The Unstoppable Force of Wingers at Euro 2024
Euro 2024 will be remembered as the tournament where wingers took center stage. None more so than Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old sensation who burst onto the scene with a series of breathtaking performances. Like Kylian Mbappe’s solo run in the 2018 World Cup or Lionel Messi’s iconic lob against Albacete in 2005, Yamal’s debutant goal against France was a moment of pure genius that left the world in awe.
What makes Yamal so special? His ability to manipulate defenses with his pace, agility, and quick feet. He’s a natural footballer who has already changed the way Spain plays the game. The former soul of Spanish football, the midfield general, has given way to the dynamic winger, with Yamal and Nico Williams leading the charge.
England’s Bukayo Saka, another standout winger, has taken to his new role with gusto. No longer content to simply provide width, Saka is now the go-to man for set-pieces and has added an extra dimension to England’s attack.
Why have wingers suddenly become so crucial? The answer lies in the pressing game. Many teams now press aggressively, which forces them to abandon their passing tactics and opt for a more direct approach. And what’s more direct than crossing the ball into the box? The modern wing-back is expected to do it all – track back, create scoring opportunities, and provide width – but in Euro 2024, these wing-backs were simply flying down the flanks.
According to data, Spain’s 16.3 open-play crosses per 90 minutes at Euro 2024 was their highest rate in major tournaments this century. It’s a testament to the changing landscape of the game and the new tactics being employed by coaches to unlock defenses.
Double pivots have become a key strategy, with teams using two deep midfielders to provide a safe route for the ball to progress through midfield. It’s allowed wingers like Yamal and Saka to dominate games and create chaos in opposition defenses.
In a tournament marked by moments of individual brilliance, the winger’s role has never been more important. Euro 2024 will be remembered for solo efforts, and it’s a reflection of the changing nature of the game.
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