Playbook Part 3.5 – Roles & Archetypes: Advanced Midfielders

Structure, Style, Strategy – the LiberoUno way

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The Functional 8

This player is a relentless workhorse, much like the functional runner from the deeper roles, but operating higher up the pitch. They’re involved in both phases — defending and attacking — but with an added layer of technical and positional responsibility. They keep things ticking and bring energy, mobility, and tactical discipline.

  • In-game Role: Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support) | Carrilero (Support) – used if there’s an attacking back on that side
  • High profile examples include: Barella, Joelinton & Merino

The Creative 8

A more refined, visionary presence in the middle of the pitch. This player has the freedom to pull strings and dictate tempo, connecting the defence and attack with clever passing, awareness, and movement. Less involved in off-the-ball destruction, more involved in orchestrating the play.

  • In-game Role: Roaming Playmaker (Support) | Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support) – used if there’s an attacking back on that side
  • High profile examples include: Modric, Ødegaard & Pedri

THE Number 10

There’s only one archetype here — and it’s not just a classic Trequartista lounging between the lines. This is a modern-day 10. He creates, he scores, and he works. He has flair, vision, movement — but also contributes to the team shape and pressing game. He’s a luxury, but an active one. If a player in the central attacking midfield position doesn’t fit this mould, then I simply believe they’d be better of in another position. If I use a double 10 setup, I’ll temper things slightly to keep the balance right.

  • In-game Role: Advanced Playmaker (Attack)| Attacking Midfielder (Support) – if playing with two Number 10s | Mezzala (Attack) – if playing as an MC
  • High profile examples include: Dybala, Musiala & De Bruyne

Next Up…

In later installments, I’ll dive deeper into how these midfield roles combine to form different setups — but for now, we shift our focus to the final third. Next up: Part 3.6 – Wingers & Strikers

Playbook Part 3.6