Decoding position labels
Position codes are coarse — the actual role depends on the team’s shape, the manager, and the player’s tendencies.
What you will learn
- Two players with the same code can play very different roles.
- Team shape (4-3-3, 3-5-2, etc.) shifts what each code means.
- Cross-reference touch maps and minutes by zone before assuming role similarity.
Forwards: ST, CF, SS
ST/CF are interchangeable on most data feeds but managers separate them: a target CF holds the line; an ST presses and runs in behind.
SS (second striker) typically drops between lines and is closer to a CAM than a pure forward.
Wide players: LW, RW, LM, RM, LWB, RWB
LW/RW imply a front-three role; LM/RM imply a mid-block flank; LWB/RWB are wing-backs in a back-five.
Inverted wingers (left-footed RW, right-footed LW) post very different shot maps to traditional wide forwards.
Midfield: CAM, CM, DM, BBM
CAM is the highest-attacking; DM is the deepest. CM splits attacking and defensive duties.
Box-to-box (BBM) describes coverage rather than depth — expect high distance covered and varied stat lines.
Defense and goalkeeper: CB, FB, SW, GK
CB profiles split into ball-playing vs aerial dominators; both labelled the same.
FBs vary by overlap frequency: overlapping FBs look more like wingers in attacking stats.