Have you ever found yourself relying heavily on your wingers to provide that crucial width in your team's attack, only to find that they're being marked out of the game or struggling to deliver a decent cross? Well, fear not my friends, because I'm here to tell you that there's another option that may just change the way you play Football Manager forever.
Introducing wing backs - the unsung heroes of the beautiful game. While they may not get as much attention as their flashier, more attacking-minded counterparts, wing backs can be an absolute game-changer for any team. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what makes wing backs so special and how you can get the most out of them in FM23. So buckle up and get ready to embrace a whole new way of playing the game!
Wing Backs: The Swiss Army Knife of Football Tactics
Wing backs are a versatile and dynamic asset to any football team. Not only do they offer an attacking outlet, but they also provide defensive cover, making them a critical component of any successful team. Here are some of the key benefits of using wing backs in your tactics:
Attacking Capabilities
Wing backs offer an additional attacking threat to your team, providing width and overlapping runs to create more opportunities for goals. Their ability to get up and down the flank quickly allows them to whip in crosses, provide cut-backs, or even take a shot on goal themselves. This added attacking dimension can surprise and overwhelm the opposition defense, making it easier for your team to score.
Defensive Capabilities
Wing backs are not just an attacking option; they also help defensively by adding numbers to the backline. Their ability to drop back and defend ensures that the team is not left exposed in transition, making it easier to stop counter-attacks. Wing backs can also provide cover for the center-backs, making it more difficult for the opposition to penetrate the heart of the defence.
Versatility
Wing backs are versatile and can be used in various tactics, making them an excellent option for managers who like to switch things up. They can play as part of a back three or four, providing support both offensively and defensively. Additionally, they can be used in various formations and positions on the pitch, making them a valuable asset to any team.
Player Attributes to Look for in Wing Backs
When it comes to finding the right wing backs for your team, there are a few key player attributes to keep in mind. Here are some of the top attributes to look for:
Pace
Wing backs need to be fast, and not just in a straight line. They need to have the acceleration and agility to get past defenders, make overlapping runs, and track back quickly on defence.
Crossing
A good wing back needs to have excellent crossing skills. They should be able to deliver accurate crosses into the box from a variety of positions on the pitch, giving your team a better chance of scoring from crosses.
Tackling
Wing backs are often tasked with defending against some of the most skilled attackers on the opposing team. As such, they need to have strong tackling skills to win the ball back and prevent their opponents from scoring.
Stamina
Wing backs cover a lot of ground during a game, both on offense and defence. As such, they need to have high levels of stamina to maintain their performance levels throughout the match.
Work Rate
Finally, a good wing back needs to have a high work rate. They should be willing to track back on defence, make overlapping runs on offense, and do whatever it takes to help their team succeed.
How to Set Up Your Tactics to Use Wing Backs Effectively
If you're not using wing backs in your Football Manager tactics, you're not really living, are you? These little engines that could can be the difference between a championship-winning season and a mid-table mediocrity. But, it's not just as simple as slapping some wing backs on the pitch and hoping for the best. No, no, no. You need to set up your tactics in a way that makes the most of their attacking and defensive abilities.
Getting the Most Out of Your Other Players
Wing backs are only part of the puzzle. To really get the most out of them, you need to make sure that your other players are playing to their strengths as well. For example, if you have a pacey striker, you'll want to make sure that your wing backs are putting in crosses that are tailored to his strengths. If you have a midfielder who is great at picking out long passes, you'll want to make sure that he has plenty of options out wide.
Narrowing the Pitch
One of the key benefits of using wing backs is that they provide width to your attack. However, this can also be a double-edged sword. If your team is too spread out, it can be easy for the opposition to close down the space and cut off your passing lanes. To counter this, you can narrow the pitch slightly in your tactics. This will give your wing backs less ground to cover, and will make it easier for your team to maintain possession.
Using Central Midfielders
Wing backs are great for providing width, but they can also leave you vulnerable in the middle of the park. To counter this, it's a good idea to use central midfielders who are good at tackling and intercepting the ball. This will allow them to cover the gaps left by your wing backs, and will make it harder for the opposition to play through the middle.
So, there you have it. With a little bit of tactical know-how, you can turn your wing backs into unstoppable weapons of mass destruction. Just remember, it's not about having the best players, it's about using them in the right way.
Fly High with Wing Backs: Soar to Victory with Your Tactical Wings
Well, there you have it. Wing backs are the unsung heroes of Football Manager 2023, and they can help you achieve greatness on the pitch. From their attacking and defensive capabilities to their versatility, wing backs are an essential part of any successful team. So, if you want to take your game to the next level, be sure to consider incorporating wing backs into your tactics. And remember, as with all things in life, practice makes perfect. Good luck out there!
Looking for something else to read? Learn how to master the Sweeper Keeper role with this comprehensive guide!
