FM26 Player Roles Explained: Complete Guide to IP/OOP System

FM26 introduces the biggest tactical overhaul in Football Manager history with the IP/OOP (In Possession/Out of Possession) role system.

What's New in FM26?

The IP/OOP Revolution

• 40+ new roles added to the game
• Separate roles for In Possession (IP) and Out of Possession (OOP)
• Same player, different roles based on ball possession
• More tactical flexibility than ever before

Why It Matters

Real football teams don't maintain static formations. A 4-3-3 in possession might become a 4-4-2 when defending. FM26 now simulates this!

Understanding Role Categories

Goalkeeper Roles

In Possession

Sweeper Keeper (Support)

• High line positioning
• Plays out from back
• Distributes to feet
• Best for: Possession-based teams
• Key Attributes: Passing, Vision, Composure

Goalkeeper (Defend)

• Traditional shot-stopper
• Direct distribution
• Stays on line
• Best for: Direct, counter-attacking teams
• Key Attributes: Reflexes, Handling, Command of Area

Out of Possession

Similar roles but focus on shot-stopping and positioning

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Defender Roles

Central Defenders (IP)

Ball-Playing Defender (Defend/Support)

• Brings ball forward
• Passes through lines
• Joins attacks occasionally
• Key Attributes: Passing 14+, Composure 13+, Technique 12+

Central Defender (Defend)

• No-nonsense defender
• Clears danger
• Stays back
• Key Attributes: Marking 14+, Tackling 14+, Positioning 14+, Heading 13+

Libero (Support)

• Sweeps behind defense
• Starts attacks from deep
• Requires high positioning intelligence
• Key Attributes: Anticipation 15+, Passing 14+, Positioning 15+

Full-Backs (IP)

Wing-Back (Attack/Support)

• Provides width
• Overlaps wingers
• Crosses frequently
• Key Attributes: Stamina 14+, Crossing 13+, Pace 13+

Full-Back (Support)

• Balanced approach
• Supports attacks moderately
• Solid defensively
• Key Attributes: Tackling 13+, Marking 12+, Pace 12+

Inverted Wing-Back (Support) ⭐ NEW IN FM26

• Cuts inside to midfield
• Creates overloads centrally
• Like Man City's modern full-backs
• Key Attributes: Passing 13+, Vision 12+, Teamwork 13+

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Midfielder Roles

Defensive Midfield (IP)

Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend/Support)

• Dictates tempo from deep
• Distributes possession
• Shields defense
• Key Attributes: Passing 15+, Vision 14+, Composure 14+

Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)

• Aggressive pressing
• Wins possession high
• Limited creative responsibility
• Key Attributes: Tackling 14+, Work Rate 15+, Stamina 14+

Defensive Midfielder (Defend/Support)

• Balanced defensive mid
• Protects backline
• Simple passing
• Key Attributes: Positioning 13+, Tackling 13+, Stamina 13+

Regista (Support) ⭐ ENHANCED IN FM26

• Deep-lying playmaker with freedom
• Creative from deep
• Requires high technical ability
• Key Attributes: Passing 16+, Vision 15+, Technique 15+

Central Midfield (IP)

Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support)

• Covers entire pitch
• Contributes both phases
• High stamina essential
• Key Attributes: Stamina 15+, Work Rate 14+, Passing 13+

Mezzala (Support/Attack)

• Drifts wide from center
• Creates overloads
• Modern CM role
• Key Attributes: Dribbling 13+, Passing 13+, Off the Ball 13+

Central Midfielder (Defend/Support/Attack)

• All-rounder midfielder
• Balanced contributions
• Versatile option
• Key Attributes: Passing 12+, Tackling 12+, Stamina 13+

Advanced Playmaker (Support/Attack)

• Creates chances
• High freedom
• Number 10 role
• Key Attributes: Passing 15+, Vision 15+, Technique 14+

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Winger Roles

Wide Positions (IP)

Inside Forward (Support/Attack)

• Cuts inside onto strong foot
• Shoots from central positions
• Inverted winger
• Best foot: Opposite to side (Left-footed RW)
• Key Attributes: Dribbling 14+, Finishing 13+, Pace 13+

Winger (Support/Attack)

• Hugs touchline
• Crosses into box
• Traditional winger
• Key Attributes: Crossing 13+, Dribbling 13+, Pace 14+

Inverted Winger (Support/Attack)

• Cuts inside but stays wider than IF
• Creates and shoots
• Hybrid role
• Key Attributes: Passing 13+, Dribbling 13+, Finishing 12+

Wide Playmaker (Support/Attack) ⭐ NEW IN FM26

• Creates from wide
• Drifts inside occasionally
• High passing focus
• Key Attributes: Passing 15+, Vision 14+, Crossing 13+

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Striker Roles

Forward Positions (IP)

Advanced Forward (Attack)

• Stays high and central
• Focuses on goals
• Poacher mentality
• Key Attributes: Finishing 15+, Off the Ball 14+, Composure 14+

Complete Forward (Support/Attack)

• All-around striker
• Links play, scores goals
• Versatile
• Key Attributes: Finishing 14+, Passing 13+, First Touch 13+

Deep-Lying Forward (Support)

• Drops to link play
• Creates for others
• False 9 style
• Key Attributes: Passing 14+, Vision 13+, First Touch 14+

Pressing Forward (Defend/Support/Attack) ⭐ NEW IN FM26

• High press trigger
• Forces errors
• Works defensive phase
• Key Attributes: Work Rate 15+, Anticipation 13+, Pace 13+

Target Man (Support/Attack)

• Hold-up play
• Wins aerial duels
• Physical presence
• Key Attributes: Strength 15+, Jumping 14+, Heading 14+

Poacher (Attack)

• Pure goal scorer
• Lives in box
• Minimal build-up involvement
• Key Attributes: Finishing 16+, Off the Ball 15+, Anticipation 14+

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Role Combinations That Work

Defensive Solidity

DM: Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)
CM: Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support)
CM: Central Midfielder (Defend)

• Balanced, hard to break down
• Good for mid-table teams

Creative Dominance

DM: Defensive Midfielder (Defend)
CM: Advanced Playmaker (Support)
AM: Advanced Playmaker (Attack)

• Possession-heavy
• Needs technical players

High Press System

DM: Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)
CM: Box-to-Box × 2 (Support)
ST: Pressing Forward (Attack)

• Aggressive pressing
• High stamina required

Counter-Attack Setup

DM: Defensive Midfielder (Defend)
W: Winger × 2 (Support)
ST: Advanced Forward (Attack)

• Direct, fast transitions
• Pace essential

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Matching Roles to Player Attributes

Creating a Role Profile

Step 1: Identify key attributes for role
Step 2: Check player's current attributes
Step 3: Assign if 75%+ match
Step 4: Train missing attributes if long-term

Example: Advanced Playmaker Requirements

Essential:

• Passing: 15+
• Vision: 15+
• Technique: 14+
• First Touch: 13+

Important:

• Composure: 13+
• Decisions: 13+
• Flair: 12+

Useful:

• Dribbling: 12+
• Long Shots: 12+

Red Flags

❌ Slow winger (Pace <12)
❌ Weak target man (Strength <14)
❌ Poor passing DLP (Passing <14)
❌ Lazy presser (Work Rate <13)

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Transitioning Between IP and OOP

Smooth Transitions

Keep roles similar in both phases:

• IP: Wing-Back (Attack)
• OOP: Full-Back (Defend)
• Smooth transition, natural positioning

Dramatic Transitions

More tactical flexibility but riskier:

• IP: Wing-Back (Attack)
• OOP: Central Midfielder (Defend)
• Creates overloads but complex

Recommendation: Start with similar roles, experiment once comfortable

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Common Mistakes

❌ Too many Attack duties: Leaves defensive gaps
✅ Balance duties: Mix Attack, Support, Defend

❌ Ignoring player attributes: Square peg, round hole
✅ Role suitability: Check recommended attributes

❌ Overcomplicating: 11 unique roles
✅ Simplicity: 2-3 role types, repeated

❌ Never changing OOP: Static defense
✅ Optimize both phases: IP and OOP equally important

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Role Experimentation Tips

1. Test in friendlies: Before competitive matches
2. Watch full matches: See how roles interact
3. Check heat maps: Are players where expected?
4. Monitor stats: Compare performance metrics
5. Be patient: Familiarity takes 4-8 matches

Remember: Roles are tools. The best role depends on your players, not theoretical ideals!