By Martin Graham
This Premier League season has seen a noticeable change in the way teams use their attacking flanks. The number of conventional wingers starting games has dropped dramatically, with most teams opting for inverted wide men or deploying full-backs.
“Traditional” in this context refers to right-footed attackers who operate with their right foot or left-handed players who stay on the left side. Instead, the reversed ends cut from the opposite flank, just like Mohamed Salah in Liverpool or Bukayo Saka at Arsenal
Last year, at this stage of the campaign, the average number of traditional wide players starting each weekend was 11. That number is now down to just 4.4, a 60% reduction. While some of this decline is tactical, managerial changes and newly promoted clubs have also influenced the numbers.
Tactical trends and exceptions
Some sides continue to rely on a more orthodox position. Everton, for example, have started often Indian education — a right foot — to the right to allow Jack Grealish to occupy the left. Ndiaye had been used mainly on the opposite side the previous year.
Bournemouth have also occasionally lined up in a more traditional way. Andoni Iraola has selected with the left David Brooks left and right Antoine Semenyo on the right three times this season, although they are often swapped during games.
In the last round of league games, just three natural wide men lined up in their strongest side: Savino for Manchester City, Yankuba Minteh at Brighton, i Anthony Elanga in Newcastle. In the same set of games a year ago, that number stood at 10.
Giggs calls for a return to the old ways
Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has publicly expressed his desire to bring back the wide orthodox game. Speaking at a managers’ conference at Old Trafford, he argued that the modern game has become too controlled.
“I hope he comes back, left foot left, right foot right,” said the 51-year-old. He referenced stars such as Gareth Bale, Arjen Robben and Mohamed Salah, whose success on the opposite flank has shaped today’s tactical thinking.
Giggs recalled a time when teams relied on beating defenders on the outside to deliver crosses, often using two forwards or a number 10. He contrasted this with the current preference of players to cut inside and combine in central areas.
A different football culture
Reflecting on his own playing days, Giggs noted that managers encouraged creativity. “Sir Alex used to say, ‘Give the guy in the factory something to smile about’,” he said, describing how he liked to take risks, play forward passes and use the outside of his foot to surprise defenders.
He believes that while the current generation is technically gifted, their freedom has been curtailed by constant instructions from the touchline. Jack Grealish’s fit at Manchester City is often cited as an example: a player previously celebrated for his unpredictability, whose game became more structured under Pep Guardiola.
A game changer
Giggs admitted he is “a bit biased” as a former winger, but feels the sport has become more rigid, with teams relying on pre-set patterns and defensive structures. However, he still sees flashes of individuality in certain players, naming Josh King in Fulham and Martin Ødegaard as examples of those who still carry illusion.
For now, with touchline crosses less common and reversed wingers dominating tactical set-ups, it seems the traditional wide man is becoming a rare sight in the Premier League.
