Top 10 of All-Time | Greatest Football' wingers - Ranked

Top 10 of All-Time | Greatest Football's Wingers - Ranked

 Imagine the following scenario: an attacker is being jockeyed by a tense, concentrated defense that is positioned out wide near the brilliant white touchline. Suddenly, though, their opponent—a quick-witted, technical forward—conjures up a magical moment of brilliance, and their deft footwork gets them past the defender and into a dangerous position. It might be one of the most thrilling moments in football for an attacking team supporter. And the winger is the main person responsible for that.

Wingers are among the most exciting players on the field in association football, or soccer, according to their distinct skill sets, which enable them to regularly create memorable moments that captivate spectators. Over time, the winger's function has changed and evolved significantly, but one thing has always been the same: the best wingers on the pitch are frequently praised and cheered more than any other player.

We'll be delving into some of those iconic athletes in this piece, offering you a rundown of the top 9 wingers in history along with an explanation of how and why each player made the cut. But before we go into greater depth about the top wingers in the globe, let us first go over what this role entails, walking you through all the essential abilities and duties.

What Does a Soccer Winger Do? Ranked 

Different football teams will employ various offensive strategies. Some players have a tendency to hit the striker with long, lofted balls from deep areas or work the ball through the center of the pitch. Some may construct utilizing the expansive spaces, locating gaps in the channels, and generating opportunities from there. Both systems depend heavily on wingers, but the latter tactic needs them more than the others.

 
Essentially, wings are wide midfielders who are positioned on the right and left sides of the field. They have certain defensive duties in addition to having a lot of freedom to move forward. Fast, strong wingers with the ability to get into space and cross the ball into a center forward were crucial in the past for formations like 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. Although this component of the winger's game is still vital, the role has changed over time.

 
With an emphasis on offensive prowess and dynamism, speed, acceleration, and technical skill, the conventional winger has been repurposed by several managers to play the role of a more inverted striker or wide midfielder in today's game.

Key Competencies For A Winger

Football wingers require a wide range of distinct physical and technical skills to be proficient.

Speed 

  Since speed and acceleration are crucial on the wings, wide midfielders are frequently among the fastest players on the field. Most wingers will always be aiming to make a deadly run to go past a back four or to sprint quickly after a one-two to find space to receive the ball. When it comes to finishing these kinds of duties, speed is crucial.

Ball control

Wingers are expected to control, dribble, and distribute the ball under pressure, even though they frequently receive it in confined situations. They also frequently pick up the ball in incredibly broad areas with lots of space surrounding them. Excellent first touch and assured ball control are essential in these spots.

Dribbling 

This is closely related to the last point, but it deserves further explanation. Dribbling, whether it's quick, direct runs down the touchline before delivering a cross into the box or tight, mazy meanders in-field, is a major component of the winger position. One of a winger's most significant offensive contributions is carrying the ball into the final third from deeper areas.

Crossing 

If the player in question cannot deliver the ball correctly when it is all said and done, then all of their skillful, technical, and physically impressive build-up play is for naught. Whether they are playing deep out-swinger, deadball position, or executing a fast, dinked cutback into the six-yard box from the touchline, wingers should feel comfortable crossing the ball into the penalty area from a variety of situations. One of the most important aspects of a winger's job in soccer is their ability to pinpoint crosses to strike forwards and midfielders.

The All-Time Top 9 Wingers

Although opinions on who the greatest football players of all time are will always differ, the list of players who have unquestionably had a significant influence on the game is provided below

1. Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale, a former winger for Tottenham and Real Madrid, is regarded as a true idol in Wales because of his devotion to the national team and his reliable performances on the largest stage, which have won him the affection of the people there. His combination of speed, cunning, deft movement, and incredible ball-striking ability has allowed him to score 185 goals in 553 career appearances for club and country, as well as an incredible five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, an MLS Cup, a League Cup with Spurs. He was crucial to the nation's historic run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, and their qualification for numerous tournaments since.

2. Ryan Giggs 

Not only has Bale been a standout winger for Wales recently, but Ryan Giggs, a legend of Manchester United who amassed a record 277 Premier League assists in his lengthy career with the Red Devils, is still regarded as one of Wales' all-time best players. Acknowledged for his superior level crossing, deft dribbling, and leadership abilities, Giggs triumphed in two Champions League finals, won numerous domestic cups, and won an amazing 13 league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.

3. George best 

George Best, the winger for Manchester United and Northern Ireland, is still one of the most recognizable figures to have ever set foot on a football field. At the age of 15, he was discovered by a United scout. He went on to score 181 goals in 374 games for the Red Devils, thrilling supporters all over Europe and making headlines for leading a playboy lifestyle off the field. Blessed with an elegant walk, incredible ball abilities, the ability to dribble with both feet and amazing finishing, he is regarded by many as one of the greatest wingers to have ever played the game.

4. Garrincha 

Brazilian winger Garrincha, often known as the "little bird" due to his spectacular ball-dribbling skills, was a diminutive, compact, and devious wide midfield player who scared away opposing defenders during his nation's historic 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories, which were spearheaded by star striker Pele. He is regarded as a national hero in Brazil and is a true legend at Botafogo, where he won the Golden Ball and was named player of the tournament in the latter competition. In 323 games, he scored 101 goals and won multiple medals for the club.

5. Muhammad Salah 

Egypt's Mo Salah, who is widely considered as one of the best players to have ever come out of Africa (and the continent is full of talented people), has had incredible success with Liverpool in the English Premier League, winning three Champions League finals, competing in multiple title races, and amassing nearly 200 goals. Being a deft winger with deft footwork, astute movement, and a deadly finish, he's currently among the world's top wide players.

6. Stanley Matthews 

Only four English players have ever won the Ballon d'Or, football's most coveted individual award. Sir Stanley Matthews is a legendary English winger who is renowned for his talent, pace, and exceptional crossing ability. He played brilliantly for teams like Blackpool and Stoke City during an astonishingly long run at the top of the English game that lasted from 1932 to 1961. He then enjoyed a couple of loan periods at Toronto City Canada.

7. Luis Figo

Luis Figo, one of the finest players to have ever played for Portugal, rose to international fame in the early 2000s as one of Real Madrid's "Galacticos" after a controversial, high-profile transfer from fierce rival Barcelona at the start of the year. With 67 goals and 106 assists in La Liga—the second-highest total in the league's history—as well as stellar performances in the Champions League and on the international scene with Portugal, the swift, strong, and technically superb wide player was a titan of Spanish football.

8. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho was a unique player, a cheeky, charming, elegant player with incredible footwork and ball-handling abilities and a penchant for inventing daring moves like the Elastico. The former Brazil international made an impact at every club he played for, from the storied Italian team AC Milan to the dominant La Liga team Barcelona, and he was a key player in his nation's 2002 World Cup victory in Japan and South Korea.

9. Lionel Messi 

The best is saved for last: Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, is regarded as the greatest player of all time by many football fans and commentators. Although he isn't exactly a winger, he has spent most of his career drifting in from the right flank onto his gloriously potent left boot. Throughout his lengthy career at the top, which has seen him win twelve domestic titles, four Champions Leagues, a Copa America, and a World Cup with Argentina, Lionel Messi has redefined what a winger can be thought of. He is a player with incredible creative vision, sublime ball skills, superb passing ability, and a goalscoring record that any center forward would be desperate to replicate.

FAQ

Q .1  Which CM in football history is the best?

Ans.  Most people agree that Zinedine Zidane, a former legend of Real Madrid and Juventus, is the best central midfield player since 1990.

Q. 2  Henry was a winger or a striker.

Ans.    He is regarded as one of the greatest players in Premier League history as well as one of the all-time great attackers. Arsenal has declared him their all-time greatest player.

Q. 3  Who plays right wing for Arsenal?

Ans.     English professional football player Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka was born on September 5, 2001. He plays right wing for Premier League Club Arsenal as well as for the England national team. He is thought to be among the world's top wingers.

Conclusion 

It's a fun exercise in football nostalgia to debate the finest wingers of all time. These widemen have etched their names into the annals of the sport, from the flair of the past to the contemporary goal scorers. Although ten luminaries were highlighted in this list, there are many more who are deserving of recognition.

Wingers are beautiful players because they have the power to turn the tide of a game on their own. Generation after generation of admirers is enthralled by their artistry, pace, and precision. The winger's role will change as the beautiful game does. However, one thing is certain: wingers will always be a source of wonder and magic on the wings, showcasing their talents and adding to the rich history of football.