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Understanding the new Player Roles in EAFC 25

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Squad with these new added roles in your tactical system

Player Roles FC25

Did you notice anything unusual about the tactics when you logged into EAFC 25 for the first time? You're not alone, I did too! I found myself wondering about these strange tactics and how they actually work. 

After doing some research and discussing with other PRO players, I finally managed to identify the concept behind these tactics. They are incredibly effective in-game, with each player assigned a specific role tailored to their position. This ensures they know exactly when to make particular runs or hold their ground as needed.

Player Roles FC25

Below, you'll find a list of all the player roles and their corresponding combinations:

Goalkeepers Roles 

Goalkeeper

  • Defend
  • Balanced

Sweeper Keeper

  • Balanced
  • Buildup

Defenders Roles

Left Back/Right Back

Fullback

  • Defend 
  • Balanced

Wingback

  • Defend 
  • Support

Falseback

  • Balanced
  • Defend

Attacking Wingback

  • Balanced
  • Attack

Centre Backs

Defender

  • Defend
  • Balanced

Stopper

  • Balanced
  • Aggressive

Ball-Playing Defender

  • Defend
  • Build Up 
  • Aggressive

 

Midfielder Roles

Centre Attacking Midfielders (CAM)

Playmaker

  • Balanced
  • Roaming
  • Build Up

Half Winger

  • Balanced 
  • Attack

Shadow Striker

  • Attack

Classic 10

  • Attack
  • Wide

Centre Midfielders (CM)

Box to Box

  • Balanced

Holding

  • Defend
  • Ball Winning

Deep Lying Playmaker

  • Defend
  • Build Up

Playmaker

  • Attack
  • Roaming

Half Winger

  • Balanced
  • Attack

Centre Defensive Midfielders (CDM)

Holding

  • Defend
  • Roaming
  • Ball Winning

Deep Lying Playmaker

  • Defend
  • Roaming
  • Build Up

Centre Half

  • Defend

Wide Half

  • Defend
  • Build Up

Left Midfielder/Right Midfielder

Winger

  • Balanced
  • Attack

Wide Playmaker

  • Attack
  • Build Up

Wide Midfielder

  • Balanced 
  • Defend

Inside Forward

  • Balanced
  • Attack

Attackers Roles

Striker

Advanced Forward

  • Attack
  • Complete
  • Support

Target Forward

  • Attack
  • Balanced
  • Wide

False 9

  • Build Up

Poacher

  • Poacher
  • Support

Left Wing/Right Wing

Winger

  • Balanced
  • Attack

Wide Playmaker

  • Attack
  • Build Up

Inside Forward

  • Balanced
  • Attack
  • Roaming

What Are Player Roles?

Player roles are specific instructions assigned to players, guiding their movements for potential forward or backward runs. These roles depend on the player's position, as each player has a unique role designed to maintain team balance and ensure the formation holds its shape throughout the game. As mentioned earlier, there are various roles you can assign to your players. However, it’s crucial to ensure that these roles complement each other, leading to better team understanding, more victories, and overall success in the game.

Player Roles FC25

Goalkeepers

When it comes to goalkeepers, there isn’t much you can adjust in terms of tactical roles, as they primarily remain in their position. Their lateral movement is mostly limited to set pieces or or one on one situations.

The only specialized role for a goalkeeper is the Sweeper Keeper. In this role, the goalkeeper actively comes off the line to intercept crosses into the box, anticipates corners, and handles one-on-one situations or free kicks delivered into the box. Additionally, with the Sweeper Keeper, you can initiate build-up play from the back, as the goalkeeper also provides an extra passing option.

Defenders

CENTRE BACKS

Defenders are assigned different player roles, which are crucial for maintaining the right balance within your team. Centre Backs and Fullbacks each have specific roles to follow during matches. For CENTRE BACKS (CB), one can be designated as the STOPPER, responsible for intercepting passes to the forwards, making crucial tackles, and leading the press against the opponent.

The other Centre Back can take on the DEFEND role, focusing on the fundamentals of defending.  Alternatively, you could assign a BALL-PLAYING DEFENDER role to one of your defenders. This role suits a defender with high passing stats, who is comfortable distributing the ball from the back and can advance with it when necessary like William Saliba. 

LEFT BACK and RIGHT BACK

For the LEFT BACK (LB) and RIGHT BACK (RB), the setup is quite similar to the Centre Backs, with each player being assigned specific roles for matches. They can be left in their normal role, FULLBACK, where their role is to protect the goal and provide an option to relieve pressure. Other roles include WINGBACK and FALSEBACK.

The WINGBACK role allows the fullback to push forward and support the attack, while the FALSEBACK has the fullback moving into the midfield to offer an additional option when in possession. The final role for Fullbacks is ATTACKING WINGBACK, where the focus is on getting forward and providing width to the team. For combinations, it's up to you to find the ideal one for each role. You can visit FUTBIN to explore and select the best option for all, alongside REDDIT for the best tips and discussions.

Midfielders

CENTRE MIDFIELDERS

For midfielders, there are several player roles you can utilize to elevate your team. For CENTRE MIDFIELDERS (CM), in my opinion, the most effective roles are BOX-TO-BOX and HOLDING. The BOX-TO-BOX role involves midfielders advancing into the opponent's box to support the attackers while also tracking back to defend when needed. Meanwhile, the HOLDING role focuses on protecting the defense during attacks and covering against counterattacks. Other roles that can be used are DEEP LYING PLAYMAKER, PLAYMAKER, HALF WINGER. 

Player Roles FC25

CENTRE ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

For CENTRE ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS (CAM), in my opinion, the most popular role is the PLAYMAKER. This role is pivotal to the attack, as the CAM links up play with precise passing while being granted the freedom to roam, create space, and produces opportunities. However, it's worth noting that in this role, the CAM may often find themselves out of position during opposition counterattacks. Other roles suitable for this position include HALF WINGER, SHADOW STRIKER, and CLASSIC 10.

CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS

The CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER (CDM) is another crucial position in the team, alongside performing the correct roles. In my opinion, the most important roles for this position are HOLDING and DEEP LYING MIDFIELDER. The Holding role focuses on shielding the defense during attacking plays and covering against counterattacks. The Deep Lying Playmaker controls the tempo from deep in the midfield, dictating the game with distribution and vision. Additionally, this player is often key in initiating attacks. Other roles that can be utilized in this position are CENTRE HALF and WIDE HALF.

LEFT MID and RIGHT MID

The last midfielder positions we will discuss are the LEFT MID (LM) and RIGHT MID (RM) positions. The roles for both are similar and can be applied to either side. In my opinion, the most common roles for these positions are WINGER and WIDE PLAYMAKER. The WINGER role typically involves staying wide and offering support on the flanks during all phases of play. The WIDE PLAYMAKER focuses on delivering key passes and creating opportunities from wide areas. Other roles for these positions include WIDE MIDFIELDER and INSIDE FORWARD. You can visit FUTBIN to explore and choose the best option for your team, alongside REDDIT for the best tips and discussions.

Attackers

STRIKERS

The attacking part is one of the most important positions in the game, so assigning them the best roles is very important. Starting with the STRIKER (ST) position, once again in my opinion, the ADVANCED FORWARD and POACHER roles are the most used in the game. Advanced Forward role is targeted to score more goals and to get past defenders whenever he/she can. Also, this role allows the striker to make runs in behind for goal scoring opportunities. The Poacher role is to profit from any opportunities inside the box. The player also makes runs in behind the defence, hoping for a chance to score. More player roles for this position include TARGET FORWARD and FALSE 9.

LEFT WING and RIGHT WING

For the LEFT WING (LW) and RIGHT WING (RW) positions, the most commonly used roles, in my opinion, are WINGER and INSIDE FORWARD. The WINGER role typically involves staying wide and providing support on the flanks during all phases of play. The INSIDE FORWARD role is when the wingers cut inside to become goal-scoring threats, adding versatility to your attack. They usually start on the wing, then cut inside onto their stronger foot to either shoot or play the decisive pass. Another option for this position is the WIDE PLAYMAKER. You can visit FUTBIN to explore and select the best option for your team, alongside REDDIT for the best tips and discussions.

Player Roles FC25

Conclusion

As a pro player, I saw a significant improvement with these roles in my custom tactics, and I recommend that you find the right roles and combinations to build a well-balanced team. If you're still unsure about which formations work best for these roles, you can always refer to our best formations guide to help you make the right decision. I believe that, with this information, you should now be able to identify the best tactics and roles for your team. If you were struggling before, you should now be on the path to getting back to the top.

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About the author

Ryan Cauchi

I have a lifelong love for sports, especially football. I am also passionate about sports writing, gaming, and journalism. Additionally, I’m a pro FIFA/FC player in Malta backed up by a silver trophy in 2023-2024.