Mezzala and Carrilero

[Rayden]

Hi guys, ive been playing this game for quite some time now, and since I consider myself a guy that understand football quite well, I didnt have that many difficulties of knowing what every role does, and how it is employed best. That is, with the exception of the mezzala and the carrilero (dunno if thats how you spell it), that I just dont understand how they work. I mean i read the decriptions but I just cant picture them on the field. I was hoping that someone could explain to me what each one do and, if possible, to give examples of players that do these functions, that would help a lot.
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post!

[Odiumism]

For the mezzala, think of Coutinho playing midfield at liverpool. Still has his defensive responsibilities but isn't always in the middle of the field to do them so you'd probably want another couple of central midfielders or CDM's to help cover that area when he leaves it. Has many benefits though as he can help to overload a side of the pitch and can drift into open spaces behind the opposing midfield at times.

As for the carrilero, think of Fabinho at Monaco when he was playing midfield. Even though he normally played a little deeper most of the time, his role was similar to that. In that his job isn't to get up the pitch for the most part but has the responsibilty of covering and closing down the entire area of just the midfield. Their job also isn't to really attempt to make a decisive pass or create opportunities for their teammates further up the pitch, but to win the ball back and make simple passes most of the time.

I don't find the mezzala to be all that great for me personally, as you have to carry them defensively quite a lot of the time and i find that they drift in and out of matches quite a lot. I do like using the carrilero but I find that not many guys are capable of really performing in that role and are usually better suited and perform better when being used in roles that are more natural for them. Hope this was helpful!!

[Rayden]

Ah I see now, thanks very much man!

[Snorks]

As has been said, the Mezzala is an attack minded center midfielder - he will need defensive support behind him - I have had great success at AC Milan using one in a 4123, but wouldn;t utilise one in a 4231 for example - I think of it as half a Box to Box midfielder, who only goes to the opponents Box.

Have never used the Carrilero in anger, as I always have wingers and full backs in my tactics