This Football Manager 2021 tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Builds Rankings
| Tier | Role | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Gegenpress | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Tiki-Taka | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Vertical Tiki-Taka | 8.5/10 | Build patiently in your own half, then attack the moment a forward pass opens. It punishes deep blocks better than standard possession does. |
| A | Fluid Counter-Attack | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Wing Play | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
Detailed Builds Analysis
Gegenpress (A-Tier)
Gegenpress is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Inverted Wing-Back. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Tiki-Taka (A-Tier)
Tiki-Taka is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Segundo Volante. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Vertical Tiki-Taka (A-Tier)
Possession football with the patience removed, keeping the short passing structure but hunting forward passes at every opportunity. FM21's changes to central play and variety in the final third suit it better than the flatter possession preset.
Best with: A Mezzala to break lines, a Segundo Volante arriving late, and a forward who drops in to link play.. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Vision, Off The Ball, Decisions, Acceleration
Fluid Counter-Attack (A-Tier)
Fluid Counter-Attack is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Ball Playing Defender. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Wing Play (A-Tier)
Wing Play is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Complete Forward. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inverted Wing-Back | Possession systems that keep getting outnumbered in central midfield | A full back who tucks into midfield in possession rather than overlapping, which gives you an extra body in central areas without dropping a forward. |
| Segundo Volante | Vertical and counter attacking systems that need a late runner | A defensive midfielder who breaks forward late into the box, arriving after the opposition has already picked up the attacking midfielders. |
| Mezzala | Breaking down deep blocks that refuse to leave their shape | A central midfielder who drifts into the half space between the opposition full back and centre back. |
| Ball Playing Defender | Tiki-Taka and possession sides building from the goalkeeper | A centre back instructed to pass out from the back rather than clear. |
| Complete Forward | Elite clubs with a genuinely complete striker rather than a specialist | The most demanding striker role in the game, asking for finishing, link play, dribbling, aerial ability and off the ball movement in one player. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Inverted Wing-Back: A full back who tucks into midfield in possession rather than overlapping, which gives you an extra body in central areas without dropping a forward. It works best when your wide forwards hold width themselves.
Segundo Volante: A defensive midfielder who breaks forward late into the box, arriving after the opposition has already picked up the attacking midfielders. It needs stamina above almost everything else because the role covers the whole pitch.
Mezzala: A central midfielder who drifts into the half space between the opposition full back and centre back. FM21's improvements to central play and final third variety make the half space runs more productive than in previous editions.
Ball Playing Defender: A centre back instructed to pass out from the back rather than clear. It is the foundation of any possession plan and the fastest way to concede a soft goal if your defender's Passing and Composure are not up to it.
Complete Forward: The most demanding striker role in the game, asking for finishing, link play, dribbling, aerial ability and off the ball movement in one player. In the 2020/21 database, very few forwards actually meet the requirement.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in Football Manager 2021 centers on Gestures in conversations and SIxG and expected goals data. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one. Our combat guide explains these interactions in depth.
What's strong right now:
- Gegenpress with Inverted Wing-Back is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- Performance Analyst monthly reports builds are gaining ground as players find new combinations.
- Vertical Tiki-Taka remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- Tiki-Taka is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Mezzala offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Wing Play builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Role | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Gegenpress | Inverted Wing-Back | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Tiki-Taka | Segundo Volante | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Vertical Tiki-Taka | Mezzala | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Fluid Counter-Attack | Ball Playing Defender | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Wing Play | Complete Forward | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
More Football Manager 2021 Guides
- Football Manager 2021 Football Manager 2021 Overview
- Football Manager 2021 Best Builds
- Football Manager 2021 Walkthrough
- Football Manager 2021 Beginner's Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Tips & Tricks
- Football Manager 2021 Weapons Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Combat Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Boss Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Maps & Locations
- Football Manager 2021 Crafting Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Football Manager 2021, check out these related guides:
- Beat the Champions Tier List: sports game with similar mechanics
- Rocket League Tier List: sports game with similar mechanics
- Football Manager 2024 Tier List: sports game with similar mechanics
