The end of the defensive full-back?

“There’s no width” is a common criticism used by football fans as they incessantly moan at their team’s performance. But often they’re wrong, as players are getting wide – just not the players the fans are expecting to.

In the 90s particularly, when the 4-4-2 formation was seen as football gospel, the winger on each side of the pitch was instructed to stay wide, get to the byline and supply crosses into the penalty area for the strikers. The full-back on either side, stationed behind the winger, was seen primarily as a defender and part of a flat back four.

Nowadays, and largely down to a significant continental influence, a new breed of attacking full-back has spawned – the wing-back. Players in this role look to overlap (or underlap) their fellow midfielders, as they run at the opposing defence, taking any opportunity to cross the ball or shoot. This adds an extra attacking dimension to the team - names like Dani Alves and Philipp Lahm are suitable examples. Players such as Pablo Zabaleta, Ben Davies, Rafael, Leighton Baines, Jean Beausejour, Danny Rose and Nathaniel Clyne carry out the role for their respective clubs in the English Premier League.

Of course, a manager’s philosophy determines how adventurous the full-back can be. Stoke boss, Tony Pulis, relies heavily on defensive organisation and rigid shape – so his full-backs will very rarely venture over the halfway line. This is demonstrated by his insistence on playing strong tackling, pure defenders, in the position. Players like Andy Wilkinson and Geoff Cameron are accomplished ball-winners but aren’t comfortable in possession.

Player average position heatmap vs Everton  

On the contrary is Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irishman clearly values the attacking contribution from his full-backs. Regular starters in the position, Glen Johnson (one goal, five assists in PL) and Jose Enrique (two goals, six assists in PL) spend much of their time in the opposition’s half. This may seem an unnecessary risk at first glance, but when the team is in control of the ball they are crucially offering another option going forward. If the reds were to lose the ball, both full-backs’ athleticism should allow them to get back in position. If they fail to get back quickly enough, the two holding midfielders can cover the wide defensive positions.

The graphic on the right, of Liverpool players average position in last Sunday's derby against Everton portrays my point. Johnson (number 2) and Enrique (number 3) are both positioned relatively high up the pitch - connecting the defence and attack and creating a compact team shape.

So have we seen the last of the flat back four? Or will football traditionalists stick with their tried and tested 4-4-2?

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