Re: Specialist Positions - Deep-Lying Playmaker

[Rupertj]

Could Javier Mascherano operate as the aforementioned specialist player?

I am Liverpool, playing in the Premier League, and I also intend to have a more attack-minded playmaker.

These are his relevant attributes according to TT&F:

Marking 19

Tackling 20

Positioning 19

Strength 18

Stamina 19

Passing 14

Technique 15

Creativity 17

First Touch 17

Decisions 17

I understand that the earlier, more defensive attributes are excellent. However, the less directly-defending-related stuff seems a little worse, including passing, which is only 14, and technique, which is 15.

Do you think he's good enough, or would it be safer to leave him as a regular player?

[dz47]

Well with those stats he probably could play that role fairly well if he had to, but I would still think that he would play the DMC/midfield destroyer role better. I guess it depends on who your other options for playmaker are, and how you want your team to play.

For Liverpool (assuming original squad) I would be more inclined to play a wide 4-2-3-1 with Mascherano and Alonso as the MC’s, with Alonso as the deep playmaker, and Mascherano as the high closing down/hard tackling midfield destroyer. This would leave Stevie G and Torres to do their thing at AMC and ST respectively, and Babel and Kuyt at AML and AMR (though this is where I would be prioritizing my investment in better players….and at fullback!). Basically, lots of players out there in FM land can play multiple roles (Palombo and Toulalan are two others that immediately come to mind), but its more about in what roles can they excel in (as opposed to what roles they would be capable in) and what your other options are.

Hope that helps in some way!