[THREAD] The Transformation and Importance of Fullbacks

Over the years, we have seen drastic improvements in every position across the pitch. Football has taken massive upgrades which includes the introduction of false nines, sweeper-keepers, ball-playing centre-backs, inverted wingers, etc. (1/n)

But one position has stood out the most, gaining qualities which even the best of managers did not expect. From being named "wide CBs" to becoming the most dynamic and versatile players on the pitch, a fullback's role has come a long way. (2/n)

- The Origins -

of an offensive fullback takes us back to the 1958 WC. The first glimpses of an attacking fullback were seen under Vicente Feola, as the then Brazil manager played a 4-2-4, with Nilton Santos and Djalma Santos deployed on either flank. (3/n)

It was a great success for Brazil, as they went on to win the 1958 WC. They were the most threatening fullbacks of the 20th century by some distance. Garrincha/Zagallo always teamed up with Vava in the box, which left huge spaces for them to exploit, and they wreaked havoc. (4/n)

It was a tactical revolution back in the day, the mastermind being Vicente Feola. He went on to coach Sao Paulo FC and Boca Juniors, quitting as Brazil manager right after winning the WC. (5/n)

In the latter years of the 20th century, it was R. Carlos and Cafu keeping up the legacy of their Brazilian legends. This fullback duo went on to win back to back WCs (1998, 2002) and spread terror across the globe with their startling technique, intensity and versatility. (6/n)

During the same years, English football started to witness the change. The understanding of the role was challenged, and it was in Arsene Wenger's first years at Arsenal, where we witnessed glances of an offensive fullback in the Premier League. (7/n)

Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon were the first XI fullbacks under George Graham, and when Arsene Wenger replaced Graham in 1996, taking over the helm, they did not see this coming. (8/n)

Unfortunately, Wenger could never execute his ideas about the 'attacking fullbacks' with Winterburn and Dixon. And soon, it was Ashley Cole, the boy who came through the ranks at Arsenal, working the magic for Wenger. (9/n)

Cole had every ingredient Arsene wanted in a fullback. He was one of the quickest players itl, brilliant crossing ability and the intensity to play 90 mins without breaking a sweat. Formed a robust partnership with Pires on the left flank, becoming an invincible at 23. (11/n)

Ashley Cole was the first proper overlapping fullback in a 4-4-2. During that time, Ferguson played a similar formation to that of Wenger, but the latter was the first manager to introduce the 'overlapping fullback' concept in England.
Arsene Wenger, he has done it again! (12/n)

Note: Cafu and Roberto Carlos often played in a 3-man defence, which provided them with more freedom to bomb up the pitch. They were basically wingbacks. Meanwhile, Cole played in a back four, similar to that of Nilton and Djalma Santos. (13/n)

Fullbacks in the 80s were defined as "players not strong enough to play CB, and not skilful enough to play winger"

Now, they have become the most versatile players in a team, doing the job of two positions. The demands for a fullback in the modern game are second is none. (14/n)

Since the commencement of the 21st century, managers like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp, have all followed the model of having fullbacks/wingbacks operating as inverted or overlapping fullbacks, and not just defenders who stay back with the CBs. (15/n)

Being an offensive fullback means you have to cover more ground while bombarding up and down the pitch, link up well with your forwards and midfielders while being more confident with the ball to try dribbles, through balls and crosses.

The changes are transparent. (16/n)

Dani Alves is undoubtedly the best fullback of the 21st century till now. The most decorated player in the history of the game, Dani Alves was key to Pep Guardiola's success at Barcelona.

390 apps: 100 assists, 21 goals for Barca
Those are numbers of a right back.. (17/n)

In the modern world, Pep Guardiola prizes his fullbacks more than anyone. He has made a fullback's role incredibly fluid with the invention of 'inverted fullbacks'.

Inverted fullbacks are basically fullbacks who provide the team with a numerical advantage in midfield. (18/n)

We're in 2020, and rn, Jurgen Klopp is the manager who relies on his fullbacks the most. Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold have shot to prominence in Klopp's 4-3-3, winning a UCL and a PL trophy (nearly) becoming the best fullback partnership itw. (19/n)

Conclusion:

It is an unpopular opinion, but a fullback is the most important player in a team. And with upcoming superstars in Achraf Hakimi, Alphonso Davies, TAA, Aaron Wan Bissaka, Renan Lodi, etc, football will evolve and we will witness better players in the future. (20/n)

2 cup of coffees have gone into this thread, so likes and RTs are appreciated!