The Evolution of the Right Wing Back Role in Soccer
The right wing back (RWB) is a crucial position in the modern game that combines defensive solidity with attacking threat down the flank. But RWBs weren‘t always the marauding, playmaking defenders they are today. The role has evolved tactically over decades into the complete "two-way" position it is now.
What is a Right Wing Back?
A right wing back is a defender positioned on the right flank in a team‘s defense who advances forward to support right-sided attacks. They are expected to be strong defensively in tackling, positioning and stopping crosses, but also pose an attacking threat with aggressive overlap runs and accurate crosses of their own.
The best RWBs have the exceptional stamina to relentlessly sprint up and down the pitch, technical crossing and dribbling ability, defensive awareness and tackling skill. Today‘s top teams rely heavily on their RWBs to provide width to unlock compact defenses in the final third.
The Origins: Cafu and Carlos Alberto
While the right back position has always existed, the concept of what a modern "wing back" is really only began to take shape in the 1950s and 60s. Two pioneers were Cafu for Brazil and Carlos Alberto for the great 1970 Brazil World Cup winning side.
Both players revolutionized right back play with their athleticism and willingness to tear up and down the touchlines. Their aggressive overlapping runs and pinpoint crossing ability made them invaluable assets in attack. Italian great Giacinto Facchetti performed a similar role on the left flank. They were complete defenders, but also essentially right wingers while their team had possession.
| Player | Team | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Cafu | Brazil | Aggressive overlapping runs, crossing and stamina |
| Carlos Alberto | Brazil | Powerful defender and scorer of iconic goal in 1970 World Cup Final |
This early era of "overlapping full backs" provided the blueprint for what today‘s top managers expect from their RWBs. Let‘s analyze the modern right wing back role further using data and examples from current greats.
Duties: The Complete Wing Back
A top-class right wing back must have exceptional fitness, technical qualities and football intelligence to fulfill their responsibilities in both attack and defense.
Defensive Duties
- Tracking opposing left wingers
- Making stand and slide tackles to win back possession
- Blocking crosses into the box
- Covering for center backs when they are pulled out of position
Reece James showing his quality in defensive duels vs. Liverpool.
Based on analysis of last season, Reece James of Chelsea won 2.1 tackles and 6.5 duels per 90 minutes – exemplary numbers for an attacking full back. Staying alert and focused defensively enables RWBs the freedom get forward when their team has possession.
Attacking Duties
- Overlapping runs to create 2 v 1 situations vs. opposition left back
- Accurate crossing and cutbacks to create chances
- Combination play with right midfielder and winger
- Running at opponents with dribbling in the final third
Achraf Hakimi providing an assist after an aggressive overlapping run.
The top RWBs have the pace, stamina and attacking skillset to pose a constant threat bombarding down the right wing throughout matches. For example, Achraf Hakimi averaged an impressive 2 key passes, 1.8 dribbles and 1.1 crosses per 90 last season for Paris Saint-Germain.
This wide threat creates space centrally for other attackers to operate, part of why the RWB role has become so tactically invaluable.
Analyzing the Key Attributes of a World-Class RWB
We‘ve identified that modern RWBs need to be exceptionally fit, well-rounded footballers to thrive. But what specific attributes are most important to excel in the position?
| Attribute | Importance |
|---|---|
| Pace and Acceleration | ??????????????? |
| Stamina/Endurance | ??????????????? |
| Crossing Ability | ??????????????? |
| Short Passing | ??????????????? |
| Positioning Sense | ??????????????? |
| Tackling | ??????????????? |
Pace and stamina are right at the top of the list – RWBs cover more ground than nearly any other position given their box-to-box role. Eliteacceleration allows them to surge past opponents and into crossing positions.
Pinpoint crossing technique combined with vision to know when to cut a ball back vs. play in an aerial cross is also vital. Short passing and combination play allow RWBs to play their way out of tight spaces near the touchline.
Finally, strong defensive fundamentals in tackling, positioning and concentration are what give RWBs the license to get forward. A liability defensively means the full freedom to attack opponents won‘t be granted by managers.
Now let‘s look at statistics and analysis from some current world-class RWBs displaying these attributes…
Reece James – The Gold Standard
Still just 23 years old, Reece James already looks set to be England‘s right back for the next decade. Last season he recorded 2.4 tackles won, 1.7 shots created and 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes from right wing back.
Blessed with supreme pace and a hammer of a right foot, James provides a constant outlet for Chelsea flying up the wing. Defenders live in fear of his surging runs and whipped crosses. He has everything needed to achieve "world‘s best RWB" status soon.
João Cancelo – Creative Hub
The Portuguese international has taken his game to new heights since joining Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City in 2019. Cancelo is afforded plenty of creative license to roam finding pockets of space before playing clever passes or hitting curved crosses.
Cancelo almost plays as an inverted wide playmaker at times rather than a traditional touchline-hugging full back. His 1.7 key passes and 2.3 succesful dribbles per 90 demonstrates unique technique and vision from the RWB spot.
Achraf Hakimi – Pace and Productivity
Achraf Hakimi has already starred as a RWB for European giants Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG despite being just 24 years old. The Moroccan speedster averaged an imposing 1.8 successful dribbles and 3.3 crosses per 90 last campaign.
With the ball at his feet, Hakimi is almost impossible to stop one-on-one when he opens up his legs and hits top speed. Zipping up and down the right sideline, Hakimi is the prototype modern RWB perfectly suited to counter-attacking sides.
Conclusion: A Hybrid Position Here to Stay
The right wing back role has grown into one of the most athletically and technically demanding positions in football. The elite RWBs are tenacious, harrying defenders but also pacey attackers with precise crossing and short-range passing ability.
Top clubs depend heavily on their RWBs to stretch opponents with aggressive width and deliver quality balls into the box. Super-fit, well-rounded players like Reece James, Achraf Hakimi and João Cancelo are redefining just how much attacking influence the position can wield.
With managers constantly innovating with new tactical schemes, the role will likely continue evolving. But the complete "two-way" right wing back combining physicality, creativity and intelligence is undoubtedly here to stay.
