Using Space: The Inverse Wingback

Creating and exploiting space is the key to any successful football tactic. Be it via keeping the ball and stretching the opposition until holes appear, or immediately counter-attacking into the open space, every single successful tactic exploits space in different ways. Over the past few months, I've been focusing on something I'd previously never even thought about - the Inverse Wing Back.

The full-back is an often neglected position in football, particularly in a four-man defense. Because of this, I've always been interested in tactics that bring the full-backs into play more effectively. So when this thread popped up, I accepted the challenge.

What is the Inverse Wing Back?

On a basic level, the inverse Wing Back refers to a player who plays at left-back, and is predominantly right footed, or vice versa. They need to be talented all-rounders, with the physical ability to make strenuous runs forward and also ensure they are not caught out of position, and the mental ability to know when to make those runs.

Whilst a normal Wing Back will generally offer width to an attack, the Inverse Wing Back will make runs through the centre of the pitch, creating space for numerous players around him.

Football Manager suggests the role of the Wing Back is as follows:

"Usually playing out wide with no wing support, the Wing Back must fulfill the attacking and defensive duties of wingers and full-backs.

In attack he must be prepared to run at his man and put in aggressive crosses, in midfield to help win the possession battle and in defense to close down opponents, block crosses and win the ball back when possible."

The noticeable difference between the description of the Wing Back and Inverse Wing Back refers to the width of the two players. Whilst the Wing Back will generally be played as the only wide option, an Inverse Wing Back is better partnered with an out-and-out winger who is able to hug the touchline and offer a suitable passing option.

Examples of an Inverse Wing Back in football is rare. However, possibly the most famous exponent is Marcelo Bielsa who has used an Inverse Wing Back in almost every side he's managed in recent years. Whilst Bielsa has usually opted for a three-man defense with two Wing Backs (the left-sided player is usually the Inverse Wing Back), I've attempted to create the Inverse Wing Back effect in a four-man defense.

The Inverse Wing Back in Football Manager

In order to get the role to work, you need a player up to the job. It's a demanding role technically, mentally and physically. You also need a player with the right PPMs if they're to be truly successful. Because they need such a strong combination of such a large number of skills, it's highly likely they'd be one of the best players in your side.

Above is my attempt at creating the perfect Inverse Wing Back. I was at the stage with my Wolves side where I knew we had a solid squad, but we needed something different to break into the top four after two consecutive fifth place finishes. Dalmolin had been in the side, but was certainly not capable of playing at Premier League level - however, I stuck by him, knowing he had the potential to become the perfect Inverse Wing Back. I decided to teach him the "Get's Forward Whenever Possible" PPM as well as changing his role to Wing Back - Attack. Immediately, I saw results. Dalmolin netted in the first game of the new season with a tremendous run inside - exactly what I was looking for (see video

Having played with Dalmolin in the Inverse Wing Back role for two seasons now, my Wolves side has won two consecutive Premier League titles as well as winning the Champions League in the latter season. During that time, I've learnt far more about the Inverse Wing Back role and the phases of attack that it results in, as well as the basic setup.

The Inverse Wing Back in Action

Example One: The Wandering Wingback

Here is the match highlights from a Champions League game against then-German Champions, Borussia Dortmund. It highlights a superb hattrick from Nicolas Dalmolin as he wanders forward from his left-back role. Gareth Bale's performance against Inter Milan springs to mind - however, Dalmolin inverted it.

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Example Two: Arriving Late

This second example of the Inverse Wing Back exploiting space is when he arrives late into the box.

The first screenshot (above) illustrates Neto (playing as a central striker) crossing the ball. In the box are the three attacking midfielders of the side, however the Deep Lying Playmaker (Adryan) sits deep alongside the Anchor Man. This large gap between the attacking midfielders and the defensive midfielders draws all the Chelsea defenders away from the gap, leaving Dalmolin to run into it...

As all the Chelsea defenders (and defensive midfielder) are drawn into the box, Dalmolin exploits the space, and receives a simple pass back from Iker Muniain. With a few steps he unleashes a fierce shot...

And the rest is history.

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Example Three: Aiding the Possession Duel

I mentioned earlier that the Inverse Wing Back can drift into the centre of midfield, and aid the team in winning the possession battle. Here is that theory in action, in a number of different ways.

This example shows Dalmolin forming the offensive point of a midfield triumvirate with Yann M'Vila and Adryan. As I'm sure you're all very aware, one way of winning the possession battle is to put an extra man into the middle of midfield in order to allow more short-range passes. Dalmolin pushing into the centre of midfield allows the Iker Muniain (CAM) to push forward and become another 'runner', creating another passing option for Neto.

However, it's all well and good your full-back drifting into the centre of midfield, but if they leave a large gap defensively, then you're open to the counter attack. The above screenshot shows the potential for covering from Yann M'Vila and Florian Schwartz, allowing Dalmolin time to recover.

The above screenshot is a little different in that it illustrates Dalmolin's run, creating another option for the Deep Lying Playmaker, Adryan. Dalmolin makes his run between the opposition right-back and centre-back, in the gap shown. This would drag the right centre-back away from his duties in the centre of the pitch, and leave Neto with only one man to beat.

Adryan does find Dalmolin, however on this occasion, he shoots wide of the post. It's a half chance created where one usually wouldn't be, though.

Maintaining Defensive Stability

I've already talked a couple of times during this piece about how maintaining defensive stability is vital. If your left-back wanders out of his position, then he generally leaves a large gap which the opponent can exploit on the counter-attack. However, if you set your team up in the right way you can still use the Inverse Wing Back effectively.

Defensive Setup One: The Anchor Man

This setup is fairly self explanatory. As Dalmolin advances forward, it is generally M'Vila's job to ensure we're not open to counter-attack. Sometimes he stays in the centre of midfield, however, he often drifts into left-back to cover for Dalmolin.

Here it is in action:

You may wonder what the point of this is - why not just start Dalmolin in a more central position and M'Vila at left-back? The reason is the creation of space. Even though I created the above screenshot to highlight the defensive setup, you can again see Dalmolin about to overload the opposition defense. If he goes between the central defenders and the right-back, he'll either be the free man, or drag the opposition right-back away from the left-midfielder, Eden Hazard. Another scenario would be that another opposition midfielder drops back, effectively creating a six-man defense for the opposition. This would simply give our midfield far more time and the likes of Ramadan (our RB) even more space.

Defensive Setup Two: Drift Defense

Occasionally, when the ball is higher up the pitch and the team is pressing more, a three-man defense becomes a suitable method of defending. When the ball is on the left hand side of the pitch, Dalmolin presses forward and creates a 3-4-3. This three-man defense is then comprised of the two centre-backs and the right-back drifts across to become a third centre-back.

Considering this style of defense is used often in my games, I've always favoured right-backs who are defensively solid - and those that can play centre-back just as well. For example, Marc Bartra and Martin Kelly are two players that fit into the role excellently.

Conclusion

The Inverted Wing Back is an incredibly specialised role. There's a very limited number of players able to play it effectively and I was incredibly lucky to find myself a ready-made Inverted Wing Back in Dalmolin - you'll generally need to re-train them, which costs 'CA points'.

However, if you get it working, it can be a fantastic addition to your side in numerous ways, as illustrated above. My version of the Inverted Wing Back generally contributes more to the side with marauding runs than arriving late or aiding possession, but depending on the player you use (his PPMs are vital) and the tactical setup you use, you can create a totally different type of Inverted Wing Back. For example, I've seen a number of people use Kwadwo Asamoah at LWB due to Juventus' abundance of talented midfielders. Asamoah, whilst being left-footed, could still often move centrally and aid the midfield in the possession battle. Arturo Vidal would probably be an even better option, though (he's even been used in this role for Bielsa's Chile side, in recent years).

I'd love to see anyone else's take on the Inverted Wing Back - remember, they don't have to be a wrong-footed player to be Inverted. They just need to be partnered with a wide midfielder and generally cut inside rather than offering width as normal Wing Backs do.

Awesome thread

I tend to look for AML/AMR's with decent defensive attributes and re-train them as I find it easier doing it that way to find a player actually capable of doing the role. I had this player;

and currently still turning him into this;

He'll be great playing the role you've described above

Awesome thread

I tend to look for AML/AMR's with decent defensive attributes and re-train them as I find it easier doing it that way to find a player actually capable of doing the role. I had this player;

and currently still turning him into this;

He'll be great playing the role you've described above

Why are you training him to be a DL? Or were you doing that anyway before this thread? Anyway, what age would you say is the latest to pick up a player like yours and turn him in to a good Inverse WB?

That Dortmund keeper had a shocker. Just sayin.

Great idea though, though I find that my left wingback on an attack setting tends to cut inside when the left inside forward opens up space. What all PPMs do you use to to achieve your desired results?

EDIT - I just realized he cuts inside because he to is a right footed player naturally playing from left back. This thread just got a whole lot more interesting!

Good thread..... if you want the best inverse Wingback look to Ayew..... he is incredible. His strength, pace, acceleration, dribbling and balance means he can not be touched when he starts to cut inside.

I actualy give it to him as a wide play style now. I remove crossing, increase throughballs and then he just runs from way deep and his pace and agility means he can easily maneuver around opposition players that start to close him down. He see's them coming and just picks up the pace which means they are behind him or he changes angle........

He is probably my 3rd or 4th highest scorer and he plays in the DL position.

Amazing thread, I especially like how the Anchor protects the weak left side when he attacks.

This is the most interesting tactical idea of this years FM!

Glen Johnnson does spring to mind straight away

Cheers for the feedback, chaps.

That Dortmund keeper had a shocker. Just sayin.

Great idea though, though I find that my left wingback on an attack setting tends to cut inside when the left inside forward opens up space. What all PPMs do you use to to achieve your desired results?

EDIT - I just realized he cuts inside because he to is a right footed player naturally playing from left back. This thread just got a whole lot more interesting!

Yeah the keeper was awful, but I just wanted to highlight Dalmolin's runs more than anything. The fact they were all goals was a bonus (and made it easier to upload of course!).

And yeah, he cuts inside mainly because he's right-footed. As I said, there are many different types of Inverse Wing Backs but if you wanted a player to do what mine does, you'd probably need them to be right-footed. If you wanted them to act as another central midfielder in possession you could probably do it with a left-footed player, though.

So he just naturally cuts inside because, as a right footed player on the left, he wants to play with his right? No Cuts Inside instruction, no Cuts Inside PPM?

So he just naturally cuts inside because, as a right footed player on the left, he wants to play with his right? No Cuts Inside instruction, no Cuts Inside PPM?

No instruction, and his only PPMs are 'Gets Forward Whenever Possible' and 'Knocks Ball Past Opponent'. However, I am considering teaching him the 'Cuts Inside' PPM.

Eds,

If he already cuts inside without the PPM, then personally I wouldn't train it. I have always found that playing the opposite foot on the opposite side (right foot left flank) means that they will attack open space more readily when it is presented to them. However if you train the PPM then they will attack that area whether there is a space or not.

Of course, if you want this, then go for it, but if he is already inteligent to attack it when it's there and clever enough to not try it when the option is not available, then you might be better off with it.

I think the PPM would be more useful on a left footed player on the left flank then a right footed one there.

Eds, this is a fantastic idea behind this. Read all through and it looked like I was watching through the same goal every time. Amazing how you can achieve it. When I get a player of some calibre, I will be tempted to try it out myself. I was jut wandering, what player instructions do you use on such a player, and do the PPMs tend to be more important than the attributes or are they equally weighted?

Looking forward to hearing your reply.

Was just thinking and I bet if you wanted to create this sort of position for a full back, making him learn "Avoids using weaker foot" might make him even ​more inclined to cut in from his position as he doesn't want to go down the line on his weaker foot.

Superb thread, have noticed Bacary Sagna getting into good advanced central positions for me in recent weeks, and it can create havoc with marking!

I am guessing that Royston Drenthe could be a possible candidate for this role, if you trained him as a full back on the right, I don't think he would be too far from it.

What is your opinion?

Eds, I really like this. It's innovative, and I'm really impressed with what you've been able to achieve. It looks like you need a certain class of player to get this to work, but that doesn't take away from this. Truly awesome work there my friend.

However (I find there's always a 'but' to any successful tactic), in the bottom two screenshots you posted, there is the potential for the opposition to counter with a 5v5 if possession is conceded cheaply, and also a 3v3 is the ball out from defence is a good one. I love the way M'Vila covers, but it still looks as though you're shorthanded at the back in those instances. Have you noticed any issues with this at all?

Interesting idea. I think I've been doing this accidently by playing a right footer at DL, he is often cutting inside and getting into good positions but due to the players I have available I play a right-footed IF at AML and a right footed winger at AMR. So I guess to really take advantage of this system I need to either switch my wingers or switch my full-backs and play a left-footer as DR.

My preference would be to find a left-footed DR, since I have about 4 right-footed wide attacking players and I don't want to replace them all with left-footers.

But left-footed DRs are rare, so perhaps I need to retrain a winger. Definitely a nice little project for me to find a suitable player for this role.

Excellent thread m8. Really like the idea, and will definately try to incorporate this in my long term plan in my new save. I'm looking to take a small club through the divisions and will therefore (hopefully) have to rebuild the squad almost every season. But if I ever make it to the big leagues and start to build a more permanent squad, I'll make sure to look for a "wrong-footed" wingback. Would make it more interesting, and I have a sneaky suspicion it could work really well with the long term setup I'm going for...

Cheers for the feedback guys.

Eds,

If he already cuts inside without the PPM, then personally I wouldn't train it. I have always found that playing the opposite foot on the opposite side (right foot left flank) means that they will attack open space more readily when it is presented to them. However if you train the PPM then they will attack that area whether there is a space or not.

Of course, if you want this, then go for it, but if he is already inteligent to attack it when it's there and clever enough to not try it when the option is not available, then you might be better off with it.

I think the PPM would be more useful on a left footed player on the left flank then a right footed one there.

A good point well made.

Eds, this is a fantastic idea behind this. Read all through and it looked like I was watching through the same goal every time. Amazing how you can achieve it. When I get a player of some calibre, I will be tempted to try it out myself. I was jut wandering, what player instructions do you use on such a player, and do the PPMs tend to be more important than the attributes or are they equally weighted?

Looking forward to hearing your reply.

I think both are important, and you can obviously teach a player PPMs. So I'd always choose a player with better attributes as you can generally train that play the PPMs you want anyway. However they're obviously both important.

Was just thinking and I bet if you wanted to create this sort of position for a full back, making him learn "Avoids using weaker foot" might make him even ​more inclined to cut in from his position as he doesn't want to go down the line on his weaker foot.

Another interesting point. Something I might try in the future.

I am guessing that Royston Drenthe could be a possible candidate for this role, if you trained him as a full back on the right, I don't think he would be too far from it.

What is your opinion?

I reckon he'd be excellent for it. However, do keep in mind that re-training to another position essentially 'wastes' CA points. His potential peak would be lower if you make him a right-back.

Eds, I really like this. It's innovative, and I'm really impressed with what you've been able to achieve. It looks like you need a certain class of player to get this to work, but that doesn't take away from this. Truly awesome work there my friend.

However (I find there's always a 'but' to any successful tactic), in the bottom two screenshots you posted, there is the potential for the opposition to counter with a 5v5 if possession is conceded cheaply, and also a 3v3 is the ball out from defence is a good one. I love the way M'Vila covers, but it still looks as though you're shorthanded at the back in those instances. Have you noticed any issues with this at all?

It's a good point. But it's not something I've personally struggled with. Mainly because I don't give the ball away cheaply, due to the extra passing options the DLP generally has. And if he doesn't have extra options then it means Dalmolin is at left-back anyway so there's no problem defensively.

I think there's even more likelihood of a threatening counter in the third screenshot from the bottom - perhaps poor decision making from Dalmolin but he receives the ball in an excellent area. If there was an interception it could easily have been a goal. Which is, of course, a worry. But I'd say in general it does mean we give away the ball less than usual.

The majority of the goals I concede these days are goalkeeper errors, set pieces or just poor defensive play.

Really nice thread. I would guess the wrong foot wingbacks would be much better suited to dealing with cut-in inside forwards too. Whilst there has been a distinguished list of right footed left backs over the years - from Denis Irwin to Candella to Phil Nev to Glen Johnson, I can't personally think of any left footed right backs. I am not sure how well Drenthe would adapt to right back. He doesn't have a very good personality, and he is already developed - so as Ed says - his attributes will probably drop (if you can convince him to do it in the first place). I remember when he was Euro U21 player of the tournament in 2007. Six years and 1 cap later he's playing for Alania...

Cheers for the feedback guys.

I reckon he'd be excellent for it. However, do keep in mind that re-training to another position essentially 'wastes' CA points. His potential peak would be lower if you make him a right-back.

How effective do you think a inverse wingback could play on the left if he was left footed then, i.e. Drenthe. Would that take away the beauty of it in your opinion and would he tend to cut inside less?

EdsFM, going to try this with Bayern Munich, notably Lahm at LB. However how is you formation set out, I can see at the moment you have the flat back four and a DMC, where are the other players positioned?

Great Read, really enjoyed it.

How effective do you think a inverse wingback could play on the left if he was left footed then, i.e. Drenthe. Would that take away the beauty of it in your opinion and would he tend to cut inside less?

I do think it would take away a large aspect from the role, considering you'd want Drenthe to be the 'wandering wingback' sort of Inverse Wing Back. I'm by no means an expert on the role, and I'd love to see how Drenthe does do in the role if you give it to him - but I don't think it'll work as well.

EdsFM, going to try this with Bayern Munich, notably Lahm at LB. However how is you formation set out, I can see at the moment you have the flat back four and a DMC, where are the other players positioned?

Great Read, really enjoyed it.

Cheers.

Lahm would be excellent at this, ftr.

My formation is a 4-1-1-3-1 of sorts, with an Anchor Man at LDM (on the left to cover my Inverse Wing Back who is at left-back) and a DLP at RCM. Honestly though, I reckon you could use any number of formations with this role, if you've got the right player for it. It's worked in a 4-4-2 for me in the past, as well as a 4-1-2-1-2, and I'll be trying it in a 3-man defense next season.

Yeah I thought it may be something like the formation your playing. Just had another idea, which would be to play Bale at RB. Good all round stats for an Inverse Wingback.

Yeah I thought it may be something like the formation your playing. Just had another idea, which would be to play Bale at RB. Good all round stats for an Inverse Wingback.

Yeah, I thought of Bale when I was making the role, considering he started out at left-back (albeit as a left-footed player). His runs from deep are easily his strongest asset, so he'd suit this role so well. If anyone ever tries it out with him at RB, I'd love to see the results.

EdsFM, would you mind uploading the tactic you are/were using, I have been trying it with PSG and Bale at RB but I can't seem to get it working.

Im Playing

---------DLF(S)----------

AP(A)-----AM(A)-----IF(A)

-------DLP(D)------------

----------------A(D)-----

FB(S)--CD(D)-CD(D)--WB(A)

It's probably because of the Inside Forward on the same side as the Inverse Winger. You want that to be a Winger - Attack, in order to give Bale more space to attack. Also, set Bale to "Cut Inside Often" and your RAM to "Hug Touchline".

I also use an Inside Forward on the other side to my Inverse Wing Back (my RAM, your LAM), with the CAM as an Advanced Playmaker.

Also, have patience, it took Dalmolin a while to learn the role.

How would Glen Johnson on the left do?

I imagine he'd do well.

How are your settings to a Inverse wingback? I understand that it depending on the whole tactical framework you use, but do you just gave an rb with strong left feet (of lb with strong left) the role of WB(A) and that is all? Or do you adjust the individual sliders? Or do you have some 'rules'? Like 'Let the player roam' or 'tick wide play and adjust 'Cuts inside''. Such thing?

Of is the basic just gave the R/L B just the role WB(A) en adapt the sliders to shape the role in your tactic and isn't there a guideline of thing to adjust?

And how do you mostly make a drifting defensive? Just give the other back a defensive dutie?

Some more info about this would be great.

Has anyone used this with a 4-1-2-2-1? Tempted to use as I play with a Winger (A) on one side, and an Inside Fwd (A) on the other and never quite sure what to do with the full-back behind the Winger, so this could be the solution.

However, would the DMC and 2 CMs clog up the space for the WB to run into?

Has anyone used this with a 4-1-2-2-1? Tempted to use as I play with a Winger (A) on one side, and an Inside Fwd (A) on the other and never quite sure what to do with the full-back behind the Winger, so this could be the solution.

However, would the DMC and 2 CMs clog up the space for the WB to run into?

Yes, I've been using an inverse before I even read this great thread. In my experience it depends how you set up your CM's. The DMC I wouldn't worry about, but If the CM on your Inverse WB's side is playing a very forward role, space might be an issue. Otherwise It works great. My Inverse WB has good proficiency at passing, so It's really like having another midfielder.

Oddly, my parallel WB on the other side, Jose Angel, does the same sort of thing without even asking him too. - Drives down the left and cut's inside, careering into the opposition box. A beautiful site to behold