Now that you've had FIFA 15 for about a week and are eager to start up a new Manager Mode , Ultimate Team, or head online, it’s time to take a refresher course as it relates to player positions and roles. Below I will delve into what to look for when starting with a new club as it relates to the FIFA player attribute system.

*Disclaimer – The positions and roles listed below are simply the most common positions found in the game. Due to the fact that there are numerous formations to choose from, positions and roles can vary accordingly. Additionally, talented players can perform well in multiple formations and positions. It’s up the manager to get the most out their players.

Goalkeepers (GK) - Keepers have one job, to stop the other team from scoring. It's as simple as that and while having a good defense in front of them helps; there are a few skills that would help them along the way. The ideal keeper would have a combination of good size (at least 6 foot), excellent positioning, quick reflexes, strong hands, and the ability to play the ball comfortably with both feet.
 

Defense: Defenders can be found behind the midfield and in front of the goalkeeper. They primarily focus their attention on preventing the other team from scoring goals.

Center-Back (CB) - Located in the heart of defense, center backs are the last line of defense protecting your keeper. Because of this, you're going to want your CB to be able to read the game and cut out danger before it even starts. In FIFA terms, high "Marking," "Reactions," and "Interceptions" ratings will ensure that your CB is in the right place at the time allowing for those CB's with good tackling attributes to excel at dispossessing the opponent. It's not all about the mental aspects for this position as your CB's should have enough strength to hold off attackers and battle for position when trying to clear the danger from a cross, corner-kick, etc...

Fullback (LB/RB) - Your widest defenders, fullbacks are generally located closest to the touchline and outside of your CBs. Their main goal is to thwart the opposition's wide attacks. In doing so, the weapons they will need at their disposal are: stamina, pace (acceleration & sprint speed), tackling, interceptions, and if you're planning on them going forward, crossing. Often isolated in 1-on-1 situations, Fullbacks cover a lot of ground as they will routinely (in the modern game) run up and down the touchline adding width to the attack and covering the flanks on defense.

Midfield: As the name would indicate, midfielders normally operate between the forwards and the defenders requiring them to support the attackers while also providing cover for the main defenders.

Central/Center Midfielders (CM) – CM’s operate in the center of the pitch where most of the action occurs. Consequently, they are often the link or transition between defense and offense, starting attacks and shutting down oppositional forays into your danger area. This is high-demanding position which requires its players to demonstrate a vast array of skills. To excel in this position you must be comfortable on the ball and able to play passes with both feet while under pressure. While it's always a plus to have pace, being a successful midfielder doesn't necessarily require it as vision, positioning, and stamina can make up for a lack of speed.

Defensive Midfielders (DM) - Also known as “holding" midfielders, these players will anchor your midfield shielding your CB’s from opposition attacks. While the other midfielders push forward, players in this position will often stay back looking to break-up counter-attacks. While their primary focus is on defense, in the modern game they are occasionally looked upon as players who can start the attack thus the idea of a "deep-lying playmaker". Their ability to play a cross-field pass to the opposite flank can often lead to successful counter-attacks catching the opposition committing too many players forward in attack.

Wide Midfielders (LMF/RMF) - These are your midfielders located to the left (LMF) or right (RMF) of your center midfielder. They often possess the same traits as your center midfielder but with the added dimension of pace and/or acceleration. Due to their location on the field, they are often your first line of resistance against opposition wingers and benefit from the physical gifts to keep up with speedy players.

Central/Center Attacking Midfielders (CAM) - The midfielder highest up the pitch often located right behind the striker is commonly referred to as the "CAM". This player is your traditional playmaker and often the person responsible for creating goals. They must possess the ability to not only play the perfect final ball (pass leading up to the goal or assist) but also contribute with a few goals themselves. Technically advanced, their ability on the ball separates them from other positions as they have the ability to change a match with a bit of skill, vision, and deadly accuracy, whether it be with a shot or pass.

Forwards – Forwards or “Strikers” are the players positioned closest to the opposing team’s goal. Their main goal is to score goals and create havoc in the opposing team’s penalty box.

Center Forward (CF) - This will most likely be your main goal threat as CF's are usually the focal point of your attack. The type of CF your team will field will and should reflect your overall team's strategy. If you're going to attack by sending in crosses from the wings you will want a traditional center forward who is tall and good at winning aerial battles. If you plan to employ a more fluid attack your center forward will have to move fluidly, finding pockets of space and making runs. As tactics have evolved, this position has seen a variety of players excel using different techniques but the one thing they have in common, they put the ball in the back of the net.

Wingers (LW/RW) - Attacking players located closest to the touchline, wingers are usually adept at beating defenders 1-on-1 and delivering crosses into the opponent's penalty box via their dominant foot. Fleet of foot, wingers in the modern game often swap sides allowing them to cut inside on their strong foot providing a direct attack on goal (called "inverted wingers"). With limited defensive responsibilities, wingers use skill, tricks, or sometimes just outright pace to attack from wide positions.

Second Striker (SS) – Also referred to as a “Support Striker,” this player plays slightly behind the main CF in some formations offering contrasting skills in the process. Many managers and successful FIFA players prefer a player smaller in stature than the CF, adept at finding space in the “hole” (area vacated by the CF) with the ability to pick out their striker counterpart as well as finish off attacks with goals of their own.

Now that you’re comfortable with positions it’s time to channel your inner Sir Alex Ferguson and get the most out of your lads!