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Central Defence Roles

All of the player roles and duties that can be used in central defence playing positions are analysed below. Central defence includes all of the roles/duties that are available in the DC playing positions.

Introduction & Role Analyser
Goalkeeper Roles | Central Defence Roles
Central Midfield Roles | Flank Roles | Central Attack Roles

Analysed below for each central defence 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 traitsplayer 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

Central Defender

Game description:

The main job of the Central Defender is to stop the opposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger when required.

However, especially for more aggressive tactics, he must also possess the composure to be able to help the team maintain possession and lay off simple passes to more creative players.

With a Defend duty
the Central Defender will stay in line with his defensive partner and look to break up attacks, mark opposing forwards and prevent the ball from getting into the box.
With a Stopper duty
the Central Defender will push ahead of the defensive line and close down players before they get to the area.
With a Cover duty
the Central Defender will drop a little deeper and sweep up through balls behind the defensive line.

Player Instructions

  • Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often
    • Defend duty – Hold Position
    • Stopper duty – increase pressing intensity
    • Cover duty – decrease pressing intensity

Hidden player instructions:

  • Stopper duty – Hold Position (but move into a more advanced position to close down)
  • Cover duty – Hold Position (but move into a deeper position to sit off)

Player Traits

Complementary player traits: Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times

Contrasting player traits: Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Shoots From Distance, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

Libero

Game description:

The Libero drops behind the defensive line, aiming to sweep up through balls, pick up extra attackers and make goal saving tackles, blocks and interceptions.

His exceptional athleticism and reading of the game enable him to cover for defensive errors, take possession of loose balls from a deep position and secure possession. However, he will also roam forwards in support of the midfield when the team has possession.

With a Support duty
the Libero will step into the midfield when possession is secured and look to play balls through to attacking teammates.
With an Attack duty
the Libero ventures much higher up the pitch to provide a goal scoring threat from distance alongside looking to play in teammates.

Player Instructions

  • Decrease pressing intensity, Take More Risks
    • Attack duty – Get Further Forward, Dribble More, Shoot More Often

Hidden player instructions:

  • Move into a deeper position to sit off, use more creative freedom
    • Support duty – carry the ball more

Player Traits

Complementary player traits:

  • Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Dictates Tempo, Likes to Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often
    • Attack duty – Arrives Late In Opponents’ Area, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Gets Into Opposition Area, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Plays One-Twos, Runs With Ball Often, Shoots From Distance, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

Contrasting player traits:

  • Dwells On Ball, Plays No Through Balls, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely
    • Attack duty – Comes Deep To Get Ball, Likes Ball Played Into Feet, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Stays Back At All Times

Ball Playing Defender

Game description:

The main job of the Ball Playing Defender is to stop the opposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger when required.

However, unlike standard Central Defenders, the Ball Playing Defender is encouraged to launch defence splitting through balls from deep to generate counter attacking opportunities.

With a Defend duty
the Ball Playing Defender will stay in line with his defensive partner and look to break up attacks, mark opposing forwards and prevent the ball from getting into the box.
With a Stopper duty
the Ball Playing Defender will push ahead of the defensive line and close down players before they get to the area.
With a Cover duty
the Ball Playing Defender will drop a little deeper and sweep up through balls behind the defensive line.

Player Instructions

  • Slightly increase passing directness, Take More Risks
    • Defend duty – Hold Position
    • Stopper duty – increase pressing intensity
    • Cover duty – decrease pressing intensity

Hidden player instructions:

  • Carry the ball more, use more creative freedom
    • Stopper duty – Hold Position (but move into a more advanced position to close down)
    • Cover duty – Hold Position (but move into a deeper position to sit off)

Player Traits

Complementary player traits: Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Dictates Tempo, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Stays Back At All Times, Stops Play, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries Long Range Passes

Contrasting player traits: Dwells On Ball, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Plays No Through Balls, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Rarely

No-Nonsense Centre Back

Game description:

The main job of the No-Nonsense Centre Back is to stop the opposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger when required.

The aim is to win the ball and get it cleared safely up field in a simple and efficient manner, taking few risks with the ball.

With a Defend duty
the No-Nonsense Centre Back will stay in line with his defensive partner and look to break up attacks, mark opposing forwards and prevent the ball from getting into the box.
With a Stopper duty
the No-Nonsense Centre Back will push ahead of the defensive line and close down players before they get to the area.
With a Cover duty
the No-Nonsense Centre Back will drop a little lower and sweep up through balls behind the defensive line.

Player Instructions

  • Increase passing directness, Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often, Take Fewer Risks
    • Defend duty – Hold Position
    • Stopper duty – increase pressing intensity
    • Cover duty – decrease pressing intensity

Hidden player instructions:

  • Use more tactical discipline
    • Stopper duty – Hold Position (but move into a more advanced position to close down)
    • Cover duty – Hold Position (but move into a deeper position to sit off)

Player Traits

Complementary player traits: Plays No Through Balls, Refrains From Taking Long Shots, Runs With Ball Rarely, Stays Back At All Times, Tries Long Range Passes

Contrasting player traits: Brings Ball Out Of Defence, Dictates Tempo, Gets Forward Whenever Possible, Knocks Ball Past Opponent, Likes To Beat Man Repeatedly, Likes To Switch Ball To Other Flank, Plays One-Twos, Plays Short Simple Passes, Runs With Ball Often, Runs With Ball Through Centre, Shoots From Distance, Tries Killer Balls Often, Tries To Play Way Out Of Trouble, Tries Tricks

Other Player Roles & Duties 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.