Soccer Manager 2022: How to Set Player Instructions

One of the most important elements of building a winning and unbeatable tactic is being able to coordinate what each player does on the pitch. Managing individual instructions for every one of the 11 players requires a lot of thought. Soccer Manager 2022 offers Player Roles and Instructions with different, pre-set instructions for each position, letting you pick the ones that suit you — but how?

Each one is unique in its own way and offers different uses in in-match tactics. Since players naturally need time to adapt, it's best to define the right roles as early as possible. This article covers which instructions to give which players and what those instructions mean in detail. So before you set the instructions you'll use in SM22, think twice and go over this article.

Let's look at the instructions you should give for every type of tactic and player!

SM 22 Goalkeeper Roles and Instructions

1. Traditional Goalkeeper

The Goalkeeper role gives instructions for a single purpose - defending the net as well as possible. This is essentially similar to a traditional goalkeeper, acting as the last line of defense, making saves, dealing with crosses, etc. Although it has a simple focus, the Goalkeeper may still occasionally attempt a long distribution depending on their individual attributes. However, they aren't expected to and will generally prefer the safer decision. This is the most common Goalkeeper role in the game and usually doesn't need to be changed.

2. Modern Goalkeeper

The Modern Goalkeeper is essentially similar in idea to a sweeper-keeper. While doing the basic goalkeeping the Goalkeeper role does, the Modern Goalkeeper is also directed to take more risks. It allows them to come further off their line and contribute to play.

Nowadays many teams prefer to build up from the back, and having the goalkeeper join in that process makes it much easier. The downside, of course, is that this is much riskier. A good choice for this role needs a high level of composure and concentration to handle high pressure.

SM 22 Defender Roles and Instructions

1. General Defender

This is the default option and includes a mix of the other two roles. Depending on the player's mentality, the decisions a General Defender makes can vary, and they generally adapt as the match goes on. The other two roles are much better for more control over these decisions.

2. Stopper

The Stopper works like a classic No-Nonsense centre-back. They have a single focus, which is stopping attacks and clearing the ball as quickly as possible. When on the ball, the Stopper will generally try to play simple passes and will try to clear quickly when under pressure. They are useful for covering specific areas of the pitch where wide space will be left, but their very quick and random clearances mean they are quite limiting for possession-based football.

3. Ball Playing Defender

This is the more common role seen in modern football. The BPD (Ball Playing Defender) will clearly defend normally, but will function as the opposite of the Stopper when in possession. Instead of playing it safe, a BPD will take more risks. They will try to advance with the ball by looking for long balls and killer passes. Since most teams today are generally very well drilled defensively, finding gaps in them is often difficult. One of the common ways to do that is quick transitions, and a BPD is almost essential for that.

4. Full-Back

The Full-Back primarily remains a defender who holds their position and deals with attacks. However, in attack, they can still push forward to provide some width. Generally, though, the Full-Back will take fewer risks and play in a supporting position rather than fully bombing forward. Some opposition sides like to play long balls over the defense and in front of the wingers, so a well-positioned Full-Back can effectively cover these areas.

5. Wing-Back

The Wing-Back generally has a lot to do over 90 minutes. While also handling a full-back's defensive duties, they also take on a winger's attacking duties. Having one in the lineup is a very useful selling point, but there are a few risks.

It's a high-intensity position that requires a lot of running up and down the wing, which can affect your fitness and increase the risk of injury. Also, the position can cause serious problems when the opponent counters quickly while the Wing-Back is out of position. Despite that, a good Wing-Back has the ability to cause serious problems by stretching the opponent wide and playing dangerous crosses and passes.

SM22 Midfielder Roles and Instructions

1. Wide Midfielder

The Wide Midfielder's responsibility is similar to a winger's, but with less focus on the defensive side. Simply put, they do what a winger does without the defensive part. The WM will stay hugging the sidelines of the midfield, and any defending they do will be quite high up the pitch. When on the ball, they will keep the ball wide and aim to play through crosses and passes. While they bring a winger's attacking positives and reduced workload, their defense is limited and so they require good cover.

2. Ball-Winning Midfielder

The most defensive player in midfield is the Ball-Winning Midfielder. They are encouraged to hold their position and focus solely on winning the ball back for the team. When on the ball, they generally look for simple passes to avoid losing possession. Aside from the technical players in midfield, the best players for this position need strong physicality and good defending, while also needing enough vision and passing ability to be able to play the ball.

3. General Midfielder

The default role encourages safe, simple football. Since their functions are limited and generally uncontrollable, they aren't a great option in SM22. Players who prefer this role can generally be used in several others (based on their stats) without a serious issue.

4. Deep-Lying Playmaker

The deep-lying playmaker is an important role in Soccer Manager 2022. They are among the best at managing the transition from defense to attack. By holding their position in front of the defense, they receive the ball deep, then try to play forward passes and move the team upfield. Having one of these can greatly improve the team's transitions and can also create opportunities, since they have very high game vision on the counter-attack. One of the greatest players to have played this position is Pirlo!

5. Box-to-Box Midfielder

B2B midfielders are dynamic players with a lot of running distance since they need to be in so many places on the pitch, and this is a role that should only be given to them. As the name suggests, this role encourages the player to move from their own box to the opponent's box, help defend, and also contribute to the attack. They aren't expected to be creative, but they should be visible everywhere on the pitch, trying to be a constant threat. Obviously, their stamina levels need to be really high for this.

6. Playmaker

The playmaker in midfield needs a lot of creativity and movement in midfield. They will constantly chase down space, try killer passes, and try to create forward opportunities. Rather than moving into the final third, the playmaker will try to bridge the gap between midfield and attack and create opportunities. Defensively, this role doesn't give much confidence and they generally leave the space behind them open. Ideally, a playmaker should be used in a midfield that has good defensive attributes.

7. Advanced Playmaker

The advanced playmaker is, quite literally, a more advanced version of the previous playmaker role. Instead of roaming around midfield, the advanced playmaker will play further forward and target the final third. This role is generally used in the most attacking supporting striker position, but can also be used in midfield. For the latter, the AP will get deeply involved in the attack, but won't fully enter the penalty area. When this role is used from the AML (LW) or AMR (RW) positions, the AP will try to enter the penalty area to try to create chances.

8. Support Striker

The Support Striker shares some similarities with the Advanced Playmaker role. They can be deployed in the AMC (CAM) area and essentially function as a second striker, but a bit deeper. Unlike the AP, a Support Striker sets up goals rather than scoring them. They position themselves between midfield and the front line, much like a false nine does when dropping deep.

SM22 Centre Forward - Striker Roles and Instructions

1. Winger

The winger is one of the most commonly used roles in wide areas. Their job is to create chances by dribbling past opposing defenders with pace. Depending on the team instruction settings, their decision-making can range from shooting to aiming to pass into the box.

Also, depending on their preferred foot, a winger will either cut inside or hug the touchline and dribble in the direction they feel most comfortable in. A two-footed winger generally has the potential to be the most dangerous for this reason. When not on the ball, the winger can also drop back or press the opposing defense, again depending on the team's instructions.

2. Wide Forward

The Wide Forward is a much more goal-focused version of the winger. While the winger takes the ball and tries to move into an attacking position, the wide forward moves into an attacking position before receiving the ball. Making these off-the-ball runs allows them to find much better space, and afterward, they cause more problems with shots and dangerous passes. A small downside is that the wide forward needs support behind them to avoid defensive weakness, and the players using this role need good enough game awareness to make the right choices.

3. Deep-Lying Forward

The deep-lying forward type mimics the false nine forward type in SM22. They aim to drop slightly deeper than their normal position to disrupt the opposing midfield's balance. When they receive the ball, they try to break into the defensive line through dribbling or passes. This role works best when surrounded by a strong attacking threat and good finishers as teammates.

4. Finisher

The Finisher is asked to get past the defensive line and find good positions in and around the penalty area where they can finish comfortably. Unlike the deep-lying forward, the finisher has very little involvement in building up play. However, they are a strong focal point of the attack. Ultimately, they focus on finding space in the defense to either take a shot or create a chance for a teammate.

5. Target Man

The Target Man is essentially the classic sturdy, heavy goalscorer type who roams around the penalty spot. They use their height and physicality to win ground and aerial duels against defenders. When on the ball, the target man aims to hold up the ball and serve teammates rather than focusing on dribbling. This type of forward loves finishing off incoming crosses and does a lot of work in leagues of the Turkish Süper Lig type.

6. General Forward

This is the basic attacker type who can work in all the other roles for this position. Depending on their abilities and instincts, they may try to win aerial balls, run at the line, or take on a link-up role. For more control over what the player does, it's better to pick the other forward roles.