Playbook Part 3.3 – Roles & Archetypes: Full-Backs & Wing-Backs
Structure, Style, Strategy – the LiberoUno way
Progressive Back
This is the most conservative of the three archetypes, typically found in the full-back position. The Progressive Back is primarily focused on staying compact defensively while offering support to the midfield in attack. They are generally technical distributors and/or smart defenders, with good decision-making skills. They aren’t expected to surge forward too much, but when they do get the ball, they can play it calmly and efficiently to keep possession flowing.
- In-game Role: Inverted Wing-Back (Support)
- High profile examples include: Alexander-Arnold, Danilo & White
Attacking Back
This is your typical attacking full-back in a back four. Their role is to get up and down the flank, ensuring they’re solid defensively when needed, while also providing width and creativity in attack. They’re encouraged to get forward, cross the ball into the box, and stretch the opposition. This player plays a key part in the team’s offensive transitions and overall width.
- In-game Role: Wing-Back (Attack) or Full-Back (Attack) – will explain more in Part3.4
- High profile examples include: Carvalho, Hernandez & Robertson
Hybrid Winger
This role is used when I’m setting up with a back three. These players operate in the wing-back position, and because they have more support behind them, they’re granted more freedom to attack. While their defensive duties are still important, they’re given more responsibility in the final third, acting more like wide midfielders or attackers than traditional full-backs.
- In-game Role: Complete Wing-Back (Attack)
- High profile examples include: Grimaldo, Raum & Frimpong
IMPORTANT: When playing with a back four, I’m comfortable using either two Attacking Backs, two Progressive Backs, or a mix of both. The choice depends on the players I have at my disposal and will influence the configuration of the midfield ahead of them.
In a back three, I always opt for Hybrid Wingers, although I am planning to experiment with Bielsa’s and Van Gaal’s Ajax systems in the future, which may influence this setup.
Next Up…
That’s the breakdown for wing-backs and full-backs. In Part 3.4, I’ll be covering the next group in our squad: the deep midfielders.