The Role of Flank Defenders in the Modern Game

The evolution of the game of soccer has taken a turn for the defensive in the last few decades. Gone are the days of four forwards and total football. With the exception of a few modern professional teams (see Barcelona, Manchester United), the majority of teams have forgone a flowing, creative attack, preferring to employ a highly organized and structured defensive formation. With this change in strategy has come a change in the role of the outside defender.