FC 25 Player Role: Inside Forward, Position: Wide Midfielder (RM/LM)

In EA SPORTS FC™ 25, the Inside Forward role transforms a wide midfielder (RM/LM) into a dynamic attacking force, primarily focusing on cutting inside from the flanks to create goal-scoring opportunities or deliver the final pass. Positioned as a wide player but frequently drifting inward, the Inside Forward adds unpredictability and attacking threat to any team.

Player Role: Inside Forward

Position: Wide Midfielder (RM/LM)
Focus: Balanced, Attack

Unlike a traditional winger who stays on the touchline, the Inside Forward uses the space between the wing and central areas to break down defenses. They make runs behind the defensive line and look to exploit gaps by cutting inside, often onto their preferred foot, to shoot or assist.

Fc 25 Player Role: Inside Forward Rm

Key Characteristics of the Inside Forward:

Cutting Inside: The hallmark of an Inside Forward is their ability to drift inside from the wing, creating goal-scoring opportunities by cutting through defenses.
Attack-Minded: This role is primarily focused on making direct attacking contributions, whether through shooting or providing key passes.
Limited Defensive Support: While the Inside Forward does provide some support when set to Balanced, their focus remains on attacking, and they tend to neglect defensive duties.

Focus: Balanced, Attack

The Inside Forward can be assigned one of two primary focuses: Balanced or Attack. Each focus affects how they approach both offensive and defensive responsibilities, as well as their positioning on the pitch.

Balanced Focus

When set to Balanced, the Inside Forward plays a more measured game, contributing to both attacking and passing play, while providing minimal defensive support. They hold off on making runs behind the defense until the right opportunity arises and may stay available as a passing option.

Attack Support (+): They contribute to attacking plays, but won’t always make the first forward run, preferring to wait for the right moment.
Pass Option (+): The Inside Forward makes themselves available for passing options, linking up with teammates to create build-up play.
Cut Inside (=): As always, they look to cut inside to exploit central spaces and shoot or pass, but with more patience.
Stamina Usage (-): Balanced players conserve energy for key moments, pacing themselves throughout the match.

Attack Focus

With an Attack focus, the Inside Forward prioritizes offensive actions, often cutting inside to make attacking runs. They are less likely to assist in defense and instead concentrate on goal-scoring opportunities and supporting centrally.

Attacking (+): The Inside Forward is focused on making attacking runs behind the defense, looking for gaps to exploit.
Support Centrally (+): Rather than staying wide, they drift centrally to join the attack and provide support for strikers or midfielders.
Cut Inside (=): As in Balanced mode, the Inside Forward will continue to cut inside from wide positions.
Defense Support (-): Defensive work is not a priority, allowing them to conserve energy for their attacking duties.

Other Characteristics of the Inside Forward:

Underlap Runs: Rather than hugging the touchline, the Inside Forward frequently makes underlapping runs toward the center of the pitch, allowing them to exploit spaces in the defense.
Lack of Defensive Focus: The Inside Forward’s primary responsibility is to attack, and as such, they offer limited defensive support, particularly when focused on attack.
Preferred Foot: Typically, the Inside Forward is set up to cut inside onto their stronger foot, allowing them to take more accurate shots or deliver key passes from central positions.

Inside Forward’s Impact on the Game

The Inside Forward is ideal for teams that want to maximize attacking opportunities from the wings, but with a twist. Their ability to cut inside makes them unpredictable and difficult to mark, opening up new possibilities for both goals and assists. Defenders must be alert, as the Inside Forward can drift inside and exploit gaps, leaving defensive lines stretched.

When set to Attack, the Inside Forward becomes even more aggressive, consistently looking for spaces in which to run behind the defense and support central attackers. With a Balanced focus, they offer more options for build-up play, contributing to both attacking and passing phases.

However, their limited defensive responsibilities mean that teams using the Inside Forward must compensate with strong defensive players elsewhere. The role works best in formations that allow freedom for attacking players, such as 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, where wide players are expected to contribute heavily to goalscoring.

Summary

The Inside Forward in FC 25 is a versatile wide midfielder who excels in cutting inside and creating attacking opportunities from central areas. Whether focused on Attack or playing a more Balanced role, the Inside Forward consistently provides offensive support while leaving defensive work to other teammates. This role adds creativity and attacking depth, making it an essential part of any team looking to dominate in the final third of the pitch.

With the ability to unlock defenses through underlap runs and intelligent movement, the Inside Forward is a key component in modern attacking systems.