what's the differnce between roaming and off the ball?

i know, cos i checked the SI db for some of my players, that someone can have free role 1 and off the ball 16. doesnt make sense, what IS off the ball then?

From the manual:

OFF THE BALL = A player’s movement without the ball. Similar to Anticipation, this is how well a player, particularly attacking ones, can assess a situation and then move off the ball, making themselves available to receive a pass in a dangerous position.

Doesn't neccessarily mean he would be suited to a "roaming" position.

Off the ball is the attacking version of Positioning. Off the ball is how well players find space and their movement. Whereas Positioning is how well players position themselves to read the game and make interceptions and tackles.

So in your example, your player is very good at making space for himself, and being available for the ball, but he's not so good at coming out of his position and away from his 'comfort zone'. Thats how I see it anyway.

thanks, sort of clarifies it for me

SWaRF & Steve have covered off the ball ^

Roaming is how far a player will move from his given position in the formation to find the ball/space. Think Rooney coming all the way back to a MC position when he doesn't get the ball during a match.

Roaming is for type of Messi player, as he can be wherever he wants on pitch. Off the ball is for losing markers.

Flair is good for players with a free-role

The ability to do the unexpected... i.e. free-role = "do your own thing"

(disclaimer: other factors need to be considered when giving player's freedom)