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Traditional winger is a dying breed but that doesn’t make them any less important to a team that thrives on attacking play. 

A traditional winger in football is a player who operates on the flanks of the field and is primarily responsible for creating attacking opportunities for their team. They are typically deployed on either the right or left side of the field, depending on their dominant foot, and are tasked with using their speed, skill, and vision to beat their opposing fullback and deliver crosses into the box.

Providing width

The main role of a traditional winger is to provide width to their team’s attacking play. By hugging the touchline and stretching the opposition’s defense, they create space for their teammates to operate in the middle of the field. They also provide an outlet for their team’s defenders to play the ball out from the back, as well as a counter-attacking threat when their team wins the ball back.

Key Roles

In addition to their attacking responsibilities, traditional wingers are also expected to contribute defensively. They must track back and help out their fullback in order to prevent opposing wingers or overlapping fullbacks from creating chances down their side of the field.

Some of the most famous traditional wingers in football history include Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, and Arjen Robben, all of whom were renowned for their speed, dribbling ability, and crossing accuracy.

Evolution of a traditional winger

In modern football, the role of the traditional winger has evolved significantly. With the rise of tactical systems like the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1, teams often deploy wide players who are expected to contribute more defensively and play a more versatile role in the team’s attacking play.

This shift in tactics has led to a decline in the use of traditional wingers in football, as coaches look for players who can offer a more well-rounded skillset. Instead, many teams now use wide midfielders or “inverted wingers” who cut inside to create chances or provide an extra passing option in midfield.

Not a dying breed

However, there are still some teams and players who rely heavily on traditional wingers. For example, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling are both examples of players who play as classic wingers, staying wide and looking to get in behind the opposition’s defense.

So while the role of the traditional winger may not be as prevalent as it once was, there are still players and teams who value the qualities they bring to the game.

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