Wing Back FM24 Role Guide

Summary

In this video, we explore the wing-back role in *Football Manager*, detailing its importance in creating width, attacking, and defending. The wing-back plays a key role in both offensive and defensive phases, making aggressive runs while maintaining defensive responsibilities. Tactical tips on using the wing-back effectively in various formations, such as a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, are discussed, along with the ideal supporting roles. The video also highlights real-world examples of elite wing-backs like Theo Hernandez and Achraf Hakimi, showing how top players excel in this demanding position. Viewers are encouraged to share feedback on their experiences and preferences for future content.

Takeaways

• 😀 The wing-back role provides width to your tactic and is key for creating attacking threats while remaining defensively solid.
• 😀 Wing-backs are highly aggressive in their forward runs and are excellent at starting counter-attacks by exploiting space.
• 😀 While wing-backs don't typically score goals, they often lead in assists due to their attacking positioning and crossing ability.
• 😀 Wing-backs can play in both a back four and a back three, but they require defensive cover due to their attacking nature.
• 😀 In a 433 formation, using a defensive midfielder (anchor man or halfback) can provide valuable protection to wing-backs.
• 😀 Using one wing-back in a back four with a full-back on support can create a balanced tactical setup, protecting against counter-attacks.
• 😀 Pairing a wing-back with an inside forward (on support) creates more space for attacking, as the inside forward cuts inside, leaving room for the wing-back.
• 😀 Avoid pairing a wing-back with a traditional winger on the same side, as both roles tend to overlap and leave your team exposed defensively.
• 😀 The wing-back's duties (defend, support, or attack) determine how aggressive they will be, with the attack duty being the most offensive.
• 😀 Elite wing-backs like Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) and Achraf Hakimi (PSG) excel in physical attributes such as pace and acceleration, alongside technical skills like crossing accuracy.
• 😀 Feedback from viewers about player examples is encouraged, with suggestions for including both top-tier and lower-league player examples for different tactical needs.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a wing back in Football Manager?

The primary role of a wing back is to play out wide on the defensive backline, creating width for the tactic. They are also an attacking threat, known for making forward runs and providing support in both offensive and defensive phases of the game.

How does a wing back contribute to a team's attack?

A wing back contributes to a team's attack by making aggressive forward runs, often isolating themselves from midfield congestion, and providing dangerous crosses into the penalty area. They are key in stretching the opposition's defense.

What defensive responsibilities do wing backs have?

Wing backs also have defensive responsibilities. They are part of the back line and contribute to defensive stability. They may be required to make tackles or track opposition wingers to help prevent attacks.

Do wing backs often score goals?

Wing backs do not typically score many goals, but they can occasionally do so, often from deep positions. However, their primary role is to provide assists and create opportunities rather than score regularly.

Why is the wing back role considered demanding in Football Manager?

The wing back role is demanding because players in this position are required to contribute both offensively and defensively. They must create width, make forward runs, track back to defend, and cover the entire length of the pitch, which can lead to fatigue.

What tactical considerations should be made when using wing backs in a formation?

When using wing backs, it's important to ensure there is defensive cover behind them. For example, a defensive midfielder like an anchor man or halfback can provide protection, allowing the wing back to be more adventurous in attack.

What formation does the author prefer when using wing backs?

The author prefers using one wing back in a back four setup, as having two wing backs can be too attacking and leave the team vulnerable to counter-attacks. They balance one attacking wing back with a more defensive fullback on the other side.

How should wing backs be paired with players in front of them?

Wing backs work well when paired with attacking players who cut inside, such as an inverted winger or inside forward. These players open up space for the wing back to make forward runs without clogging the wing.

What are the different duties that can be assigned to a wing back?

Wing backs can be assigned one of three duties: defend, support, or attack. On defend duty, they stay deeper and provide crosses from deeper positions. On support, they push forward but focus more on creating crosses. On attack, they make aggressive runs to the byline and send in dangerous crosses.

Which players are considered elite examples of wing backs?

Elite examples of wing backs include Theo Hernandez from AC Milan and Achraf Hakimi from PSG. Both players have exceptional physical attributes, like pace and acceleration, as well as strong technical abilities to deliver accurate crosses.