Football Manager 2022 shipped on 9 November 2021, and its headline addition was the Data Hub, a dedicated analysis section holding match momentum, pass maps, zone maps, shot maps and xG timelines. Sports Interactive also added the Wide Centre-Back role for three-at-the-back shapes, rebuilt transfer deadline day, and introduced a weekly Staff Meeting covering Coaching, Development, Staffing and Squad Planning. This is also the edition where Manchester United became Manchester UFC in the database, after SEGA settled a long-running trademark dispute with the club.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide Centre-Back | A | Balanced | Work Ball Into Box | Yes |
| Complete Wing-Back | A | Balanced | Overlap Left | Yes |
| Deep Lying Playmaker | A | Balanced | Prevent Short GK Distribution | Yes |
| Ball Winning Midfielder | A | Balanced | Higher Defensive Line | Yes |
| Advanced Forward | A | Balanced | Be More Expressive | Yes |
New player? Start with Complete Wing-Back. See our beginner's guide for why.
Wide Centre-Back
Wide Centre-Back is a strong option in Football Manager 2022.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Work Ball Into Box |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Data Hub |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Work Ball Into Box
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in UEFA Europa Conference League to learn Wide Centre-Back-specific mechanics
- Focus on Data Hub. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Work Ball Into Box as your first major upgrade
- See our full Wide Centre-Back build guide for the optimal gear progression
Complete Wing-Back
Complete Wing-Back is a strong option in Football Manager 2022.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Overlap Left |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Scout Assignments |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Overlap Left
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in UEFA Europa Conference League to learn Complete Wing-Back-specific mechanics
- Focus on Scout Assignments. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Overlap Left as your first major upgrade
- See our full Complete Wing-Back build guide for the optimal gear progression
Deep Lying Playmaker
Deep Lying Playmaker is a strong option in Football Manager 2022.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Prevent Short GK Distribution |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Weekly Staff Meeting |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Prevent Short GK Distribution
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in UEFA Europa Conference League to learn Deep Lying Playmaker-specific mechanics
- Focus on Weekly Staff Meeting. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Prevent Short GK Distribution as your first major upgrade
- See our full Deep Lying Playmaker build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ball Winning Midfielder
Ball Winning Midfielder is a strong option in Football Manager 2022.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Higher Defensive Line |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Deadline Day |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Higher Defensive Line
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in UEFA Europa Conference League to learn Ball Winning Midfielder-specific mechanics
- Focus on Deadline Day. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Higher Defensive Line as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ball Winning Midfielder build guide for the optimal gear progression
Advanced Forward
Advanced Forward is a strong option in Football Manager 2022.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Be More Expressive |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Stamina-aware pressing |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Be More Expressive
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in UEFA Europa Conference League to learn Advanced Forward-specific mechanics
- Focus on Stamina-aware pressing. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Be More Expressive as your first major upgrade
- See our full Advanced Forward build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Complete Wing-Back 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
Wide Centre-Back is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Work Ball Into Box for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Advanced 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 Winning Midfielder shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Football Manager 2022 Guides
- Football Manager 2022 Football Manager 2022 Overview
- Football Manager 2022 Best Builds
- Football Manager 2022 Tier List
- Football Manager 2022 Walkthrough
- Football Manager 2022 Beginner's Guide
- Football Manager 2022 Tips & Tricks
- Football Manager 2022 Weapons Guide
- Football Manager 2022 Combat Guide
- Football Manager 2022 Boss Guide
- Football Manager 2022 Maps & Locations
- Football Manager 2022 Crafting Guide
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