Anchor FM24 Role Guide

[@renys990]

I think Sergio Busquets in his early Pep days was the epitome of an anchor, even his player traits are made for that specific role. He used to swap between that and Half Back when the opposition team deployed 2 strikers or 1 striker and an AMC close to him. Great video!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Oooo I love the idea of switching between Anchor/Half Back depending on what the opponent is running. thank you for sharing!

[@by__elijah]

Claude Makelele was the textbook Anchor

[@Joormode]

Or Frank Rijkaard

[@csvickers151]

Currently playing with inter Miami needing some help with my tactic.

[@subterraneanhomesickalien4]

most underrated channel on this site

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

thank you so much!

[@arnedeimakor1515]

Watched only 45 seconds so far, can agree 👍🏻

[@silxpc5l196]

Honey wake up, DLP uploaded a new video

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I mean could there be a better start to the morning? I guess if I uploaded two videos at a time lol

[@FMlestri]

99% of the time you need that boring 6 who just sits in the gap and cleans up. I often call it the janitor/cleaner role. One of my favourites to use. Will look forward to the pairing with the Vol as you teased!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

The Janitor role is a great name for the Anchor haha. I'll see if I can work that into the "other" Anchor video lol

[@sandergaasbeek5978]

An Anchor plus a bwm-s works amazingly for me to deny the opposition any room in the midfield, love that

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

They do make an awesome pair together. Both defense focused, but on opposite ends of the spectrum on how they close down the ball

[@subterraneanhomesickalien4]

is that in a 4231? Gonna use that fs!

[@sandergaasbeek5978]

​@@subterraneanhomesickalien4 I find it works in every midfield I can imagine, but I'm currently using it in a 4-2-4 or a 4-2-3-1 yeah

[@johanvanbrakel2816]

I like the idea of an anchor and a bwm but who will provide the creativity, a roaming playmaker in front or a playmaker on the wings??

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

@@johanvanbrakel2816 Inside forwards are great for some playmaking. if you check out my Libero video, I use a tactic with Monaco that doesn't have any playmakers. Uses a BWM and a BBM, Front 3 is Inside Forwards and a striker

[@L3g0la5]

I must say, your guides on roles definitely is one of the most underrated FM related videos out there. Lots of videos showcase super tactics but don't exactly explain much about the roles and why they were chosen. Your role guides on the individual roles itself is superb in helping me understand what I needed to better improve my own created formations. Ironically, your explanation on the Anchor role and the difference between it and a DLP on defend is what helped me make the decision to switch from an Anchor to a DLP on defend for my formation. I was playing a 4-1-2-2-1 narrow formation but I had issues with possession displaced abit too easily when building from the back. I realised that my decision to use an Anchor was actually what contributed to it because while it provided alot of shielding for my defence, it was not contributing alot to the possession on transition. When I made the switch to a DLP on defend, my possession percentage actually shot up by like at least 3% on average and there were alot of expansive plays that allowed my wing backs to get forward easier.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

that's so awesome!!! thank you for sharing. I always love reading about success stories people have with their tactics. That's why I find player roles so fascinating, both of them are defensive midfielders, with a defend duty, and hold position, but they play out very differently.

[@ianstanley3903]

I’m using an Anchor player in Concacaf Nation League with México , playing 4-3-3 . This player did things that I want , stay in front of my centre backs & allow my playmakers do the attacks . Thanks for the sharing on Anchor role & keep it up 👍👍.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I love the Anchor role. So versatile too!

[@irhasahmadi4273]

The biggest fan of this channel🎉.

[@mylesrobinson6513]

I watch everyone one too, they're great

[@garyfogel9530]

Such a relaxing style, very underrated channel

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

love the support from the community!!

[@benjaminngopwaamos6878]

You deserve more followers than you have. I've been playing FM for 10 years and I still find some of your content useful. Can't wait to see you start doing tactics videos where you show different tactics that work wonders for you. I'm looking to try different tactics in my save. Keep it up, Chief. Cheers.

[@VurtAddicted]

Agree 100%. There's so much knowledge in these videos and so much depth, every single FM player should watch them

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Much appreciated thank you! I've started to delve into some tactic videos a little recently, so hopefully going forward should see a nice combination of role videos and tactic videos!

[@benjaminngopwaamos6878]

@@VurtAddicted Absolutely.

[@benjaminngopwaamos6878]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker That's great!

[@NinjaGrethe]

Man I love these. Don’t stop homie. Appreciate the work in these

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

it means a lot that you guys enjoy watching them as much as I enjoy making them!

[@barryaczel1007]

I am enjoying your videos, watching one after another. Been playing fm for 3 years now but always playing safe using downloaded tactics. Learning a lot watching these. Thank you

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

thank you! and I did the same when I first started playing FM too (with downloading tactics.) It is much harder, but I think it's really enjoyable to work on your own tactic. Even getting small successes like forcing a goalie to make a save can be rewarding

[@Brunos-magic-hat]

Beautifully explained and the on screen examples makes it so easy to understand the roles. You got a new sub Keep it up 👍🏻

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

that's awesome thank you so much for the support!! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@McKayB13]

I honestly love these videos, especially the pairings ones. I've only been playing since FM21 and you've filled a lot of gaps in my knowledge. Looking forward to seeing this channel grow 👍

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Glad you enjoy it! thank you for the support

[@drew3ism]

Your videos make me want to try the roles out and give me a better understanding of how to get the best out of them. Love them

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I mentioned it in another comment, but one thing I love about making these videos is forcing myself to use a role or seeing different ways I can make combinations that require a role. It's like a fun little challenge

[@stefanjonsson699]

Played that kind of midfield in my Bastia save. Works a smash! If you have the perfect players its like a machine. And I had that. Extremly good stuff on this channel!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

oh nice! yea I love that trio; everyone doing their part, especialy in the midfield can be really powerful

[@erkansevim3885]

this type of video is actually what i need thanks man your channel have new fan

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

welcome aboard and thank you for the support!

[@manes_autodesign]

been watching some vids on this channel and it helps me a lot to understand FM, keep it up, bro!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

that's awesome to hear thank you!

[@kennethtaywh]

This channel is my new go-to for anything related to FM tactics! So good :) I wonder if you could do a video on the Half-Back role? I've always been a little curious / confused what this role does!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Thank you for supporting the channel! It really means a lot. For the half back video, I'm not positive if it'll be the next video or not, but the release will be very soon!

[@nomorevodka7354]

I have a regen with 18 anticipation and 16 decisions playing as an anchor, he avg 5.3 interceptions p/90. He start most of my counterattacks from deep on my lowblock, he is a beast. Very underated role for people that play on key highlights, but for me is one of my favourites.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

18 anticipation for this role is insane haha. it's essentially having 2 defensive midfielders at that point i bet

[@DigitalViejo]

Thanks!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

you're welcome!

[@Sprite8822]

Great series you are putting together here. A lovely assist from the IWB, I wish I had that much space in my game. Teams defend so low against me though so space can be hard to come by!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Out of curiosity, what kind of press are you using? Sometimes when teams do that to me, I lower my press and my defensive line to bring them out of their shape. Then you hit them on the counter 😝

[@Sprite8822]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker Normally a high press, but have found success in dropping it to a midblock and stopping the counter press to allow them out as it were

[@LByrmv]

I just found this channel and the videos are very good. Good luck

[@bosqueSP]

I'm saving this channel and all the videos in the golden flash drive for the posterity.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I can think of no greater honor

[@Stoplying583]

I've been playing fm for years now but after watching your video makes me feel like a newbie. If you don't mind I would like to make a request for you to talk about which mentality is the best to use in a tactic

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

thank you the comment and for supporting the channel :) my plan is to get more into instructions/other tactical stuff as I approach the end of the tactical videos. In the meantime, I've got some other tactic videos that touch on mentality that may help 😃

[@bidzinooo]

The A on the hat for anchor is a great touch :)

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

haha thank you for picking up on that XD

[@Anggaroo]

Found another great FM channel besides Coach Roan and Josh Daly. Subscirbed!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Welcome aboard! and thank you for the support

[@tombkingsethbattlechannel9419]

The Anchor is maybe THE role that i ignore the most...and on purpose :D Maybe its my mentality but i dont like sacrificing my offensive capabilties for some more defensive security. I usually go for the DLP if i want some structure in the midfield. The only time i can remember using an anchor was in combination with a regista so that he can be the "back up" for the free minded playmaker. Like Chris Führich currently is for Toni Kroos in the German Euro Team.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

It's funny, even in the little tactic examples in this video it's really interesting to see how the Anchor doesn't like to venture like at all haha. I've been using the Anchor a lot more in double DM tactics like you mentioned; letting the more attacking role do his thing

[@vitalijsmatulkovs5220]

Great video. Make the HB, please.❤

[@chad-lad]

I deployed anchor and half back while one of my wide center back attack the flanks with an inverted wingback filling the hole in the midfield create 2 center back 2 defensive midfield 3-2 shape. Really stable even for my new promoted st albans side

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Oooo I love the idea of a HB and Anchor. What did you use for the attackers?

[@joshuasilva8168]

love this content

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

thank you!!

[@pWndConan]

Would love to see the half back

[@Bonkers4Hex]

Think ill give my defensive midfielder a few games as Anchorman after watching this. Im playing as a really low league Greek team (Diagoras), my DM has pretty good stats but just seems to play average in every game, it was the same last season with him, hopefully the Anchor role will wake him up a bit.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I love the Anchor. They can be useful to feel out matches as well; it's easy to change them to a DM(S) if you want a little more attacking threat without completely upsetting the balance of your team

[@Bonkers4Hex]

@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker im guessing a players mental stats are the most important with an Anchor? Is there any good examples of Anchors in real life, I wouldnt mind watching how they play.

[@fahadFirenze]

Simply Excellent 🔝🔝🔝

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Thank you 🙌

[@10Zenil]

I use Anchor with Libero on support in 4-3-3 for double pivot

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

man that's an awesome idea I need to try that!! Do you use the libero on support or defend? And what do you use for the central midfielders?

[@10Zenil]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker Libero in support alongside anchor and my 8s are roaming playmaker and mezzala on attack. It's a Pep 4-2-5 style

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

love it. I bet the RPM and mezzala create some awesome goals

[@10Zenil]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker those 8s can easily score 15 goals a season each and assist too

[@diazkohen2149]

Is there your video about ball-winning midfielder guide?

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I don't have one for the BWM yet! But thank you for the suggestion, I plan to make one on that role in the future

[@tewulf4094]

I think a solid improvement to your vids would be accompanying your analysis with real world player archetypes. AKA deep lying PM is pirlo, mezzala is modric , anchor is busqets etc. I think it’d gives a good insight that people would then build on when identifying transfers

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

thank you for the idea!! I'll see if I can start working them in again. I've experimented with player examples in a couple of my other videos; sometimes the hard part is that there are so many good players out there, that I'll inevitably leave someone out (I can't showcase everyone haha) or even have my own biases on who a better player is But I think you're right in that it would add to the videos; maybe I can start to implement them again

[@SUPRFC]

Do you play multiple saves at the same time? I could never manage that.

[@quanguctranngo7871]

would be nice if you can help with the difference between anchor and half back

[@akkermanrik]

The Half Back drops deeper when the team is in possession, almost becoming a third central defender, and the Anchorman stays in position.

[@csvickers151]

Could you do the defensive midfield on support ??

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I don't think I have the DM role coming out in the next chunk of videos, but that's a great suggestion!! I do need to do one for this role

[@csvickers151]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker been watching your videos on the box to box and mezzala as I’m using them in my 433 tactic with a defensive midfielder on support. I can win games though I’m conceding goals.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

@@csvickers151 Hmmm... what are you using for the fullback position(s)? You maybe being getting caught on the counter. You could also try the DM on defend instead of support. You'll lose a little in attack, but gain some more defensive stability

[@csvickers151]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker full backs are on wing back duty. One attacking and one on support at your suggestion.

[@Sirlightskin97]

DEFENSIVE ROLESSSSSSSS GETTTTTTT INNNNNNNNN🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Sirlightskin97]

Omg A IWB role combo video also, when I couldn’t think how this channel could get better 🔥🫶

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

if you don't love a role like the Anchor, who can you love????

[@ManuelFabi]

I don’t understand why I never see my squad manoeuvring the ball like that…I loved seeing that ball behind the defence from the inside winger to the IF…but actually mi IF never cut behind the defence like that 😢

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Hmm.. that's a tough one! You are welcome to copy the tactic in this video and make any adjustments you want! Should be a simple tactic to implement in your squad. Then you can change what you don't like about it to make it your own :)

[@Flexium_GG]

Would it make sense to have both a DLP and an anchor if both my if/iw and wingbacks are attacking?

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I think you could make them work! It may be a little top heavy, where you're not getting runners from deep in the center, so keep an eye on how your midfield is helping out in the attack

[@kieranbarnbrock5219]

Need some help so in my tactic I need a dm that sweeps up behind the midfield 2 and can collect clearances from the opposition and intercept counters what role is best

[@akkermanrik]

Well you watch the anchorman role ;) he suits those specifications perfectly.

[@by__elijah]

I've always thought the Half Back is an Anchor 2.0 - but sometimes the Anchorman is exactly what you need for balance

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

There is something beautiful about the Anchor and knowing exactly where he's going to be all the time. Thinking about a Roaming Playmaker or something where you have no idea where he's going, but an Anchor is consistently in his spot

[@by__elijah]

@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker Exactly, you can't pair a BWM with a Roaming Playmaker that''s madness

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

I do have a sick curiosity to try those two together though hahaha

[@Matty_Aqua]

Not sure if you have a Twitter or Discord, but I'm sure be great for your channel as people are really enjoying your videos!

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

thanks for bringing this up, I've had a couple questions about a discord channel but I had forgotten about it haha. I'll see if I get something going here in the near future; thanks again for the suggestion!!

[@volkanpalut1993]

i need a explain diffrence between structured vs fluid

[@akkermanrik]

Here you go: Structured approaches focus on maintaining defined roles and responsibilities for each player. In a structured system: Role Adherence: Players stick closely to their designated roles and responsibilities. Defenders focus on defending, midfielders on linking play, and attackers on attacking. Position Discipline: There is less freedom for players to move out of their zones. Positional discipline is high to ensure the team's shape is maintained. Specialization: Each player is expected to excel in their specific tasks, creating a well-organized and predictable structure. Defensive Solidity: This approach often leads to a more solid defensive setup because players are not straying too far from their positions. Less Creativity: With strict adherence to roles, there is generally less creativity and fluidity in attacking play, as players are not encouraged to roam or interchange positions. Fluid approaches emphasize a more dynamic and interchangeable style of play. In a fluid system: Role Flexibility: Players are given more freedom to express themselves and contribute to different phases of play, regardless of their designated roles. Position Interchange: There is a lot of movement and fluidity, with players often moving into different areas of the pitch, leading to more unpredictable and versatile attacking patterns. Collective Responsibility: Players share more responsibilities across the team, with attackers helping in defense and defenders contributing to attacking plays. Creative Freedom: This approach encourages creativity and innovation, allowing players to make spontaneous decisions and take risks. Cohesive Unit: The team operates more as a cohesive unit, with fluid transitions between defense and attack, often leading to more entertaining and dynamic football. Comparison in Context Defensive Organization: Structured systems typically maintain better defensive organization due to the rigidity and role adherence, whereas fluid systems may leave gaps as players move around more freely. Attacking Play: Fluid systems are generally more unpredictable and harder to defend against due to the high level of movement and creativity, while structured systems rely on methodical and disciplined build-up play. Player Suitability: Structured systems might be better suited for teams with specialized players who excel in specific roles, while fluid systems suit teams with versatile players capable of adapting to various positions and responsibilities. Team Chemistry: A fluid approach requires high levels of understanding and chemistry between players to ensure they can seamlessly cover for each other and maintain the team's shape. Structured systems prioritize organization and discipline, while fluid systems emphasize creativity and collective play. And last thing, you will see in the bottom left corner of the pitch tactic screen if your tactic counts as structured or fluid. But it goes from: Very Structured: Strong defensive discipline, minimal creative freedom, clear role separation. Structured: Balanced defensive discipline, moderate creative freedom, defined roles. Flexible: Equal focus on both defense and attack, moderate role interchange. Fluid: High creative freedom, players contribute to all phases, greater movement. Very Fluid: Maximum creative freedom, cohesive unit, constant movement and interchange. GL & HF

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

This is an incredible response, thank you for helping! Better than I could've done haha

[@akkermanrik]

​@@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker With pleasure😊

[@37wheels]

If you're going to rock the whalers shirt you have to change the background music to brass bonanza. Them's just the rules my man

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

dang you're right. I wouldn't judge you if you hit the thumbs down, I deserve it

[@boytjeXD]

Me tooooo

[@AndriyaPradiptaKarim]

Anchor Man : DMF✅️ CMF✅️ CD✅️ CB✅️

[@AndriyaPradiptaKarim]

Half Back : DMF✅️ CD✅️ CB✅️

[@joshuahalili5449]

Can you win the league as Forge FC? 😂

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Uhhh may have to wait for the sequel video for that one hahaha

[@akkermanrik]

Another great video! And it's probably an unpopular opinion, but for me, the anchorman role is the one I dislike the most. From my perspective, an anchorman is needed to create defensive solidity when other players lack balanced stats overall. For example, if you have a Mesut Özil in your team, you need a Makélélé to do the dirty work for him. So, from both ends of the spectrum, you have an attacking player lacking defensive attributes and an anchorman lacking attacking attributes but excelling defensively. Overall, I try to stay away from this role, as it can be really boring. I prefer more fluidity and creating trios or duos that can interchange more freely and have balanced stats overall. It's probably the Dutch way of tactical thinking-totaalvoetbal. However, I will use an anchorman from time to time, especially when I need to change my tactic at the end of a game to have a solid shape. In these situations, I don't want my VMC to push out of position-I just want him to help park the bus and stall time.

[@TheDeepLyingPlaymaker]

Love this perspective, thanks for sharing! I really respect the Anchor's ability to not be pulled out of position for anything. He won't chase down opponent's needlessly and we won't go tracking towards the ball either. But yea it does ruin fluidity or if you like to change advantage of positional play, because who's he going to switch standing in the midfield? At least with that mindset you know exactly where he's going to be haha