(UPDATE: SUMMER 2025) In our previous episode we took a look at the ‘Fullback’ role, identifying all of the qualities needed to find the best players within SMW that would be a right fit for the defensive role. Today, we’re taking a look at the role that has revolutionized how Football is being played within the modern game: The ‘Wingback’.
The ‘Wingback’ is a role played by anyone who has an attack first mentality since he will be absolutely crucial throughout your team’s in possession approach. The reason for their level of importance is due to their location on the field. As outside defenders, ‘Wingbacks’ tend to have a lot of open space to receive the ball due to the center of the field being usually congested. Because of this, Coaches and Managers have decided to focus a lot of their time and energy into developing players who can add an extra layer in attack from spaces where their team is normally under less pressure, hence the birth of the bombarding ‘Wingback’.
ATTACKING PHASE
‘Wingbacks’ are continuously thinking about one thing only: “Attack, attack attack! How can I impact the game offensively?” They are natural ball carriers, love to dribble and cross, and will always be available to overlap the wide player infront of them. UPDATE: It has come to my attention that there are now 3 distinct types of ‘Wingbacks’ that can be utilized within Soccermanager, and I will be publishing an entire blog on each in the coming months!
DEFENSIVE PHASE
Although this is generally not the strongest part of their game, they still have to perfrom their defensive responsibilites. So, everything that a ‘Fullback’ does is also required of a ‘Wingback’, albeit to a lesser extent. UPDATE: One of the three types of ‘Wingbacks’ is a ‘Defensive Wingback’ which challenges the consensus of ‘Wingbacks’ being bad defenders (sooo looking forward to publishing these blogs!!! 🙌)
POSITIONAL TRAITS
When playing 3,4,or 5 at the back formations, any action of placing the arrow to ‘attacking’ on the outside defenders automatically means that they are now being played as a ‘Wingback’ (UPDATE: The new ‘Wingback’ icon has two arrows going up and down indicating the tireless nature of the role). The only exception comes within some 3 at the back systems where a ‘Winger’ can be played in that position (more about this when we get to the ‘Winger’ role episode).
In order for a player to be able to play as a ‘Wingback’ he needs to be comfortable playing as a DM(R) or DM(L), with the M(R), M(L), AM(R), and AM(L) being attacking bonuses.
KEY ATTRIBUTES (From SM25 and beyond)
The important attributes to look for within a proper ‘Wingback’ are:
Positioning
Movement
Dribbling
Crossing
Control
Passing
Creativity
Stamina
Work Rate
Composure
BEST PLAYERS OF ROLE IN SOCCERMANAGER WORLDS
(UPDATE) This is just another reminder that I will be identifying the top 15 Wingbacks currently within SMW based on players as of Summer 2025. Player ratings have less to do with my decision since the major factor in question is each player’s capability to perform the respective role.
Achraf Hakimi 🇲🇦
Dani Carvajal 🇪🇸
Andy Robertson 🏴
Alfonso Davies 🍁
Reece James 🏴
Alex Grimaldo 🇪🇸
Luke Shaw 🏴
Nuno Mendes 🇵🇹
Theo Hernandez 🇫🇷
Marc Cucurella 🇪🇸
Trent Alexander Arnold 🏴
Alejandro Balde 🇪🇸
Denzel Dumfries 🇳🇱
Federico DiMarco 🇮🇹
Fernand Mendy 🇫🇷
That’s the end of the Outside defender roles, Soccermanagerites. Coming up next we’ll be looking at the lads who are at the ‘Centre’ of all your defensive success…. See you in the next one! ✌️
UPDATE: Remember to stay tuned for those 3 types of ‘Wingbacks’ blogs coming soon!!!
The Soccermanager Experience 