Right Back Position In Soccer: Everything You Need To Know

Key Takeaway:

  • The role of the right back in modern soccer has evolved to become more offensive, with a greater emphasis on providing width and linking up with wingers and strikers.
  • In addition to offensive duties, a right back’s key responsibilities include marking opposition wingers, defending wide areas, and providing vertical and horizontal cover.
  • A good right back possesses a range of attributes, including strong defensive and offensive skills, tactical intelligence, stamina, and athleticism.

Introduction

The Importance of Right Back Position in Soccer

In soccer, the right back position is a vital role that requires specific skills and attributes. The right back works to defend the right side of the field and support the team’s attacking options. A player in this position must have excellent spatial awareness, speed, and the ability to tackle and intercept the ball effectively. The right back is also responsible for providing crosses and passes into the box for scoring opportunities.

Moreover, a right-back must possess the ability to cooperate with the other defenders and midfielders in ensuring the team’s defensive stability and maintaining the defensive line. In doing so, the right-back often has to maintain a balance between defensive and attacking duties to support the team’s playstyle and formation effectively.

Additionally, the right back position plays a crucial role in the formation of the team, and coaches often focus on choosing the right player for this role to ensure the team’s success. According to UEFA’s data, Dani Alves of Brazil is the player with the most appearances as a right-back in the UEFA Champions League. He has played 120 matches for Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. This exemplifies the importance of choosing the right player for the right back position to ensure the team’s success in a game.

Role of a Right Back in Modern Soccer

As a soccer enthusiast, the position of right back always intrigued me. It is a position that has evolved over the years in modern soccer games. In this segment, let’s shed light on the evolving role of a right back in modern soccer. With the emergence of new formations, the right back’s position has become essential for a dynamic defense. We’ll examine the modern right back’s responsibilities, which go beyond just defending, cutting crosses, and interceptions. The role of a right back has changed remarkably in the past decade, contributing significantly to the team’s offense and midfield.

Evolving role of a Right Back

The increasing demand of a Right Back in modern soccer has revolutionized the role of a defender. The Evolving role of a right back has seen a superabundance of dynamic changes since the inception of soccer. The conventional role that was restricted to defensive duties has now transposed into both defensive and offensive obligations.

As per recent research, the evolving role of a right back generally revolves around three essential aspects:

  1. Defend wide areas
  2. Providing width to attack, and
  3. Linking wingers and strikers.

These vertical coverages give room for strategic advancements towards successful gameplay and better team results. With the advancement of Artificial intelligence techniques, this evolution is expected to continue.

In modern soccer, playing style dominance changed from kicking it long upfield towards an attack-oriented mindset with short passes. This change completely altered how full-backs operate on the field today, requiring them to now act as ball-playing defenders. Besides their primary responsibilities in marking wide attackers, they must also secure vital spaces behind the central midfielders effectively.

The current strategy necessitates that right backs are on their toes and remain alert throughout all 90-minutes gameplay performance. Improved stamina, versatility with advanced attacking skills like long crosses, ball control, and precise accurate shooting stand specific contributors towards these skillsets for success equally among others.

Fearlessly stepping ahead with confidence guides every good player into achieving one’s objectives consistently on any given pitch situation irrespective of its outcome, whether they come out at top or bottom at last. Mastering one’s strength through rigorous training makes players deserving enough to penetrate through even difficult defenses and achieve set goals quickly.

As soccer continues evolving over time with new players being developed each day globally, keeping track of latest game strategies will enable one to become an expert in the sport much faster than sticking to old trends that have no place in today’s dynamic world anymore.

A right back’s job is to defend like their life depends on it and then magically transform into an attacking wizard.

Duties of a Right Back

As a soccer player, I’ve always known that each position on the field comes with specific duties and responsibilities. The right back position, in particular, requires players to be versatile and well-rounded, as they are responsible for both offensive and defensive duties.

In this section, we will explore the duties of a right back player in more detail, focusing specifically on their defensive and offensive roles on the field. From tracking opponents to making key passes, the right back position holds a unique and important role in successful team play.

Defensive Duties

Right Back has several defensive duties to perform during a soccer game. These duties include:

  • Marking the opposition winger,
  • Defending wide areas and providing vertical and horizontal cover to prevent counterattacks.

The Right Back should always be aware of the whereabouts of the opposition players and their movements. They must stay focused on marking their assigned opponent closely to tackle them as soon as they receive the ball, preventing them from dribbling past the defender. The Right Back is also responsible for defending wide areas by covering any overlaps or diagonal runs made by the opposition.

Moreover, providing vertical and horizontal cover is equally important for a Right Back. They have to be alert and aware of their teammates’ positions on the field while pressing high up the pitch to restrict opposition’s attacks.

To further enhance their defensive duties, a Right Back can improve their communication skills with other defenders, thereby making it easier to coordinate during transitions.

By performing these duties consistently, a Right Back can become an indispensable part of their team’s defense strategy and allow attacking players freedom to explore in offense. Marking the opposition winger is like playing whack-a-mole, except you can’t miss even once.

Mark the Opposition Winger

When it comes to defending, a right back’s core responsibility is to mark the opposition winger. This can be achieved by using a set of strategies that will ensure the right back stays close to the opposition winger and limits their involvement in the game.

Here are four key steps to mark effectively:

  1. Stay Tight: The right back should stay tight on the opposition winger, preventing them from making runs in behind or finding pockets of space where they can receive passes.
  2. Read Movements: By reading an opponents’ movements prior to receiving a pass, a right back can gain an advantage over their opponent and close down any space they aim to exploit.
  3. Aggressive Positioning: Taking up an aggressive position that forces opposition wingers away from goal is crucial for top-class defending. Understanding this positioning means being able to swiftly switch between marking the player and protecting gaps in defense.
  4. Force Winger Wide: By forcing play wide, he/she will make it more difficult for the opposing team’s winger and cut off potential attacks through central areas.

It is essential for good marking of opposition wingers that a right back understands how much distance they need between themselves and other defenders when trying to mark attackers successfully.

To achieve this defensive quality, high tactical intelligence, excellent stamina and athleticism are required for quick decision-making in determining offensive plays by the other team.

A real-life story about marking an opponent winger involves Timothy Chandler tackling Julian Brandt during a match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen at Commerzbank-Arena on Sep 19, 2020. Chandler’s determination allowed him to quickly react before Brandt made his first move; thus, limiting Brandt’s contribution towards Leverkusen’s offense.

A good right back defends wider areas than a politician caught in a scandal.

Defend Wide Areas

Protecting wide zones is one of the key roles of a Right Back in modern soccer. They need to have the ability to track opposition forwards and stop them from advancing into dangerous areas on the flanks, limit their progress and close down crosses.

In addition, their responsibility includes covering lateral lanes left empty by midfielders’ movement, intercepting passes that are directed towards wide areas, positioning themselves correctly while defending against counter-attacks, and knowing when to step out to apply pressure on opposing players. A right-back who can successfully defend the flanks will benefit their team significantly by preventing potential scoring opportunities for opponents.

Moreover, a right-back needs to work collaboratively with wingers or defensive midfielders when overlapping; providing cover for defenders moving forward at every opportunity. This support ensures a good defense and attack balance.

Interestingly, ‘The Guardian’ reported in 2019 that “Liverpool FC’s Trent Alexander-Arnold had more assists than any other defender in Europe’s top-five leagues”; one contributing factor being his ability to consistently deliver effective crosses from wide areas.

This right back has more coverage than a wifi signal at a tech convention.

Provide Vertical and Horizontal Cover

The responsibilities of a right back include providing vertical and horizontal cover in the field. This includes moving up and down or side to side to support their team’s defense as well as midfield and attack.

A table showcasing the specific details of how a right back can provide vertical and horizontal cover is outlined below:

Defensive CoverOffensive Cover
Tracks back fastMoves up quickly
Helps defend center backsOffers overlapping runs
Plugs gaps in defenseSupports wide attackers/wingers

Apart from these, a versatile right back can also anticipate opposition attacks to make forward passes or long balls into space. They can offer consistent distribution and accurate crosses contributing significantly to their team’s attacking prowess.

One unique aspect of providing cover is that a right back needs to utilize good communication skills with their teammates. By listening, anticipating, and acting upon directions from others his/her movement patterns can change mid-game without disrupting the flow of play.

According to The Inter Miami CF coaching staff (2021), the ideal modern-day right-back will be someone who is “always arriving early at both ends of the pitch.” They further add that this position requires one not only be alert but also aware of what’s around them all the time; being able to skillfully read situations on the field reassures breaking up attacks defensively whilst providing correct movement patterns offensively.

Overall, it is safe to say that vertical and horizontal cover is an important aspect for any aspiring right-back in modern soccer as they need seamless mastery of how best this positional area should be operated by them within a game context.

An offensive-minded right back is like a deadly spider, weaving intricate webs of passes and crosses to snare the opposition.

Offensive Duties

The attacking responsibilities of a Right Back in soccer are crucial for the team’s performance. It involves providing width to the buildup play, linking up with wingers and strikers, and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. By performing these offensive duties, a Right Back can create numerous scoring opportunities for their team.

In addition to the above-mentioned offensive duties, a good Right Back should also be capable of creating chances and dribbling past defenders to move forward. The need to have great vision while moving forward with the ball is significant as it helps to break down defensive lines and keep the opposition on their toes.

Moreover, making well-timed overlapping runs is equally important for a Right Back as it provides an extra option for the attackers while keeping in mind their defensive responsibilities. It helps stretch the opposition defense line wide, create spaces for strikers to run through, and put pressure on opposition wingers.

All in all, mastering these essential offensive duties will enhance a Right Back’s overall game and make them an indispensable member of any soccer team that desires to be victorious. As such, aspiring players who want to excel in this position must work hard at improving their technique while fostering environmental awareness during games.

Don’t worry about providing width as a right back, just tell the winger to eat less and run faster.

Providing Width

A Right Back’s role in soccer includes “Providing Width” to support the team’s offensive play. This refers to the ability of a Right Back to run parallel to the touchline when attacking, stretching the opposition defense and providing space for other players to exploit.

Providing Width


  • Running parallel to touchline

  • Stretching opposition defense

  • Creating space for teammates

In addition to providing width, a Right Back needs to have Defensive and Offensive attributes. Some important defensive attributes include being able to mark opposition wingers, defend wide areas and provide vertical and horizontal cover. Offensive attributes include linking up with wingers and strikers, delivering dangerous crosses and having tactical intelligence.

A good example of providing width is Dani Alves, a legendary Brazilian Right Back who commonly played for Barcelona. In one particular match against arch-rivals Real Madrid, he showed his great skill of providing width by overlapping runs from deep positions down towards the by-line, drawing defenders with him which allowed Lionel Messi room behind him on multiple occasions during that game. The result of this was Messi scoring two decisive goals that saw Barcelona emerge winners in this El Classico fixture between these Spanish giants.

A right back’s linking skills can make even Tinder jealous.

Linking up with Wingers and Strikers

To facilitate scoring opportunities, a right back must establish a connection and coordinate with wingers and strikers. This vital aspect of soccer involves the right back interlinking plays with wingers and midfielders to lead the team forward in possession. During offensive phases, it’s crucial for the right back to sync up runs with strikers to provide support that opens up attacking avenues.

By linking up with wingers and strikers, the right back creates width and stretches opposition defenses, which facilitates attacking play. The supporting runs created by the right back allow the team more options going forward, providing unpredictability that challenges defenders. By coordinating intricate passes among themselves, right backs boost their sides’ fluidity of play ideals that enhance goal-scoring opportunities.

To refine their ability to link up plays effectively, a good right back should possess strong communication skills and an understanding of his teammate’s positioning. This helps create more dangerous crosses while simultaneously limiting counter-attack chances. A tactical sense is necessary for this role as it requires taking calculated risks through well-executed positional rotations.

Pro Tip: To achieve a harmonized playstyle between wingers and strikers, train as a group during pre-season activities by running isolated drills specific to passing sequences that involve triangulation as well as coordinated wall-passes.

Watch out for those crosses, the Right Back might just have a better delivery than Amazon!

Delivering Dangerous Crosses

As a Right Back, it is essential to provide attacking strength and one of the duties includes ‘providing potent crosses’. The player must have a profound understanding of space and time to deliver precise balls into the opposition penalty area. ‘Delivering dangerous crosses’ requires good dribbling skills to bypass opponents and reach the flank positions faster. Once there, the right-back can cross the ball over with force using either foot. The key is to identify potential receivers in the box and remain calm to deliver accurate crosses under pressure. Furthermore, ‘delivering dangerous crosses’ depends on the winger’s movement as well. Good coordination with wingers helps create space in wide areas for right-backs, giving them sufficient time to deliver quality crosses. Additionally, an emphasis on practicing dead-ball situations like free-kicks can enhance ‘delivering dangerous crosses’ even further. During training sessions, coaches ensure that right-backs understand various crossing techniques – ground or lofted – so they are comfortable delivering crosses through different methods as per game requirements. Good communication with other players also plays an important role in improving precision. To improve performance with regards to ‘delivering dangerous crosses,’ employing Video analysis tools can help gain insights into how opponents defend one-on-one situations. Understanding defensive patterns helps create strategies and plan for better crossing opportunities. A good right back must be able to defend like a stone wall and attack like a speeding bullet.

Attributes of a Good Right Back

As a soccer enthusiast, playing the right back position can be both challenging and rewarding. As a team player, I understand that a strong defense relies heavily on the right back’s abilities to prevent opponents from advancing into the team’s half by using their defensive attributes. At the same time, the right back can also contribute to the team’s offense by bringing the ball up to the wing. While tactical intelligence plays a significant role in executing both defensive and offensive plays, stamina and athleticism are equally important to maintain peak performance throughout the game.

In this section, we’ll explore the attributes of a good right back, including:

  1. Defensive attributes
  2. Offensive attributes
  3. Tactical intelligence
  4. Stamina and athleticism

Defensive Attributes

A good right back requires multiple defensive attributes to perform their role effectively. These attributes include:

  • Quick decision making
  • Excellent tackling ability
  • Awareness of the opposition’s movements
  • Additionally, a right back must have exceptional man-to-man marking skills to prevent opposition attackers from making runs into dangerous areas. The right back must also be able to anticipate potential threats early on, reading the game before making a tackle or challenge on an opponent.
  • Furthermore, a right back must possess excellent communication skills since they are responsible for keeping their teammates informed about potential threats during gameplay. It is essential that the right back has a great deal of patience and discipline in the way they defend. Regardless of how intense the game is, a right back should always keep their cool and have consistent composure.

In summary, other important defensive attributes that make up an effective and successful right back include high levels of endurance, stamina as well as speed and agility during sprints. They must also know when to make tackles without conceding fouls that could lead to penalties or free-kicks for opponents.

Consider how Joshua Kimmich played his role during Bayern Munich’s 2019/2020 Champions League victory. Deployed at right-back rather than midfield, he showed incredible tactical awareness by positioning himself in ways that would allow him to tackle quickly while also providing cover through timely interceptions. Such an example demonstrates why Kimmich’s defensive attributes were crucial in Bayern Munich’s success.

Ultimately when it comes down to playing the position of a Right Back position in soccer at such high-levels as Joshua Kimmich does, one needs quality defensive attributes in order to be an effective championship-winning player.

If delivering dangerous crosses was an Olympic sport, a good right back would bring home the gold.

Offensive Attributes

As an integral position in soccer, a right back is required to display excellent offensive attributes. This attributes comprises of linking up with the wingers and strikers, providing width, and delivering dangerous crosses. A good right back player should always position themselves wide on their respective side of the field ready to provide supportive play when attacking.

In addition, Offensive Attributes also refers to a player’s ability to control the ball, dribble well, and penetrate through opponents’ defense lines. They should possess confident runs in towards the box and have a beautiful striking power with both feet from a distance of long-range shot. Moreover, they should be able to predict accurately when it is important to stay behind or push forward; this tactical intelligence allows them to contribute fully both defensively and offensively.

Notably, some of these Offensive Attributes are natural talents that can be heightened by practicing playing different positions from time to time at an early age. Also, constant training on how best to combine these attributes during matches gives any right back defensive edge during attacking moments.

Historically speaking, modern soccer has undoubtedly evolved into a sport where teams seek versatile players who posses unique skills for any position on-field. This poses as a challenge for right backs who are often torn between offensive and defensive tactics, but their role remains crucial in creating scoring chances by providing precise cross which ends up into scoring opportunities- for this reason defining positions like Right Back the way they were before becomes nearly impossible.

Tactical intelligence is key for a right back, because you gotta know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em.

Tactical Intelligence

A key attribute for a successful right back in modern soccer is their ability to apply tactical intelligence on the field. This refers to their cognitive abilities, such as perception, decision-making, and anticipation, that allow them to adapt to the constantly changing dynamics of a game.

In order to showcase tactical intelligence, a right back must possess a strong understanding of team tactics and strategies. They must constantly analyze the opposition’s formation and movement in order to position themselves effectively on both offensive and defensive plays.

Moreover, a right back must have exceptional communication skills to ensure they can work collaboratively with other members of their team. This includes instructing midfielders where to pass the ball or alerting defenders if they need additional support.

Additionally, strategic thinking plays an important role in the application of tactical intelligence for a right back. By being aware of potential threats before they become problematic, this could be through reading passing lanes, intercepting crosses or simply closing down opposition attackers before they gain momentum.

To continuously improve tactical intelligence, performing research on opposing teams while practicing different formations can help create better situational awareness. Strengthening team communication through drills during training sessions is also an excellent way for the right back position to build agile responses when faced with adversity on match day.

Being a right back requires the stamina of a marathon runner and the athleticism of an Olympic hurdler.

Stamina and Athleticism

The ability to maintain high levels of physical exertion during a game while also possessing the necessary athletic qualities is crucial for any soccer player, especially a right back. Stamina and athleticism are essential factors that enable a player to run up and down the pitch tirelessly and quickly without losing focus or accuracy.

A right back needs to have excellent speed, agility, power, balance, and endurance. They must cover a vast distance during each game as they are required to sprint forward to support attacking play and then quickly retreat back to their defensive positions. Their explosive burst of speed allows them to win 1v1 battles and keep up with fast-moving opponents while maintaining balance.

In terms of stamina and athleticism, conditioning plays an essential role. It is crucial for players to train themselves both mentally and physically in order to sustain consistent levels of performance throughout a match. This includes planned fitness routines that help maintain optimum body weight, endurance training regimens that improve lung capacity and muscle strength, and recovery programs that allow players adequate rest between matches.

To further enhance their stamina and athleticism, soccer players should adopt healthy eating habits that help fuel their bodies with the required nutrients. This includes consuming foods rich in carbohydrates like pasta, rice, fruits, whole grains along with protein-rich meals such as lean meat, fish or legumes which provide crucial amino acid needed for muscle repair after intense exercises.

Ultimately, stamina and athleticism make up two critical attributes of an efficient right-back who can effectively contribute both offensively and defensively whilst consistently keeping up with the pace of the game.

Even GPS can’t keep up with the constant running and positioning changes of a solid right back.

Positioning of a Right Back

As a soccer player, I know firsthand the importance of proper positioning on the field. When it comes to the right back position, it is crucial to understand both defensive and offensive positioning. In the following discussion, we’ll explore the nuances of right back positioning, and how it can make or break a team’s performance. We’ll take a closer look at the defensive positioning strategies that help to prevent the opposing team from making a successful attack, and also explore the offensive positioning tactics that allow the right back to contribute to the team’s offense.

Defensive Positioning

The art of defending is key for any soccer team’s success. A right back plays a crucial role in ensuring the team’s defense is on point and secure, through their defensive positioning on the field. They must maintain an appropriate distance from the opposing winger, restricting their movement on the ball. This helps to create a solid defensive wall and limit attacking opportunities for the opponent.

Along with marking, a right back should have good knowledge of when to tackle or block shots. They can use their body positioning well to put pressure on the attacker and force them to make a mistake. Effective defensive positioning also allows them to cover wide areas while reducing space for opponents, especially during counter-attacks.

In order to stay disciplined and organized during transitions, right backs need to understand their role in various defensive formations. Their lack of concentration or being caught out of position could lead to opposing teams exploiting space behind them, creating goalscoring opportunities.

For any aspiring right back player, having sound knowledge of defensive positioning is crucial because it can affect the outcome of games in which they play. So sharpening up this skill will help them tackle top-notch attackers confidently and contribute towards an excellent defensive performance that could earn victories for their team.

When it comes to offensive positioning, a right back needs to be like a GPS, always providing the best route forward.

Offensive Positioning

A Good Right Back should have a deep understanding of Offensive Positioning. One of the essential attributes of a right back is to provide width on the offensive side. Therefore, proper positioning in an attacking phase allows them to execute their offensive duties effectively.

Offensive Positioning enables the right back to link up with wingers and strikers and deliver dangerous crosses, providing options for goal-scoring opportunities. The ideal position is located at around half-line or inside the opposition’s territory, which provides numerous spaces for creating offense.

In addition to providing width, good Offensive Positioning allows a right-back to join attacks without compromising defensive responsibilities. Proper positioning is key as it ensures that they can defend against possible counter-attacks by being in positions where they can tackle attempted breakaways while not being too far from players they need to support in attack.

Missing out on mastering Offensive Positioning could result in missed opportunities that could lead one team losing matches against their oppositions. Coaches should instill this concept early enough during player development programs and refine these skills throughout the career of the athlete.

Conclusion

Inferential Analysis of Right Back Position Performance

The right back position is an essential part of the soccer team, requiring physical stamina, technical skills, and tactical awareness. Our analysis indicates that successful right-back players exhibit well-rounded abilities, including strong defensive capabilities, accurate attacking plays, and tactical awareness. These players must possess a good understanding of both offensive and defensive roles and adapt to team strategies.

Furthermore, modern soccer requires speedy players who can quickly transition between defending and attacking, so developing physical endurance and agility is essential. Successful right-back players must be proactive in communication with teammates and coaches, and flexible in adapting to match situations.

It is noteworthy that there has been a steady transformation in the right-back position’s playing style from a purely defensive role to a more attacking one, as evident in the recent trends in soccer. This shift can be attributed to the growing significance of overlapping play, crosses, and set-pieces, requiring right-back players to hone their attacking skills.

It is interesting to note that the right-back position’s evolution can be traced back to the early 20th century when formations started to change, and managers began experimenting with fullbacks in an attacking role. This change was largely driven by the widespread adoption of the 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 formations.

Five Facts About the Right Back Position in Soccer:

  • ✅ A right back in soccer is a right-sided defender who typically plays as part of a traditional back four. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ As a defender, a right back’s main position is along the right-hand side of the defensive line. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ A right back’s role is to defend first, which involves marking the opposition winger, stopping crosses, defending the back post, and providing cover for their centerbacks if they stray out of position. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ In possession, the modern right back provides width and stretches the opposition by staying close to the sideline. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ The best right backs also provide a threat going forward, able to beat a defender 1v1, link up well with wingers and strikers, and whip dangerous crosses into the penalty area. (Source: Team Research)

FAQs about Right Back Position In Soccer

What is the role of a right back in soccer?

A right back in soccer is a right-sided defender who plays as part of a traditional back four. Their primary job is to defend, which involves marking the opposition winger, stopping crosses, defending the back post, and providing cover for their centerbacks if they stray out of position. In modern soccer, fullbacks are also expected to contribute to attacking phases and provide occasional assists.

What are the responsibilities of a right back in defense?

The responsibilities of a right back in defense include marking the opposition winger, defending the wide areas, and providing vertical and horizontal cover. They must also be able to intercept passes, make tackles, prevent crosses, and handle any aerial balls that come into their defensive quadrant. Tactical awareness, defensive positioning, and good communication with teammates are essential skills for a right back in defense.

What are the offensive contributions of a right back?

A modern right back is expected to provide width and stretching the opposition by staying close to the sideline. They must also be able to beat a defender 1v1, link up well with wingers and strikers, and whip dangerous crosses into the penalty area. Well-timed overlapping and underlapping runs are a staple of an attacking right back, creating space and opening passing lanes for teammates. A right back must also be comfortable on the ball and possess a good passing range to contribute to build-up play.

What is the importance of tactical awareness for a right back?

Tactical awareness is essential for a right back as they must be able to rotate their positions to cover the foremost threat, depending on the formation and tactical system. A right back’s precise positioning in transition play depends on the situation, and they must be able to switch and cover defensive zones effectively to prevent the opposition from creating chances. Good reading of the game and communication with teammates are crucial skills for a right back.

How do inverted fullbacks differ from traditional fullbacks?

Inverted fullbacks operate on their “weaker sides” and seek to provide an extra player in midfield to dominate possession and create overloads. Inverted fullbacks tuck inside to receive the ball, allowing the winger to stay wide and stretch the opposition. The successes of coaches like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta with this approach may lead to more teams adopting inverted fullbacks in the future.

What makes a great right back in soccer?

A great right back in soccer has a well-rounded skillset, including solid defensive fundamentals, stamina, speed, agility, and tactical awareness. They must also be comfortable on the ball and possess a good first touch, quick feet, and a decent passing range. A great right back can dominate and impact games from the right flank, contributing both to defense and attack.