What is the Inverted Winger and Why They Are so Dominant | Inverted Winger Tactics Explained

⚽️ Download the OneFootball app ►tinyurl.com/yz2h6fzg
The Inverted Winger (or Inside Forward) has been the completely dominant type of Winger over the past decade. From Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, some of the greatest football players of all time can be considered as inverted wingers. While traditional wingers looked to stretch the defence and stay wide, the inverted winger will look to attack more centrally and free up space for the fullback, while also adding numbers in the box and threatening the defence with dangerous runs on the edge of the box. Also reffered to as an inside forward, they are usually very technically gifted players, able to link up with their teammates and provide pin point crosses into the striker.
In today's video we take an in depth look at the main advantages of the inverted winger, and why they have been completely dominant for the past 15 years.
If you enjoyed this video please leave a like & subscribe for more!
PATREON: / footballmeta
__________________________________________________________________________________
INSTAGRAM: / thefootballmeta
MUSIC: / cram_sounds
TWITTER: / footballmeta1
__________________________________________________________________________________
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:38 Main Principles
01:37 Origin & Famous Players
02:48 Advantage #1: Half Space
03:18 Advantage #2: Type of Delivery
04:36 Advantage #3: Fullback Partnership
06:19 Advantage #4: Link-Up Play
07:32 Outro

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks again for all the comments, you guys are awesome 🙌🏻 a lot of people are asking what are the main differences between an inverted winger and an inside forward, and from what I could tell while researching this video, there really isn't much difference. The main thing I could tell is that an inside forward may look to cut inside a lot more often even without the ball. An example could be Ronaldo, who is always a threat in the box if the team is moving down the opposite flank. While an inverted winger will usually tend to stay wider and cut inside if he has the ball. However if the team is moving down the opposite flank, he would usually tend to stay wider and stretch the defence. Messi is arguably more of an inverted winger, cause not much point going for a header.. he's only like 4ft tall

[@jufref]

So are short prople usually inverted wingers?

[@jufref]

@MISSi - The Loser but i 8-2 say that yeah I was joking there

[@mukwembampande4847]

Inverted winger

[@fishyfish6510]

Inverted wingers need a proper fullback partner. In 2019-20, Barca had a tactical problem because Messi always inverted leaving the wide region empty because Semedo was so poor. Bayern frequently attacked through this region and ripped them apart

[@GM-kj7sy]

tell me about it.........it just irritates me so much........Barca knew they didnt have a proper replacement for Dani Alves and yet they let him go just to play Roberto and Semedo over there.Had Barca atleast used a back three,we could have been defensively better but well,it never happened

[@fishyfish6510]

@@GM-kj7sy I keep thinking what if Chelsea board had the same money from Neymar transfer and with the fame of Barcelona and Messi, what a squad they could have made.

[@wallahhabibiiii]

@@fishyfish6510 they did make a squad worth 200 mill or sumn regardless and won the ucl, didnt they?

[@jotarokujo9587]

@@fishyfish6510 they lack Barca’s fame and Messi is now at PSG, but they’ve spent a lot now and are still not winning. This comment aged well

[@tidilie821]

​@@fishyfish6510 you just spent 400m bro

[@albexz0769]

This is such a underrated channel, quality content

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man 🙌🏻

[@MandaliKaCircles]

Agree. When I stumbled upon this channel, I already taken a liking on it.

[@billytcat]

Yeah, this channel is fantastic.

[@oyefunmilayoolamide5456]

Honestly! I wish I could subscribe a million times

[@abaniahmadbani]

I don't know why am I enjoying this kind of content. I'm not a professional football person whatsoever. I think it's because your delivery is straightforwardly educating without any unnecessary chit chat. In case of that, I hope you consistent doing this, and become a successful football KZbinr.

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man appreciate it 🙌🏻

[@zonkbeast]

Enjoyed this! Also worth noting that inverted wingers are a great way to showcase your GCSE maths skills: cutting inside diagonally makes a right-angle triangle with the touchline and byline and is therefore the hypotenuse - and the longest line. Cutting inside mathematically creates space for the dribbler

[@dannyblue5555]

U make a great point.

[@JesusQuintero-lc8nq]

i'm trying to comprehend

[@aifsvk]

I started watching football as a kid in 1990 but I have a feeling that only after watching all your videos I finally know what to look for in a football game. Thanks!

[@SW-kr9fl]

Me too. Always thought this kind of thing was just natural for players but it can all be coached

[@thatafrican6032]

Great video, really analyzed all there is to the position

[@PedroRamos-gw1pw]

Came across this gem of a channel recently. Keep it up👍

[@canonfodder808]

Great video and explanation, thanks. Would like information that shows the disadvantages to the inverted winger, also how to defend against them. Thanks again 👍

[@andrenewell9483]

This one video made me a subscriber. Very good explanation.

[@NathanAmugo]

This is the most informative I’ve seen for wingers like myself so far

[@hana.halawa]

Brilliant video - love your channel

[@basec1378]

The fact you only have 27k subs blows my mind. These videos are 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@maxouph212]

Very underrated channel. What's the differences between inverted winger and inside foward? They pretty look the same because they begin wider and cut inside and combine often with the fullback...

[@FootballMeta]

From What I picked up while researching this video - there's not much difference between the two. The only thing I noticed was that an Inside Forward will play more centrally a lot more often and will get in the box for crosses.

[@devinfranklin4428]

Best tactics channel on KZbin 🔥

[@MrKarmaface]

Pulisic and Mount in Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 are my favorites right now with lefty foot Alonso and Reese James on the flanks.

[@user-df1gx9ze2v]

Pulisic is not a starter in chelsea

[@MrKarmaface]

@@user-df1gx9ze2v Pulisic has COVID and was just called into World Cup Qualifying, but he and Mount are interchangeable on the left side, same with Havertz and Ziyech on the right 🙄

[@stepehenmbewe449]

best analysis channel i have seen

[@adn17]

Great educational video. Thank you !

[@HufflepuffDaddy]

Great explanation! Thanks! I've always known of the concept of inverted wingers but would encounter "newbies" that never heard of the term. Now, this will bake your noodle -- imagine using 2-footed (rare) players in those positions

[@asiksekh3633]

Best Channel to learn football better!

[@GOATharva]

Thanks , Was Very Useful. You're Just Underrated Bruh... Btw Can You Make Analysis of Players?

[@jasonsaleem552]

Thank you!

[@sportstalkbyaakash6297]

Your contents are top bro♥️

[@rickynetogoat5769]

My favorite player that is really rare is the target winger like when Mandzukic played with Juventus. Often times he'd use his size advantage and win those Ariel duels against small fullbacks and it was so pleasing to watch!!! Such an underated role

[@raynwani137]

Love you bro!!!

[@thomasma7054]

Great video as always man👏👏👏

[@mukitamin3061]

great quality content

[@lucasvinicius-xo1ko]

Man you deserve at least a million subscribers

[@thembaswana2491]

These are good educational videos so keep ok the good work and I have no doubt this will grow as long as you keep going and a lot of foot ball fans need to learn

[@essor7981]

Excellent Video mate👍

[@super_organist]

This guys is fantastic but there aren't many people here yet.Maybe many are yet to discover him

[@stephenjacksonjr9924]

Please can you do a video showing how an attacking midfielder moves. Thank you

[@sampurinton825]

I wonder how much the rise of the inverted winger is due to the fall of the traditional no #9. If there were more Zlatans in soccer today, it would make more sense to keep the winger out wide.

[@JamboGee92]

A traditional number 9 can work with inverted wingers. Barca played like this when they had MNS.

[@hashimkimwaga1864]

Inverted wingers flourish when there are wingbacks to overlap and create an overload on the defence

[@nikko368]

No insulting comments champ keep up 🇰🇪

[@fardeensiddiki7957]

Are there any videos about attacking the half spaces?

[@farhanurmiah2635]

As usual, great video .

[@onahdavid6673]

Wonderful video I will also like to know the difference between the inverted winger and the inside forward

[@ashwinramesh9837]

Make a tactical analysis on tiki taka false 9 barca bro Love ur content ☺️

[@mickenchicken5922]

Yes this would be so great

[@Vladimir-io1oi]

Do a video about inside forwards

[@sakuragi_hanamichi3263]

What is the relationship with the mezela since both ocuipy the same space? Does this mean you can't use both st the same time and will have to use midfielders in another way if so what is that? Also what are the defensive duties of inverted wingers?

[@favourchima_]

Pep makes use of Mahrez and De bruyne and it works well with the amf often doing most of the recoveries.

[@duaneswaby622]

Great vid! Think this analysis is spot on. One big reason why Arteta's 4231 is failing is poor use of the inverted wingers, IMO. They tend to hug the touchline instead of occupying the half space. Not only does it make the job for the fullbacks easier, it isolates the striker against 2 or 3 CBs. Combined with slow ball movement it's no wonder we struggle to generate chances!

[@juang8360]

Robben

[@TheGamingAlong]

Good video. But I have one question, what's the difference between inside foward and inverted winger?

[@vedantmahajan558]

If playing with a front 2 then inside forward drops deep and links midfield to attack. But an inverted winger may have so defensive responsibility as tracking the opposition fullbacks in their own half

[@MrHuph-vu2wc]

No real difference nowadays. But when the 2-3-5 formation was popular back in the day, the front 5 would consist of a centre forward, two outside forwards, and then two inside forwards who would be between the outside forwards and centre forward. You wouldn't call them inverted wingers because there are already wingers (outside forwards) in this formation.

[@divinecomedy7311]

Feels like George Best needs to be mentioned if we're talking wingers who cut inside

[@euganieldamiao8084]

Camavinga is already confimed, how about a how will he fit or whats is his best position video

[@lukah3537]

Ferenc Puskas for Hungry was an Inside-Left

[@robethaminullah5774]

The best

[@ryeecethebeastgaming5530]

Please do a 4141 formation video please

[@johnny.vito1]

my favorite inverted wingers are messi and neymar

[@BarcaFan95]

I’m both footed I’m pretty comfortable to go in and out

[@aleyeldinahmed3954]

Striker next plz

[@md.ahoshanazmineprotic7682]

Brother, I have a question. If coach wants to play inverted wingers, then what kind of striker is needed? False nine or Fox in the box?

[@valitsemllaluokanavahyvaks3556]

I personally would prefer a Target Man or Pressing Forward. Or just a straight up Advanced Forward who makes runs and keeps the defenders busy.

[@koltzsevere1047]

False 9 , firminho drops deep to create space for salah and mane to run in behind

[@JamboGee92]

Either can work.

[@ITZLFFL]

nice explanation. liverpool couldnt take full advantage of point no 3 because no proper CF to head the ball which is sad. should have bought giroud.

[@matt7matt722]

Both Firmino and Jota are good in the air and get their fair share of headed goals.

[@nharikrishna7818]

Can you do a video on difference between plain counter attacking and Transitions as they are completely different.

[@FootballMeta]

That's a good idea, I'll add it to the list! Thank you 🙌🏻

[@IkinzMainBola-sk7dk]

Imagine Beckham at Left Wing Create a Beautiful curved shoot. He will do shoot more often at modern football style.

[@zaloreyes830]

Mohamed Salah is the best example for Inverted Winger

[@James-ne9gy]

1:55 got me dying

[@JustYesnt]

Mate, i have a question. I've always dreamed of being a football manager, but my parents told me that i have to become player first, is it true?

[@FootballMeta]

Nonsense! there are tons of managers who never played or weren't succesful football players... Mourinho for example

[@nubfix3161]

Nagelsmann played a total of 0 professional games, but he's now the head coach/manager of Bayern Munich

[@lokmekumaloug8066]

Coutinho is the favourite player in that position

[@ashwinbhartiya3780]

Neyyymaaaaaaaaarrrrrr!!!

[@maestrozago3396]

I see so much Chelsea in this video

[@isaacng315]

Seems similar to inside forward role. How is inverted winger role fundamentally different from inside forward role?

[@tanakacharamba3238]

I think that the correct term for this position is an inside forward ....

[@ntandomokoena555]

Christopher Nolan: Did somebody say inversion👀

[@nnamdiemmanuel5090]

What is the difference between an inside forward and an inverted winger

[@nubfix3161]

Inside forwards are much more of a shooter, while Inverted Winger main job is to cut inside to add numbers, send crosses in or shoot occasionally

[@MrHuph-vu2wc]

No real difference nowadays. But when the 2-3-5 formation was popular back in the day, the front 5 would consist of a centre forward, two outside forwards, and then two inside forwards who would be between the outside forwards and centre forward. You wouldn't call them inverted wingers because there are already wingers (outside forwards) in this formation.

[@estifman3122]

​@@nubfix3161 cr7 salah are not inverted winger they are inside forward

[@nubfix3161]

@@estifman3122 you're correct. That's why Thiago said Salah isn't a "winger", but instead a "forward". CR7 while playing for Real Madrid is a good definition of an Inside Forward

[@estifman3122]

@@nubfix3161 ya bro why he say they are inverted winger in this video inverted winger are like mahrez ziych

[@genealmiguel2370]

Sadio mane is my favorite

[@euganieldamiao8084]

Hope your trying to be more consistent with the vids man to gain more traction and we need you

[@ethio777tube9]

Walker

[@crxo7106]

MESSSSSSIIIII

[@seiyulyu4854]

You didn’t mention Sonny! Albeit he apparently doesn’t have a weak foot…

[@khelilachi1827]

Riyad Mahrez 🔥

[@CaraVerde]

I thought Cristiano, Messi, Robben, etc are called Inverted Forwards

[@vctor6768]

Become a coach man u will be good at it

[@jonathanmogale1396]

Im not a fan of this type of players. Not everyone can do it but coaches are now forcing players to do this. Or summers might not score a lot but they can create lots of chances for others. Inverted winners can become predictable and order are. Case in point Antony!

[@brynx24]

i believe bernardo silva and grealish can do this

[@uncleseekx]

Comment for the algo

[@mangminhaokip8119]

Messi is the best winger ❤️❤️

[@AdelHalaseh]

Sadio mane and son!!!

[@yaredtsigab9663]

Neymar

[@toprak_0739]

Who’s watching the vid from impact

[@UdaySingh-mq6yd]

Riyadh mahrez

[@sportstalkbyaakash6297]

Liverpool nearly exploited this♥️

[@jontaylor3105]

Inverted wingers are the beign of modern football. Too many average Ronaldo Wannabees and the striker is suffering as a result.

[@sabeloking3950]

How dare you not mention Hakim Ziyech!?!😂

[@FootballMeta]

Knew it was coming 😂

[@JB-kd9wg]

He’s more of a wide playmaker

[@idkwhoiam4013]

Inverted winger?chiesa

[@eddieherrera5314]

When he plays on the left

[@Canowski17]

Imagine if this was pinned

[@george6559]

there was an attempt...

[@aboubaker3872]

there is a difference between the inverted winger and the inside forward ...

[@absolutrxnny]

ronaldos more of a inside forward

[@debayandey4599]

😅bro u don't know shit .. In man United he was a inverted winger He used to drop in midfield and playmake

[@estifman3122]

cr7 is inside forward not inverted winger

[@thunder6197]

You forgot Freddy Adu lol