The role of a modern day
winger
updated on January 11th, 2024
5 mins read
The role of wingers changed dramatically throughout the
2010’s, as many teams dropped their 442 formations and
opted for a 433, meaning wingers went from wide
midfielders to wide forwards.
So they are now not only required to create chances and
get assists, but also to be more of a threat on goal
themselves.
But as full-backs have also evolved and become more
attacking, wingers have to adjust again to help more
defensively. So in this ever changing and unique role, here
are some essential tips to help you ball out on the wing!
Tip 1) Be unpredictable in attack
especially in the first first 5-10 minutes of the
game
Rather than following a predictable pattern, varying your
approach is essential.
So sometimes come short for a pass, then go long for a ball
in behind or take on your defender and go on the inside, then
do the same but go on the outside etc.
Because a 1v1 duel with the defender marking you, can
often be more of a mental battle than a physical and
technical one.
The very best wingers in the world often win their 1v1 battle
before the game even kicks off, because they have that
mental edge.
So by being unpredictable in the first 5-10 minutes, your
defender will find it difficult to predict your play, and may
begin to second guess every move you make, at which point
hesitation could creep into their game and you can take
advantage.
Tip 2) Simplicity usually wins
When you think of some of the most effective wingers in
football right now, such as Salah or Saka, you don’t
associate them with rainbow flicks and roulettes when
they’re taking on their defender.
Because they instead focus on perfecting the basics, such as
little cuts inside and out, quick changes of direction, give and
go’s with their teammates etc.
The kind of moves which most wingers can perform, but
they ensure they do it with explosive pace, great strength,
disguise and overall great quality.
Now this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t express yourself and
be creative on the pitch, wingers should be exciting and have
flair. With the likes of Vinicius and Doku proving that you can
play like that and still provide effective results.
But even they use their simplistic moves way more often
than their extravagant ones.
So pick 2 or 3 effective moves and l practice them until you
can use them confidently in 1v1 situations.
Tip 3) It's your job to take risks
So touching on the last point, although the simplistic moves
are the most effective, it doesn’t mean they also don’t come
with a certain level of risk, risk that you must take.
Because as a winger, you need to try to break down
defensive lines, pick out key passes which create chances,
beat your defender to have a shot, and produce moments of
magic which make goals.
None of which can be done without initially taking a risk.
And no you won’t have a 100% success rate, even one of the
best, Mbappe needs 3,4,5, maybe even 6 shots before one
finally goes in.
Now if you do feel like none of your risks in a game are
paying off, then what you can do, is the next 2 or 3 times
you get the ball, play the safe option, just to release any
anxious thoughts and get your confidence back.
But don’t worry, because people won’t remember the risks
that don’t pay off, they’ll remember the ones that turn into
goals.
Tip 4) Great Stamina is non-negotiable
The role of the winger in modern football means they are
generally quite high up the pitch, to be a threat on goal.
But with full-backs becoming more and more attacking, it
also means wingers need to track back as much as they get
forward, so they’re required to constantly get up and down
the pitch.
But that’s not all, because many people underestimate the
stamina which is also required to make constant explosive
movements, changes in direction, skill moves etc.
Those moments can take just as much out of you as
sprinting back to mark your opposition full-back.
So overall fantastic stamina is an absolute must when
playing on the wing.
Tip 5) Set yourself goals for each match
Another tip to become a better winger with every match is
to set yourself goals for each match. This way you can
constantly challenge yourself. If you don't know what goals
to start with, aim to complete these following 4 targets in
your next game:
Goal 1) In the first 10 minutes of the game, take on your
defender and try to go on the outside, then onto the inside
the next time round, or vice versa.
Goal 2) Keep your game simple, use only 2 or 3 main skills
when taking on your opponent.
Goal 3) Make 5 or more risky actions with your shots,
crosses, passes and take ons in the final third.
Goal 4) Don’t give your opposition full-back any time or
space in your half, try to stay with them whenever the
opposition are in possession.
And remember, you play how you train!
So don't stop now but take on the 7-day Superb Salah
challenge along with various other winger training
challenges on the Train Effective app!
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