TOUCHLINE / FM27

A role is a job. Build the player for it.

Explore the pitch, switch between possession phases, and learn which attributes support each job. Connect the role to the team around it.

26 role guides and coaching archetypes. Named framework examples draw on SI’s FM26 role changes; exact FM27 labels, availability, and highlighted attributes await game verification. This learning screen does not simulate a match or export an FM tactic.

IN POSSESSION4–3–3

Selected position · Arrow: illustrative movement

A teaching diagram, not an in-game Visualiser. The shape and arrow illustrate a coaching idea; they do not predict an FM27 movement pattern.

Choose a position and possession phase.

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Midfield Playmaker

Connect possession and create openings from the middle of the team.

Priority attributes

Passing: Execute the pass that moves the attack forward.
Vision: Recognise an opening before it closes.
First Touch: Make the next action possible under pressure.
Decisions: Select a useful risk for the situation.

Useful supporting attributes

TechniqueComposureTeamwork

Build around it

Combine a passing organiser with a runner and reliable cover.

Watch for

A playmaker still needs someone to attack space beyond the ball.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Read the job before the number.

Compare with your level

A good attribute value depends on your league, opponents, and the demands of the job. This guide deliberately avoids a universal “must have 15” cutoff.

Attributes work together

A quick runner still needs to recognise the run. A strong tackler still needs to choose the right moment. Check the combination, rather than recruiting on one number.

Complete the other phase

A player creating with the ball also needs an assignment without it. The examples here explain jobs, not a complete eleven-player prescription.

All 26 role guides

Open a guide to compare jobs without changing the pitch. Archetype labels are coaching descriptions rather than claims about exact FM27 menu names.

Ball-Playing Goalkeeper In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Ball-Playing Goalkeeper

Help the team escape pressure and choose a useful first pass.

Priority attributes

Passing: Find a teammate rather than simply clear the ball.
First Touch: Set up the next action when receiving a back-pass.
Decisions: Choose between a short combination and a safer exit.
Composure: Keep the decision clear when an opponent closes down.

Useful supporting attributes

KickingVisionTechnique

Build around it

Give the keeper short passing options and a longer outlet.

Watch for

Do not demand risky short distribution when the receivers cannot escape pressure.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

No-Nonsense Goalkeeper In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

No-Nonsense Goalkeeper

Put safety first and send the ball away from dangerous pressure.

Priority attributes

Kicking: Deliver an effective longer release.
Decisions: Recognise when a clearance is the better option.
Concentration: Stay alert to loose touches and changing pressure.

Useful supporting attributes

ThrowingHandlingComposure

Build around it

Give longer distribution an aerial target or a runner into space.

Watch for

Clearing pressure can surrender possession; prepare for the next ball.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Centre-Back In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Centre-Back

Offer a stable base for circulation without abandoning defensive cover.

Priority attributes

Passing: Keep the build-up moving through available teammates.
First Touch: Receive without creating an immediate pressing trigger.
Decisions: Recognise when to recycle the ball or move it forward.

Useful supporting attributes

ComposureTechniqueTeamwork

Build around it

Pair a simple distributor with a midfielder who can show for the ball.

Watch for

Technical quality with the ball does not replace defensive qualities without it.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Overlapping Centre-Back In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Overlapping Centre-Back

Add a runner around the outside from a wider defensive starting area.

Priority attributes

Off the Ball: Recognise a useful moment to join the attack.
Stamina: Repeat longer movements and recover afterwards.
Passing: Connect the extra player with nearby teammates.
Decisions: Judge when leaving the defensive base is worth the risk.

Useful supporting attributes

CrossingDribblingWork Rate

Build around it

Keep a midfielder or another defender ready to protect the vacated channel.

Watch for

An adventurous defender can leave a large transition space behind.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Inside Wing-Back In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Inside Wing-Back

Move from the flank towards central support as possession advances.

Priority attributes

First Touch: Receive in tighter central traffic.
Passing: Connect the inside passing triangle.
Decisions: Choose the right passing lane under pressure.
Off the Ball: Find a central position that does not crowd a teammate.

Useful supporting attributes

ComposureTechniqueTeamwork

Build around it

A player holding the width can stretch opponents while the full-back moves inside.

Watch for

Do not send several players into the same central lane without another source of width.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Playmaking Wing-Back In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Playmaking Wing-Back

Provide a creative passing option from the wide defensive area.

Priority attributes

Passing: Deliver passes that advance or switch play.
Vision: Notice the runner or distant free teammate.
Technique: Execute a more demanding pass cleanly.
Decisions: Balance progression with ball security.

Useful supporting attributes

First TouchComposureCrossing

Build around it

Provide runners ahead and a safe recycling option behind.

Watch for

Creative freedom creates little value if every teammate also wants the ball to feet.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Advanced Wing-Back In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Advanced Wing-Back

Supply an attacking option higher on the flank.

Priority attributes

Stamina: Support repeated forward movements.
Off the Ball: Arrive at a useful time rather than occupy the winger’s space.
Crossing: Turn a wide position into service for teammates.
Acceleration: Create separation over the first few steps.

Useful supporting attributes

DribblingWork RateDecisions

Build around it

An inside-moving attacker can leave a route along the outside.

Watch for

Plan how the flank is defended after possession is lost.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Holding midfielder In possession

WITH THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Holding midfielder

Stay available beneath the ball and connect the defensive and midfield lines.

Priority attributes

Passing: Keep simple combinations reliable.
First Touch: Receive safely when facing pressure.
Decisions: Avoid forcing a pass through a closed lane.
Teamwork: Support the collective shape instead of chasing every attack.

Useful supporting attributes

ComposureTechniqueVision

Build around it

Surround the holder with teammates who move into different receiving lanes.

Watch for

A static passing base needs movement around it.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Midfield Playmaker In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Midfield Playmaker

Connect possession and create openings from the middle of the team.

Priority attributes

Passing: Execute the pass that moves the attack forward.
Vision: Recognise an opening before it closes.
First Touch: Make the next action possible under pressure.
Decisions: Select a useful risk for the situation.

Useful supporting attributes

TechniqueComposureTeamwork

Build around it

Combine a passing organiser with a runner and reliable cover.

Watch for

A playmaker still needs someone to attack space beyond the ball.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Wide Central Midfielder In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Wide Central Midfielder

Offer a midfield connection towards the side of the pitch.

Priority attributes

Off the Ball: Find space beside or outside the opposition midfield.
Passing: Connect with the full-back and wide attacker.
Decisions: Choose whether to combine, carry or recycle.
Stamina: Support movement between the centre and the flank.

Useful supporting attributes

First TouchTechniqueWork Rate

Build around it

Use a central teammate to preserve an inside passing route.

Watch for

Wide movement can leave the middle short if every midfielder drifts away.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Attacking-midfield creator In possession

WITH THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Attacking-midfield creator

Find space between the lines and supply the final action.

Priority attributes

Vision: See a runner or a passing lane near the penalty area.
Passing: Deliver a useful final pass.
First Touch: Control the ball in a crowded area.
Off the Ball: Find pockets outside a defender’s immediate reach.

Useful supporting attributes

TechniqueComposureDecisions

Build around it

Combine with a forward who threatens the space behind.

Watch for

More creators can mean fewer players actually attacking the goal.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Winger In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Winger

Stretch the pitch and create opportunities from the flank.

Priority attributes

Dribbling: Carry the ball past the first defender.
Acceleration: Create an initial separation.
Crossing: Deliver from a wide angle.
Off the Ball: Offer a useful wide receiving position.

Useful supporting attributes

TechniquePaceDecisions

Build around it

Inside runners give wide service a destination.

Watch for

Check that the winger and full-back are not asking for the same space.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Inside Forward In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Inside Forward

Threaten central scoring positions from a wide starting point.

Priority attributes

Off the Ball: Time a run into a useful central space.
Finishing: Convert chances after moving towards goal.
Dribbling: Carry the ball into a shooting position.
Composure: Choose and execute the final action under pressure.

Useful supporting attributes

AccelerationAnticipationTechnique

Build around it

A teammate maintaining width can open the inside route.

Watch for

Footedness, instructions and the space left by teammates affect the route to goal.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Wide Forward In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Wide Forward

Offer a high attacking threat from a wider lane.

Priority attributes

Off the Ball: Recognise where a forward run can hurt the defence.
Acceleration: Exploit a small head start.
Finishing: Make a goal threat count.
Anticipation: Read the next pass or defensive mistake.

Useful supporting attributes

PaceDribblingComposure

Build around it

Use supporting passes from midfield and cover behind the attacker.

Watch for

A high forward position increases the importance of the defensive plan on that side.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Channel Forward In possession

WITH THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Channel Forward

Attack the spaces to either side of the central defence.

Priority attributes

Off the Ball: Pick a run that opens or exploits a channel.
Anticipation: Read when the through ball can arrive.
Acceleration: Separate from a defender over the first few metres.
Finishing: Finish chances reached from an angled run.

Useful supporting attributes

PaceComposureFirst Touch

Build around it

Supply passes into space and another player arriving towards the centre.

Watch for

A striker drifting wide may leave nobody occupying the main scoring area.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Sweeper Keeper Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Sweeper Keeper

Protect space behind the defence by judging when to leave the goal.

Priority attributes

Rushing Out: Commit to meeting a ball outside the usual goalkeeping position.
Anticipation: Read a through ball early.
Decisions: Judge whether to come or stay.
Acceleration: Reach a loose ball before the attacker.

Useful supporting attributes

One on OnesComposureConcentration

Build around it

The defensive line and keeper’s starting position should support each other.

Watch for

An aggressive starting position exposes space if the decision to come is wrong.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Line-holding goalkeeper Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Line-holding goalkeeper

Prioritise protecting the goal and dealing with attacks closer to the box.

Priority attributes

Reflexes: React to a close-range shot.
Positioning: Set an effective starting position.
Handling: Control saves and reduce dangerous rebounds.
Concentration: Remain ready through quiet phases.

Useful supporting attributes

One on OnesAerial ReachCommunication

Build around it

Defenders must take responsibility for space further from goal.

Watch for

Staying deeper does not solve unopposed through balls behind a high line.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Covering defender Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Covering defender

Read danger and protect the space behind a teammate who engages the ball.

Priority attributes

Anticipation: Recognise the runner or pass before reacting.
Positioning: Protect the useful space rather than follow the ball blindly.
Pace: Recover when the attacker reaches open ground.
Concentration: Track danger throughout the move.

Useful supporting attributes

MarkingDecisionsTackling

Build around it

Coordinate the covering player with the teammate who steps out.

Watch for

A covering player who drops away changes the alignment of the defensive line.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Stopping defender Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Stopping defender

Meet a threat earlier while teammates protect the space behind.

Priority attributes

Anticipation: Recognise when a challenge can be made.
Tackling: Win an engagement cleanly.
Decisions: Choose whether to step out or hold.
Strength: Compete physically when the attacker protects the ball.

Useful supporting attributes

MarkingAggressionHeading

Build around it

Keep a covering option behind or beside the player stepping out.

Watch for

Aggression without judgement can pull the defence apart.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Holding full-back Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Holding full-back

Protect the flank and remain connected to the central defenders.

Priority attributes

Positioning: Stay in the right relationship to the back line.
Marking: Manage a nearby runner or receiving threat.
Concentration: Stay aware of movement on the far side.
Tackling: Handle the duel once the attacker arrives.

Useful supporting attributes

AnticipationDecisionsPace

Build around it

A disciplined wide defender can balance a more adventurous opposite side.

Watch for

Holding position is not a substitute for moving across with the rest of the team.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Pressing full-back Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Pressing full-back

Engage a wide opponent earlier, supported by cover behind.

Priority attributes

Work Rate: Repeat the work of moving out to pressure.
Anticipation: Recognise the pressing trigger.
Acceleration: Close the receiver quickly.
Decisions: Know when pressure is feasible and when to hold.

Useful supporting attributes

StaminaTacklingTeamwork

Build around it

Protect the channel behind with a midfielder or centre-back.

Watch for

A lone press can be played around if the rest of the team does not support it.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Pressing Defensive Midfielder Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / FM26 role framework

Pressing Defensive Midfielder

Step forward from the midfield base to help apply pressure.

Priority attributes

Work Rate: Repeat the effort needed to engage and recover.
Anticipation: Read where the next receiving option will be.
Stamina: Maintain the work across the match.
Decisions: Judge when leaving the screening position is justified.

Useful supporting attributes

TacklingAggressionTeamwork

Build around it

Leave another player protecting the space in front of the defence.

Watch for

Pressing from the base can expose a direct route through the middle.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Screening midfielder Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Screening midfielder

Protect central passing routes instead of chasing every receiver.

Priority attributes

Positioning: Occupy the route the opponent wants to use.
Anticipation: Read the pass before it is played.
Concentration: Keep tracking off-ball threats.
Teamwork: Stay connected to nearby defenders and midfielders.

Useful supporting attributes

MarkingDecisionsTackling

Build around it

Pair a screen with teammates who can press without opening the middle.

Watch for

Too many passive players can allow opponents time to choose a pass.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Tracking attacking midfielder Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Tracking attacking midfielder

Recover towards midfield to help defend central routes.

Priority attributes

Work Rate: Make the recovery movements consistently.
Stamina: Repeat attacking and defensive efforts.
Teamwork: Support the shape rather than wait for the next attack.
Positioning: Find a useful defensive space on recovery.

Useful supporting attributes

MarkingAnticipationDecisions

Build around it

A recovering attacking midfielder can help keep the midfield connected.

Watch for

Recovery asks for energy that may otherwise support attacks.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Tracking wide player Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Tracking wide player

Recover with a wide threat and help the defender on that side.

Priority attributes

Work Rate: Follow the defensive assignment after an attack ends.
Stamina: Repeat the lengthier recovery runs.
Marking: Stay aware of the runner being followed.
Teamwork: Combine with the full-back instead of duplicating an action.

Useful supporting attributes

AccelerationPositioningAnticipation

Build around it

Coordinate the wide player and full-back so one pressures and one protects.

Watch for

Tracking deep can leave fewer immediate outlets for the next counter.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

Pressing forward Out of possession

WITHOUT THE BALL / Editorial role archetype

Pressing forward

Direct pressure towards the opponent’s build-up and make their next pass harder.

Priority attributes

Work Rate: Repeat pressure rather than make a single isolated chase.
Anticipation: Read the receiver or next passing route.
Stamina: Sustain repeated efforts.
Teamwork: Press in a direction that helps the players behind.

Useful supporting attributes

AccelerationDecisionsAggression

Build around it

Connect the forward’s pressure with a compact midfield line.

Watch for

Running at a centre-back without closing the next pass can waste energy.

Touchline’s coaching interpretation. Priorities are not official FM27 attribute highlights or minimum ratings. Check positional familiarity, traits, instructions, and the other phase too.

The source and the interpretation

SI’s FM26 announcement explains the separate possession phases and changes to roles. FM27’s announcements describe Tactical Effectiveness and attribute-related match-engine changes. The role explanations, partnerships, caution notes, and attribute priorities on this page are Touchline’s editorial guidance.

Prepared 28 October 2026. FM27 role-screen verification is pending.

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