Locked and Unlocked Instructions (upcoming feature)[]
All roles are made up of individual instructions (see Role Instructions for more information on what each instruction does). Some of these instructions will be locked, meaning that you cannot change what the instruction is set to. Some of the instructions are unlocked, meaning you can change what they are set to, and so create a custom version of the role that you can use.
(Note: If you invest in Custom Role tech in the Coaching Branch of the Training building you can create custom roles where all instructions are unlocked, so you can create a version of the role with any instruction levels you like).
All roles share the following unlocked instructions, normally set to whatever your team instructions have been set to:
Role Instructions
Instruction Name
Instruction Level
Passing Risk
Team
Passing Distance
Team
Passing Aim
Team
Attack Focus
Team
Switch Play
Team
Crossing Frequency
Team
Crossing Type
Mixed
Tempo
Team
Below is a description of what each role does, plus a list of the other instructions that role uses, what they are set to, and whetjer those instructions are locked or unlocked. Some instructions have a level of 'Team +1' or 'Team -1'. That means tha instruction is one level higher or lower than the team instruction level.
Attack Roles: Centre Back[]
Centre Back: Balanced[]
This role encourages the player to remain near their formation position but not locked to it through instructions to use disciplined dribbling and disciplined off-the-ball running.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Dribble Rarely
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look To Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Disciplined Runs
Locked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Back: Anchor[]
This role instructs the player to hold their formation position. They are instructed to refrain from dribbling or from making off-the-ball runs.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Don't Dribble
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look to Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Hold Position
Locked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Back: Ball Playing[]
This role encourages the player to bring the ball out of defence and gives them more freedom to make off-the-ball runs, depending on the team’s run instruction level.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Bring Ball Out of Defence
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look to Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Back: Libero[]
The role encourages the player to bring the ball out of defence and to dribble more often, as well as make longer off-the-ball runs, including overlapping players in front of them.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Bring Ball Out of Defence
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look to Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Attack Roles: Centre Midfielder[]
Centre Midfielder: Balanced[]
This role instructs the player to follow whatever the team instructions are for dribbling and off-the-ball running.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
None
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balancedq
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Midfielder: Defensive[]
This role allows only limited dribbling and disciplined off-the-ball runs, so the player will stay close to their formation position at all times when the team is attacking.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Dribble Rarely
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Disciplined Runs
Locked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Midfielder: Anchor Man[]
This role instructs the player to hold their formation position at all times, so they will not dribble with the ball or make runs off the ball.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Don't Dribble
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Hold Position
Locked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Midfielder: Box to Box[]
This role encourages the player to make long runs forward, overlapping players in front of them to get into the attack. With dribbling, they follow whatever the team instructions are set to.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
None
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
Arrive Late
Unlocked
Centre Midfielder: Mezzala[]
This role instructs the player to dribble and make off-the-ball runs towards the outside of the pitch.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Outside Runs
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Midfielder: Attacking[]
This role encourages the player to dribble more and try to beat opponents when they do so. They are also encouraged to take shoots from outside the area.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Beat Players
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Wide
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Centre Midfielder: Shadow Striker[]
This role instructs the player to make off-the-ball runs from midfield into the attack in order to act as a Striker, including running into channels to try and draw the defenders out of position and create space in the opposition area.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
None
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Shoot on Sight
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Run into Channels
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
Arrive Early
Unlocked
Attack Roles: Fullback[]
Fullback: Balanced[]
Your standard fullback, who will stay wide when dribbling, looks to Cross from Deep, but mostly just follows whatever the team instructions are.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look to Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Overlap (Team)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Fullback: Defensive[]
Like the balanced fullback, but will dribble less and stay back in defence when the team is attacking in case the team lose possession.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look To Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Disciplined Runs
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap (No)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Fullback: Attacking[]
This role pushes the player forward to play an active role in the attack. Often a role used by a wingback. The player is encouraged to dribble forward when they get the chance and make runs from defence into attack, overlapping teammates in front if the opportunity arises.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Dribble Often
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Bring the Ball Out of Defence
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Wide
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Fullback: Inverted[]
This is a cross between a ‘Balanced’ and an ‘Attacking’ fullback role. They position themselves wide in attack but are encouraged to come inside, both when making runs and when dribbling with the ball.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Inside
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Inside Runs
Overlap (No)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Attack Roles: Strikers[]
Striker: Balanced[]
This role follows the team’s instructions but encourages the player to run into channels if they get the chance, to create space and move defenders out of position in the opposition’s area.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
None
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Run into Channels
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Striker: Poacher[]
This role instructs the player to refrain from moving too far from their formation position, using disciplined dribbling and run instructions. While allowing some small movement, the role is aimed at keeping the player focused on taking shots at goal whenever the opportunity arises.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team -1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Shoot on Sight
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Disciplined Runs
Locked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Striker: False Nine[]
The role has the player making runs backwards from attack into midfield to find and create space. When the player receives the ball, the role encourages them to dribble with it, as well as to take shots at goal from outside the opposition area.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
None
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Drop Back Runs
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Striker: Inside Forward[]
This role is designed for strikers who stand wider than normal. They are encouraged to come inside when they make off-the-ball runs or dribble with the ball. In addition, they will look to make runs into channels, aiming to pull defenders out of position and make space for others.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Inside
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Inside Runs
Run into Channels
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Striker: Target Man[]
This role instructs the player to hold their position in the formation and not make off-the-ball runs, as well as to limit how often and how far the player will dribble with the ball. The role aims at making the player a fulcrum around which other players can play.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team -1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Hold Position
Locked
Run Instructions
None
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Attack Roles: Wide Midfielder[]
Wide Midfielder: Balanced[]
This role instructs the player to follow whatever the team instructions are for dribbling and off-the-ball running while staying out wide to give the team width in midfield.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Overlap (Team)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Wide Midfielder: Defensive[]
This role instructs the player to stay wide and avoid going forward too much through disciplined dribbling and run instructions. In addition, the player is told not to overlap.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team -1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dibble Wide
Disciplined Dribbling
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Deep
Locked
Box Shooting
Look to Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Disciplined Runs
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap (No)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Wide Midfielder: Attacking[]
This role encourages the player to get forward when they can while staying wide. The player will look to dribble and beat defenders, as well as make long off-the-ball runs. The player is also encouraged to shoot from outside the area if the chance arises.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Beat Players
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross from Wide
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap
Lokced
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Wide Midfielder: Inverted[]
This is a cross between the balanced and attacking roles. They are positioned wide in midfield but are encouraged to come inside towards the centre of the pitch, both when making runs and dribbling with the ball.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Inside
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Wide
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Inside Runs
Overlap (No)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Attack Roles: Wingers[]
Winger: Balanced[]
This role instructs the player to stay wide and try to get to the byline to make crosses. Outside of that, the role tends to follow whatever the team's instructions are.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Gaol Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Overlap (Team)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Winger: Defensive[]
This role instructs the player to stay wide and don't seek to get as far forward as the byline to make a cross. In addition, this role discourages the player from taking long shots at goal.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Balanced
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Wide
Locked
Box Shooting
Look to Lay Up
Locked
Long Shots
Discourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Overlap (Team)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Winger: Attacking[]
This role encourages the winger to try and beat opponents when dribbling, as well as taking long shots at goal.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Dribble Often
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Wide
Beat Players
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Overlap
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Winger: Inverted[]
This role is a cross between the balanced and attacking winger role. They are positioned wide but are encouraged to come inside rather than staying wide, both when making runs and when dribbling with the ball.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Dribble Often
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Inside
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Wide
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Encourage Long Shots
Locked
Run Depth
Long
Locked
Run Instructions
Inside Runs
Overlaps (No)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Winger: Inside Forward[]
This role is designed for wingers who stand narrower than normal, so more a cross between a winger and a striker. They are encouraged to come inside when they make off-the-ball runs or dribble with the ball. In addition, they will look to make moves into channels, aiming to pull defenders out of position and make space for others.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Dribbling Frequency
Dribble Often
Locked
Dribbling Tendencies
Dribble Inside
Locked
Crossing Location
Cross From Goal Line
Locked
Box Shooting
Balanced
Locked
Long Shots
Balanced
Locked
Run Depth
Team
Unlocked
Run Instructions
Inside Runs
Run into Channels
Overlap (Team)
Locked
Opposition Box Instruction
No Preference
Unlocked
Defence Roles[]
The defence roles below can be used in any position.
Balanced[]
This is the standard defence role which uses the team instruction levels coupled with balanced pressing tendencies.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Marking Tightness
Team
Locked
Marking Range
Normal
Unlocked
Tackling Frequency
Team
Locked
Tackling Intensity
Team
Locked
Pressing Tendency
Balanced
Locked
Pressing[]
If you want the player to press more heavily and more often, then the Pressing role is the one you want. As well as getting the player to close down more often, the player will want to mark opposition players closely.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Marking Tightness
Team -1
Locked
Marking Range
Normal
Unlocked
Tackling Frequency
Team -1
Locked
Tackling Intensity
Team
Locked
Pressing Tendency
Close Down More
Locked
Stopper[]
This is the role you want to give a player if you want them to go in hard and early to the tackle to win the ball back quickly. The player will tend to not move far from their formation position when marking, ensuring they do not get pulled out of position.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Marking Tightness
Team -1
Locked
Marking Range
Reduced
Unlocked
Tackling Frequency
Team -1
Locked
Tackling Intensity
Team -1
Locked
Pressing Tendency
Balanced
Locked
Ball Winner[]
This role encourages the player to close down more when pressing. As a ball winner, they will tend to adopt looser marking to increase the chance of intercepting passes and are willing to move further away from their formation position to do so.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Marking Tightness
Team +1
Locked
Marking Range
Extended
Unlocked
Tackling Frequency
Team
Locked
Tackling Intensity
Team
Locked
Pressing Tendency
Close Down More
Locked
Patient[]
This role is useful when you want your player to commit less to the press and to be patient and careful in their tackling. In addition, they will mark more loosely in hope of picking up interceptions.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Marking Tightness
Team +1
Locked
Marking Range
Normal
Unlocked
Tackling Frequency
Team +1
Locked
Tackling Intensity
Team
Locked
Pressing Tendency
Sit Off
Locked
Anchor[]
This role tasks the player with staying close to their formation position, sitting off when the team is pressing and not travelling far when marking opposition players.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Marking Tightness
Team
Locked
Marking Range
Reduced
Unlocked
Tackling Frequency
Team
Locked
Tackling Intensity
Team
Locked
Pressing Tendency
Sit Off
Locked
Goalkeeper Roles[]
Unlike roles for outfielders, a goalkeeper will only have one role, which governs both when the team is attacking and when it is defending.
Balanced[]
This role limits the goalkeeper to their area when the team is attacking and to stay near their line when the team is defending. In addition, the goalkeeper will not be viewed as a possible passing target by their teammates except when absolutely necessary.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Attack Postioning
Roam Area
Locked
Passing Target
No
Locked
Distribution Distance
Team
Unlocked
Distribution Direction
Team
Unlocked
Defence Positioning
Stay On Line
Locked
Ball Playing[]
With this role, the team trusts the goalkeeper’s ability to participate in the passing game and treats the goalkeeper as a possible passing target. In attack they will still stay in their area, avoiding venturing out further, but in defence, they have more license to come off their line then the Balanced role, but will still keep to their area and avoid acting as a sweeper.
Instruction Name
Instruction
Locked/Unlocked
Attack Postioning
Roam Area
Locked
Passing Target
Yes
Locked
Distribution Distance
Team
Unlocked
Distribution Direction
Team
Unlocked
Defence Positioning
Roam Area
Locked
Sweeper Keeper[]
This role gives the goalkeeper license to come out of the area and sweep behind the defenders, both when the team is attacking and defending. They are trusted in the passing game and so are viewed as a viable passing target by their teammates.
