The Best Attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks in EFL League One.
Overview
The role of the Fullback and Wingback has evolved beyond traditional defensive responsibilities, with attacking contributions now an essential asset for teams looking to dominate wide areas. With football data analytics, we identify the best attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks in EFL League One, and using our Player Performance Framework, evaluate defensive capabilities, aerial ability, crossing accuracy, chance creation, ball carrying and dribbling. By leveraging WyScout data, we will quantify which players succeed in progressing the ball and creating attacking opportunities, whilst excelling defensively, providing valuable insight into the standout performers in the league.
Data Analysis Rankings
Performance Framework
Attacking Fullback/Wingback Evaluation Framework
This Player Performance Framework evaluates attacking Fullbacks/Wingbacks by assessing their defensive reliability, aerial ability, crossing accuracy, chance creation, and ball-carrying/dribbling proficiency. Our weighting structure reflects the modern football landscape, where fullbacks and wingbacks are increasingly expected to balance defensive duties with offensive output. Defensive attributes remain essential but are balanced with metrics that assess technical ability, creativity, and effective progression in wide areas. Each category has been carefully weighted to prioritise skills that define a modern attacking fullback/wingback, ensuring those who excel in advancing the ball, creating chances and maintaining defensive discipline, stand out.
Defensive Ability (20%)
Attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks must still perform defensive duties effectively, even if their primary role involves pushing forward. The defensive category is weighted at 20% to reflect the necessity of defensive reliability while allowing room for more offensively-focused metrics.
Metrics and Weighting :
Defensive Duels per 90 (25%)
Measures how often a player engages in defensive situations.
Defensive Duels Won % (35%)
Reflects the player’s ability to win challenges and gain possession.
PAdj Interceptions (20%)
Shows how often the player intercepts passes to disrupt the opposition.
Successful Defensive Actions per 90 (20%)
Combines key defensive actions to assess effectiveness.
Aerial Ability (10%)
Aerial ability is important for Fullbacks/Wingbacks, especially when defending against crosses or set-pieces, and in aerial duels during transitions. While less critical than for central defenders, it remains significant in both defensive and offensive situations.
Metrics and Weighting :
- Aerial Duels per 90 (30%)
Measures involvement in aerial challenges. - Aerial Duels Won % (70%)
Focuses on efficiency in aerial dominance.
Crossing (15%)
Crossing is fundamental for attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks who frequently operate in wide areas. Delivering accurate crosses from advanced positions is crucial for creating goalscoring opportunities – especially against compact defences.
Metrics and Weighting :
Crosses per 90 (40%)
Indicates crossing frequency, showing how often the player delivers balls into the box.
Accurate Crosses % (60%)
Measures the precision of these deliveries, as accurate crosses are vital for creating high-quality chances.
Chance Creation (30%)
Fullbacks/Wingbacks are increasingly tasked with creating chances, especially in systems that rely on width for attacking depth. As such, this category holds a significant 30% weighting.
Metrics and Weighting :
Expected Assists (xA) per 90 (40%)
Quantifies the quality of passes that lead to shots. Highlighting the players ability to create high-value opportunities.
Key Passes per 90 (30%)
Tracks passes that directly lead to a shot, reflecting creativity and passing vision.
Passes into the Penalty Area (20%)
Assesses the ability to break through defensive lines with incisive passes.
Accurate Passes into the Penalty Area % (10%)
Evaluates the quality and reliability of penetrating passes, crucial for maintaining attacking momentum.
Ball Carrying and Dribbling (25%)
Modern Fullbacks/Wingbacks are expected to progress the ball up the pitch, both to alleviate opposition pressure and to instigate attacks. Ball carrying and dribbling are key components of this responsibility.
Metrics and Weighting :
Progressive Runs per 90 (50%)
Measures the ability to carry the ball forward into advanced areas, often bypassing multiple opponents.
Dribbles per 90 (20%)
This metric indicates how frequently the player attempts to beat an opposition player and showcases their confidence and skill.
Successful Dribbles % (30%)
This highlights technical ability and effectiveness in maintaining possession during dribbling actions.
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