Football Manager 2023 requires players to have a balanced midfield and a specific defensive midfield player called a Half Back. The Half Back is a defensive midfielder who stands deeper than a regular defensive midfielder when in possession of the ball, combining the role of an aggressive sweeper and defensive midfielder. This article will explain the attributes and tactics for the Half Back in Football Manager 2023 in more detail.
What is a Half Back?
In the offensive, a Half Back is not an ambitious player, but rather a player who plays short, simple passes and drops back when in possession of the ball to act as an extra defender. Strong mental attributes as well as good passing, first touch, marking, tackling, jumping reach and strength attributes are key for a good Half Back. In a team with a Half Back, the other two midfielders are responsible for more attacking strength.
Tactics for a Team with a Half Back
The tactic for a team with a Half Back is most effective when the team is narrow in possession and focuses on the lateral areas for creativity. West Bromwich Albion is an example of a team with a Half Back, with the Half Back position player being Okay Yokuslu. The West Bromwich Albion tactic consists of a 4-3-3 system with a Half Back, a Carillero and a Roaming Playmaker. During the attacking phase, the 4-3-3 system can transition into a 3-4-3 system, with the Half Back becoming an extra central defender and the wing backs pushing forward.
Success of West Bromwich Albion
At West Bromwich Albion, a team from the Sky Bet Championship, the Half Back tactic has worked very well. They led the table after 23 games and had the best defense and third best offense in the league. Okay Yokuslu, the Half Back of West Bromwich Albion, had an important role in the team's build up play and led the league in progressive passes and physical performance.
