This Football Manager 2023 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 | Sweeper Keeper | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Inverted Wing-Back | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Mezzala | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Segundo Volante | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Pressing Forward | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
Detailed Builds Analysis
Sweeper Keeper (A-Tier)
Sweeper Keeper is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Play Out Of Defence. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Inverted Wing-Back (A-Tier)
Inverted Wing-Back is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Pass Into Space. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Mezzala (A-Tier)
Mezzala is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Counter. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Segundo Volante (A-Tier)
Segundo Volante is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Trigger Press. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Pressing Forward (A-Tier)
Pressing Forward is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Drop Off. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Play Out Of Defence | Possession sides with technically secure defenders, and dragging a high pressing opponent out of shape. | Tells the back line and goalkeeper to build with short passes rather than launching it forward. |
| Pass Into Space | Quick forwards and wide players with strong Off The Ball, usually paired with a higher tempo. | Pushes players to hit the area ahead of a runner rather than into feet. |
| Counter | Squads with pace up front that lose the possession battle and need to win games in ten second bursts. | An In Transition instruction telling the side to break immediately on winning possession instead of resetting shape first. |
| Trigger Press | High energy squads with the Work Rate, Stamina and Aggression to sustain it for ninety minutes. | Sets how eagerly your players close down. |
| Drop Off | Slow centre-backs, and away matches where surrendering territory is an acceptable price. | One of the two instructions that replaced the old Offside Trap, alongside Hold the Line. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Play Out Of Defence: Tells the back line and goalkeeper to build with short passes rather than launching it forward. It only survives contact if your centre-backs and keeper have the passing and composure to handle a press.
Pass Into Space: Pushes players to hit the area ahead of a runner rather than into feet. It raises turnovers and chance quality at the same time, so it is a trade rather than a free upgrade.
Counter: An In Transition instruction telling the side to break immediately on winning possession instead of resetting shape first.
Trigger Press: Sets how eagerly your players close down. Combined with Line of Engagement it separates a real gegenpress from a side that simply runs itself into exhaustion.
Drop Off: One of the two instructions that replaced the old Offside Trap, alongside Hold the Line. It tells the defensive line to retreat rather than step up, cutting off balls in behind.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in Football Manager 2023 centers on Squad Planner and Recruitment Focus. 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:
- Sweeper Keeper with Play Out Of Defence is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- Supporter Confidence builds are gaining ground as players find new combinations.
- Mezzala remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- Inverted Wing-Back is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Counter offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Pressing Forward builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Role | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Sweeper Keeper | Play Out Of Defence | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Inverted Wing-Back | Pass Into Space | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Mezzala | Counter | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Segundo Volante | Trigger Press | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Pressing Forward | Drop Off | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
More Football Manager 2023 Guides
- Football Manager 2023 Football Manager 2023 Overview
- Football Manager 2023 Best Builds
- Football Manager 2023 Walkthrough
- Football Manager 2023 Beginner's Guide
- Football Manager 2023 Tips & Tricks
- Football Manager 2023 Weapons Guide
- Football Manager 2023 Combat Guide
- Football Manager 2023 Boss Guide
- Football Manager 2023 Maps & Locations
- Football Manager 2023 Crafting Guide
- Football Manager 2023 Classes & Characters
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