
A Complete Forward possesses all the technical attributes of a Deep Lying Forward, the goal scoring ability of a Poacher and the strength and power of a Target Man.
He is equally adept at playing in others, fashioning chances for himself and getting on the end of team moves. Such a player transcends tactical instruction and should simply be allowed to do his own thing.
Player Instructions
- Move Into Channels, Roam From Position, Hold Up Ball, Dribble More, Take More Risks
- Attack duty – Get Further Forward
Hidden player instructions: make more dribbles into channels, use more creative freedom
Player Traits
Complementary player traits:
- Dictates Tempo, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Round Keeper, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Moves Into Channels, Plays With Back To Goal, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
- Attack duty – Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Plays One-Twos
Contrasting player traits:
- Does Not Move Into Channels, Dwells On Ball, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
- Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet
Pressing Forward
Game description:
The Pressing Forward is becoming more and more important in the modern game.
His main duty is to put pressure on the opposition when they have possession, closing them down and chasing any loose balls in order to prevent the opposing players having too much time on the ball. The point at which he will press is dependent on the team’s overall line of engagement.
Player Instructions
- Significantly increase pressing intensity, Tackle Harder
- Defend and Support duty – Hold Up Ball
- Defend duty – Hold Position, Shoot Less Often, Take Fewer Risks
- Attack duty – Get Further Forward, Move Into Channels
Hidden player instructions:
- Attack duty – make more dribbles into channels
Player Traits
Complementary player traits:
- Dives Into Tackles
- Defend duty – Does Not Move Into Channels, Looks For Pass Rather Than Attempting To Score, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Refrains From Taking Long Shots
- Defend and Support duty – Plays With Back To Goal, Stops Play
- Attack duty – Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Moves Into Channels, Plays One-Twos
Contrasting player traits:
- Defend duty – Attempts Overhead Kicks, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Likes To Beat Offside Trap, Likes To Lob Keeper, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Moves Into Channels, Plays One-Twos, Shoots From Distance, Tries First Time Shots, Tries Killer Balls Often
- Defend and Support duty – Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre
- Defend and Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball
- Attack duty – Does Not Move Into Channels, Dwells On Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times
False Nine
Game description:
The False Nine, in some ways similar to a more advanced attacking midfielder/playmaker role, is an unconventional lone striker or centre forward who drops deep into midfield. The purpose of this is that it creates a problem for opposing central defenders who can either follow him – leaving space behind them for onrushing midfielders, forwards or wingers to exploit – or leave him to have time and space to dribble or pick out a pass.
Player Instructions
- Dribble More, Take More Risks
Hidden player instructions: drop deep more, use more creative freedom
Player Traits
Complementary player traits: Comes Deep To Get Ball, Dictates Tempo, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Likes To Round Keeper, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks
Contrasting player traits: Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely
Related Guides
Other Player Roles & Duties Guides
- Introduction & Role Analyser
- Goalkeeper Roles
- Central Defence Roles
- Central Midfield Roles
- Flank Roles
Related Tactics Guides
- Role Combinations – to choose player roles and duties that suit your playing style and carry out positional responsibilities appropriately.
- Player Instructions – analysis of player instructions, including hidden player instructions.
- Player Traits – analysis of player traits.
