Winger (sport) - Definition and Overview

In sports, the term winger is the name of a position, including football (soccer), rugby football and hockey. It refers to positions on the extreme left and right sides of the pitch (the wings). See winger (hockey).

Association football (soccer)

In association football, a winger is an attacking player in a wide position.

Wingers are usually players of great pace or dribbling ability so as to provide cut-backs or crosses from which strikers can score. Their main function is to support attack from the wings. They are a special breed of midfielders who work up and down the flanks from middle section of the pitch.

Traditionally, wingers are not expected to track back and defend.

Wingers used to be highly prized in the older times, but their importance has dwindled during the years. In the 1966 World Cup for example, England manager Alf Ramsey played without natural wingers in a team known as the "Wingless Wonders".

In the modern game, some wide midfielders replace the role of wingers, whose contributions include providing defensive cover for fullbacks. One good example is David Beckham, who played in the position of right wing during his days at Manchester United, but who is not regarded as a winger since he functions primarily as a right midfielder and does not use either speed or dribbling ability to support play.

Famous Wingers

• George Best
• Tom Finney
• Ryan Giggs
• Garrincha
• Stanley Matthews
• Chris Waddle

Current wingers

• Denilson
• Luis Figo
• Ryan Giggs
• Cristiano Ronaldo

See also

• Football (soccer) positions
• wingback