Do you like running? What about playing on both sides of the ball? Positions 7 and 11 in soccer may be perfect for you. These all-too-important midfielders are known as “wingers,” because they play near the sidelines—on the right wing and the left wing, respectively. 

The right winger and left winger are instrumental in not only supporting both the offense and defense at the drop of a hat, but also controlling the tempo of the game overall. In this short guide, we step into the soccer shoes of positions 7 and 11, covering their responsibilities on the pitch, how both have evolved over time, and notable players at each position.

Position 7: Right Winger

Position 7, commonly called the right winger, plays predominantly on the right side of the midfield. Players in this position are tasked with stretching the opposition’s defense, creating scoring opportunities, and assisting in defensive tasks. 

Key attributes of a right winger include excellent pace and endurance, dribbling skills, crossing ability, and the versatility to track back defensively.

Notable Position 7 Players

  1. David Beckham: Famous for his precise crossing and extraordinary free-kick ability, Beckham was a quintessential right winger during his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid. His vision and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses made him a standout in this position, especially during an era when wingers were primarily responsible for long crosses.
  2. Gareth Bale: Known for his blistering pace and powerful shooting, Bale has been a formidable right winger for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. His ability to cut inside and shoot with his left foot adds a dynamic threat to his gameplay and makes him a perfect fit for top-level play on the right wing.
  3. Arjen Robben: Although often playing as an inverted winger on the left, Robben’s skillset checks all the boxes for excellence as a traditional right winger. His trademark move of cutting inside from the right wing to shoot with his left foot has been a feature of his play at Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team.

Position 11: Left Winger

Position 11, commonly called the left winger, mirrors the role of the right winger but on the opposite side of the field. This player provides balance to the attack, often engaging in one-on-one situations against the opposition’s right-back. 

Essential skills for a left winger include dribbling, speed, the ability to deliver accurate crosses, and occasionally cutting inside to shoot or create chances.

Notable Position 11 Examples

  1. Ryan Giggs: One of the most decorated players in Manchester United’s history, Giggs excelled as a left winger—especially on the offensive side. His incredible pace, dribbling, and longevity in his career are legendary. Giggs was known for his ability to run at defenders and deliver quality crosses into the box.
  2. Cristiano Ronaldo: Although Ronaldo has evolved into more of a striker in his later career, his initial rise to fame at Manchester United and during his early years at Real Madrid showcased his prowess as a left winger. Renowned for his speed, skill, and shooting ability, Ronaldo was a constant threat on the left flank.
  3. Neymar Jr.: Currently one of the most skillful players in the world, Neymar consistently dazzles in his role as a left winger for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team with his dribbling ability and creativity. He’s adept at beating defenders and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Spreading Wings: The Tactical Evolution of Positions 7 and 11

In modern football, the roles of the right and left wingers (positions 7 and 11) have evolved and expanded. Gone are the days of traditional wingers who only stay wide and deliver crosses. These days, it’s safe to say that positions 7 and 11 have spread their wings. 

Today’s wingers are versatile players who can cut inside, interchange positions, and contribute more significantly to the team’s overall attacking and defensive play. This evolution and expansion in winger responsibility reflects the tactical flexibility and fluidity in contemporary soccer.

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