Evolution of wingers: Danny Higginbotham explains Premier League tactical change

Sky Sports tactics expert Danny Higginbotham explains how the role of wingers has changed in the Premier League, increasing the importance of wing-backs.

In the video above, the pundit looks at the evolution of this key position, as Premier League tactics have transformed over the years.

In the 4-4-2 era, players such as Ryan Giggs, David Ginola and Marc Overmars would race down their favoured flank, aim to isolate the opposition full-back in a one-on-one situation and then cross for two centre forwards, the winger from the opposite side and central midfielder bursting into the box.

The role of the winger's own full-back was different then, too. Rather than overlap, they'd often hold their ground to give the winger room to attack his opposition full-back.

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But now, there are few out-and-out wingers in the Premier League. Inverted wingers such as Eden Hazard at Chelsea and Sadio Mane at Liverpool, drift in from the left flank towards central areas where they can shoot with their favoured foot.

This vacates space out wide for the attacking wing-backs behind them to get forward and exploit. That's why we're seeing a lot of assists from full-backs - and why we're seeing big transfer fees paid for them, explains Higginbotham.

This change presents a real challenge for the defending full-back, who must either go inside with the winger or hold their position to defend the advancing wing-back.

Watch the video above to see Higginbotham explain this tactics evolution and how it is changing the way Premier League teams attack.