FM24 Player Roles: Part 2 - Wide Defenders

Summary

This video script delves into the intricacies of football tactics, focusing on the role of wing backs in various formations. It discusses how wing backs, exemplified by players like Alexander-Arnold and Robertson, can dictate play in the wide channels. The script explores different player roles, such as inverted wing backs and fullbacks, and their impact on team shape and attack. It also touches on how to utilize these roles effectively, considering factors like player traits and instructions to optimize performance on the pitch.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the role of wing backs in football tactics, emphasizing their importance in covering the wide channels on the pitch.
• 🏟️ The speaker uses a tactic with two wing backs, one on support (Trent Alexander-Arnold) and one on attack (Robertson), to illustrate their functions in the team.
• ⚽️ Wing backs are chosen for their ability to provide width to the team, especially when paired with inverted wingers or forwards who play more centrally.
• 🔄 The video demonstrates how wing backs overlap traditional fullbacks, being more aggressive in moving up and down the flanks.
• 📊 A key difference between 'Wing Back on Attack' and 'Wing Back on Support' is the former's tendency to get closer to the byline and cross more aggressively.
• 📝 The script mentions the use of tactical drawing boards to analyze and adjust player roles and instructions during the match.
• 🛑 The 'Inverted Wing Back' role is explained as one that brings the player slightly infield, potentially playing like a central midfielder, especially when there's an inverting player ahead.
• 🔄 The 'Inverted Fullback' role is described as a shape changer, effectively acting as a center back and contributing to a back three or a double pivot with a defensive midfielder.
• 📈 The video highlights the importance of player traits and stats, such as acceleration, stamina, and crossing ability, when assigning wing back roles.
• 🛠️ Player instructions are discussed as a way to customize a player's behavior on the pitch, with examples given for adjusting crossing, shooting, and dribbling tendencies.
• 📉 The contrast between 'Wing Back' and 'Fullback' roles is made clear, with the former being more specialized for attacking and the latter being more generalist and customizable.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing the roles and tactics of wing backs in football management, particularly in the context of a football game like Football Manager.

Why are wing backs chosen in the discussed tactic?

Wing backs are chosen to provide width to the team, especially when the forward players are inverting, occupying the half and central spaces, allowing the wing backs to control the wide channels.

What is the role of an inverted forward in the tactic?

An inverted forward plays a bit more narrow, allowing the wing back to overlap and provide width. This helps in generating more attacking options in the wide channels.

How does the wing back on support differ from the wing back on attack?

A wing back on support might not be as quick to move forward and is more focused on providing width and support in the attack, while a wing back on attack is more aggressive, often getting to the byline and crossing the ball.

What is the significance of the 'cross from byline' instruction for wing backs?

The 'cross from byline' instruction is significant as it dictates that the wing back will move all the way to the byline to deliver crosses, which is a key part of their attacking role.

What is the role of an inverted wing back?

An inverted wing back brings the player a bit more into the field, potentially playing like a central midfielder, especially when there is no one in the wide space due to other players' inverting roles.

How does the complete wing back role differ from the wing back role?

A complete wing back has a free role, meaning they will roam from position more, hunt for space, and are generally more aggressive in their attacking play compared to a standard wing back.

What is the purpose of the 'stay wider' instruction for wing backs?

The 'stay wider' instruction ensures that the wing back keeps as close to the touchline as possible, providing width and stretching the opponent's defense.

How does the 'shoot less often' instruction affect a wing back's gameplay?

The 'shoot less often' instruction discourages the wing back from taking shots, especially if they have low finishing or long shot stats, and encourages them to focus more on crossing and providing assists.

What is the strategic advantage of using an inverted fullback?

An inverted fullback can act more like a center back, providing defensive solidity and also participating in building up play from the back, especially if they have good passing abilities.

How can the choice of fullback or wing back impact the team's attacking strategy?

Choosing a fullback or wing back affects how high up the field the player operates and their role in the attack. A wing back will generally be higher up and more involved in crossing, while a fullback can be customized more freely and might be used to provide deeper crosses or support the attack from a deeper position.