Football Manager 2020 shipped on 18 November 2019 with a database frozen on the 2019/20 season, and that database is the main reason anyone still loads it: Erling Haaland starts at Red Bull Salzburg, and every squad predates the pandemic. FM20's own additions were the Development Centre, Club Vision and the Playing Time Pathway, all of which behave differently from the systems that replaced them in later editions. Sports Interactive can only sell each edition while its club and player licences hold, so FM20 has been pulled from sale and cannot be bought new; the Stadia version died with Stadia in January 2023.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segundo Volante | A | Balanced | Club Vision board objectives | Yes |
| Mezzala | A | Balanced | Development Centre hub | Yes |
| Inverted Wing-Back | A | Balanced | Playing Time Pathway brackets | Yes |
| Ball-Playing Defender | A | Balanced | Technical Director | Yes |
| Pressing Forward | A | Balanced | Loan Manager | Yes |
New player? Start with Mezzala. See our beginner's guide for why.
Segundo Volante
Segundo Volante is a strong option in Football Manager 2020.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Club Vision board objectives |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Club Vision and the five-year plan |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Club Vision board objectives
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in English Premier League to learn Segundo Volante-specific mechanics
- Focus on Club Vision and the five-year plan. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Club Vision board objectives as your first major upgrade
- See our full Segundo Volante build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mezzala
Mezzala is a strong option in Football Manager 2020.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Development Centre hub |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | The Development Centre |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Development Centre hub
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in English Premier League to learn Mezzala-specific mechanics
- Focus on The Development Centre. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Development Centre hub as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mezzala build guide for the optimal gear progression
Inverted Wing-Back
Inverted Wing-Back is a strong option in Football Manager 2020.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Playing Time Pathway brackets |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Playing Time Pathway |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Playing Time Pathway brackets
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in English Premier League to learn Inverted Wing-Back-specific mechanics
- Focus on Playing Time Pathway. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Playing Time Pathway brackets as your first major upgrade
- See our full Inverted Wing-Back build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ball-Playing Defender
Ball-Playing Defender is a strong option in Football Manager 2020.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Technical Director |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Technical Director and Loan Manager roles |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Technical Director
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in English Premier League to learn Ball-Playing Defender-specific mechanics
- Focus on Technical Director and Loan Manager roles. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Technical Director as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ball-Playing Defender build guide for the optimal gear progression
Pressing Forward
Pressing Forward is a strong option in Football Manager 2020.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Loan Manager |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Tactical styles and player roles |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Loan Manager
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in English Premier League to learn Pressing Forward-specific mechanics
- Focus on Tactical styles and player roles. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Loan Manager as your first major upgrade
- See our full Pressing Forward build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Mezzala is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Segundo Volante is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Club Vision board objectives for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Pressing Forward offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Ball-Playing Defender shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Football Manager 2020 Guides
- Football Manager 2020 Football Manager 2020 Overview
- Football Manager 2020 Best Builds
- Football Manager 2020 Tier List
- Football Manager 2020 Walkthrough
- Football Manager 2020 Beginner's Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Tips & Tricks
- Football Manager 2020 Weapons Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Combat Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Boss Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Maps & Locations
- Football Manager 2020 Crafting Guide
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