Like every other sphere in life, the way modern football is played is witnessing constant changes and innovation, especially in tactics. One such tactical innovation is the emergence of the inverted fullback role. This role which is characterized by defensive prowess, attacking flair, and a knack for central positioning has changed how we play the beautiful game of football.
To better understand its impact, we will look at the evolution of the fullback role and understand why it’s becoming a mainstay in modern football tactics.
Understanding the Inverted Fullback Role
Before you can fully understand the inverted fullback role, it’s important to properly define who an inverted fullback is. So, who is an inverted fullback? An inverted fullback is a hybrid defender that moonlights as a midfielder and is tasked with the responsibilities of producing defensive cover and supporting the midfield players. Pep Guardiola has been hailed as the creator of the role.
This role requires the player to possess some distinct skills that would help them track opposition runs, and win the ball back. They are also required to be able to move into central positions in the pitch, allowing them to create spaces for their teammates. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joshua Kimmich, and Andy Robertson are some of the names who understand and play this role well.
Tactical Advantages of Inverted Fullbacks
The major reason the inverted fullback role is becoming mainstream in modern football is due to its tactical advantages. This has been exemplified by the dominance of teams like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, as well as Guardiola’s Barcelona and Manchester City.
The inverted fullback role also gives teams an attacking edge, especially on the counter. We see this when the fullbacks roam into the midfield and ensure that there are more bodies to help move the ball around. With this, teams can dominate the center of the field and ensure that they dictate the game’s tempo.
Another advantage of this system is that it allows the fullbacks to create space for the wingers and forwards. Once they meander their way into the middle of the park, they draw away opposition defenders with them. This move will allow pacey and skillful wingers to exploit that space and stretch the opposition defenses. Recently we have seen this with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, exemplified with how the Spanish manager uses Rico Lewis to cut into the midfield and allow any of his inverted wingers to wreak havoc.
Impact on Modern Playing Style
The inverted fullback role has significantly changed modern playing styles. It has allowed teams to win the ball quickly and effectively snuff out their opponents’ space. Now opposition managers are constantly having to find a way to play around teams who master this role, and most times they don’t tend to find answers as they may have to surrender by dancing to the tunes and tempo of such teams in and out of possession.
This tactical innovation has also brought about positionless play which has blurred the lines between the defense, midfield, and forwards. This is why you will often find Joshua Kimmich in an advanced position where he’s supporting attacks or creating scoring opportunities.
Inverted fullbacks are also great with adaptability, and this allows them to adjust easily into any formation. Whether it’s a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or 3-4-3, they are capable of providing tactical flexibility.
Conclusion
As football continues to evolve, we expect to see newer tactics and innovations just like with the fullback inverted role. Overall, this role has helped change the way modern football is played, thereby making it more dynamic and engaging.