Winger, Side midfielder - Tips and strategies.

To play as a winger(side midfielder), you have to generally be a quite a fast and speedy player.

A fast side midfielder is more preferable because once you get behind the defence, it makes it harder for them to catch up. This can often lead to a cross into the box area and can pose real danger.

Not only do side midfielders have to attack but they also have to help defend a little, or assist the central midfielders and control the game. The full-back may also interchange and attack along side the side midfielders so its crucial that there is someone to cover that area when it is weakest.

A side midfield player generally has to be good at:

• Running - Speed is important to be able to stretch the opponents defence.


• Crossing - Its crucialto be able to pick out team-mates in the box area when attacking


• Endurance - Legs will be running max out a lot of the time, must be able to withstand the muscle strain


• Skill - Taking opposition on 1v1 is a good skill to have. Opening up 1 or 2 yards can enable you to run away from defenders

The side midfield isn't as important as some other roles on a soccer game but it is very useful to have them on the team as they can bring a lot of attacking options.

Side midfield players generally tend to be the most skillful players on the team. Some team however, for example, A.C Milan in the italian Serie A, don't play with side midfielder but rather, play with 2 extra central midfielders.

A good example of a side midfielder would be Florent Malouda, David Silva and Joe Cole.

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