Full Back FM24 Role Guide

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the fullback role in Football Manager, explaining its versatile use in different tactics and formations. While primarily defense-focused, fullbacks can contribute offensively by supporting midfielders and occasionally cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. The video compares fullbacks to wing backs, noting that fullbacks are more defense-oriented and sit deeper, while wing backs are more attack-focused. The analysis also covers various player traits and tactical adjustments, highlighting how fullbacks can enhance both possession-based and counter-attacking styles of play.

Takeaways

• ⚽ The fullback role in Football Manager is a versatile player role used on the flanks in back four formations, focused primarily on defense.
• 🎯 Fullbacks are strong defenders, but they can also contribute to attacking plays by advancing into the penalty box when the opportunity arises.
• 🛡️ Their primary instinct when winning the ball is to maintain defensive cover, marking opponents and providing stability.
• 📊 Compared to wingbacks, fullbacks play narrower and more conservatively, with less focus on dribbling and starting from a deeper position.
• 📐 Fullbacks can adapt to different playstyles and tactics, such as possession-focused, defensive counter-focused, or freeform formations like 4-3-3, 4-4-2, or 4-2-3-1.
• 🎯 Wingbacks are more attack-focused and sit wider on the field, while fullbacks work closer to the midfield and provide defensive support in narrower positions.
• 🧠 Elite players, like Teo Hernandez, can exploit the fullback role's freedom of movement, using their traits to make creative runs and cut inside.
• 🔄 Fullbacks can operate in different duties, like defend, support, or attack, which can be customized based on your tactical needs.
• 🎥 The video contrasts the fullback and wingback roles using visual examples, showing how their positioning and contributions differ on both defense and attack.
• 💡 Players like Dennis Adoi are valuable for their versatility, capable of playing multiple defensive roles, making them crucial squad members in various tactics.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a fullback in Football Manager?

The fullback is a defense-focused player role used on the flanks in back four formations. They provide strong defensive coverage, but can also move forward to create scoring chances when the opportunity arises.

How does a fullback behave when defending?

When defending, a fullback's first instinct is to ensure there is adequate cover. They will mark opponents and attempt to win the ball, but their priority is to drop back and maintain defensive positioning.

How does a fullback contribute to attacking play?

Although primarily defensive, a fullback can contribute to attacking play by moving into advanced positions when appropriate. They often find pockets of space or underlap inside the penalty box, creating unique scoring opportunities.

What is the main difference between a fullback and a wing back in Football Manager?

The main difference is that the wing back is more attack-focused, starting higher up the field and playing wider, while the fullback is defense-focused, staying in line with other defenders and working more closely with the midfield.

How does the passing distribution differ between a fullback and a wing back?

A fullback on attack tends to have more passes in deeper positions, while a wing back on attack has more passes completed higher up the field.

What advantages does a fullback on support offer?

A fullback on support has no hard-coded player instructions, offering them the freedom to utilize their individual traits, making them versatile in both attacking and defensive situations depending on the flow of the game.

What is a key strength of players like Teo Hernandez in the fullback role?

Players like Teo Hernandez, who possess strong traits such as getting forward whenever possible and cutting inside from the left wing, can take advantage of the fullback role's freedom to contribute more creatively in attack.

In what types of tactics can fullbacks be effectively used?

Fullbacks can be used in a variety of tactics, such as possession-focused 4-3-3 formations, defensive counter-focused 4-4-2 setups, or more free-form formations like 4-2-3-1. Their versatility makes them adaptable to different play styles.

What was the tactical adjustment made in the video regarding the fullback role?

The original tactic used two fullbacks, one on attack and one on support, but this created a crowded forward position with insufficient midfield cover. The adjustment made both fullbacks play on support to provide better defensive balance.

What are some valuable traits for fullbacks in Football Manager?

Useful traits for fullbacks include 'likes to switch ball to other flank,' 'crosses early,' and 'plays one-twos.' These traits enhance their versatility and contribution to both defensive and attacking phases.