The next generation of inverted wing-backs

Watchlist: how to scout this week's European fixtures for the future.

This week’s watchlist is a little bit different.

In the previous edition, I highlighted a problem: the same names dominate the same metrics, making it increasingly difficult to provide new insight and discover new names to watch through data.

As a result, for this week’s watchlist, I have decided to focus on a theme. Or rather, a profile:

The inverted wing-back.

Rúben Amorim’s appointment and the subsequent unshackling of Amad Diallo’s ball-carrying prowess has propelled this role into the spotlight.

I am here to remind you that the defining tactical trend of Euro 2020 was inverted wing-backs, particular right-footed players on the left. Leonardo Spinazzola lit up the tournament before rupturing his Achilles tendon. Thorgan Hazard, Joakim Mæhle and Steven Zuber all dropped standout displays in this role, propelling their nations into the quarter-finals.

Whether confirmation or personal bias, I feel like there has been a huge increase in the mirror image. Left-footed wingers are being deployed at right-wing back and causing havoc.

So, in this week’s watchlist, I am going to try to find the most exciting inverted wing-backs in UEFA competition and tell you where to watch them.

To identify these players, I have created a custom Stathead search that you can pour over. If you want to customise it yourself, you will have to sign up. Enter the code ‘SCOUTED’ and will get 20% off an annual subscription.

Some of these players may not adopt this role in every game they play, but there is evidence to suggest they may flourish in it.

Beyond highlighting the key players to watch for the designated theme for each fixture, I will now also include a full list of 2001+ players that have appeared for each club in the competition this season. Use this as a tiebreak if you can’t decide which prospect you want to track.

OK, let’s go.

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

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🇧🇪 Club Brugge vs. Sporting CP 🇵🇹

UEFA Champions League — 20:00 GMT

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Before Amad, there was Geovany Quenda.

The How Manchester United Will Line Up Under Rúben Amorim content scene was united in the idea that Alejandro Garnacho would adopt Quenda’s role, albeit on the other side. It has since transpired that Amad is the new Quenda, despite being five years older.

Quenda has started all-but one UCL match this season and is the only 2001+ defender to record 10+ Carries into the Penalty Area in the Champions League. This metric emerged as a decent marker for the inverted wing-back role. Interestingly, the only 01+ defender with more Touches in the Attacking Penalty Area in the UCL is Rico Lewis.

Note: If you use the Stathead link, you will notice Hugo Bolin ranks first for a lot of metrics. As I was preparing to write a huge section on him, I realised that despite making his first UEL appearance of the season as an inverted left wing-back, he has since played wide left in a 4-4-2. Bolin is a very exciting prospect and might have the necessary profile to excel in this role, but it is unlikely that you will see him play it should you tune in to their game against Galatasaray on Thursday (17:45 GMT).

Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí have completely warped the perception of what can be expected from a 17-year-old. Neither what the Barça duo nor Quenda are doing is normal.

Quenda ranked #19 in the initial SCOUTED50 2024/25 list but his firmly-established place in the Sporting starting XI may see him move up a few places after the December Power Rankings. Stay tuned.

Although Club Brugge do not play wing-backs, you should also see the left-footed Joaquin Seys deployed at right-back. The 2005-born Belgian has won 66.7% of his aerial duels and successfully challenged 61.5% of opposition dribblers.

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🇧🇪 Club Brugge: Chemsdine Talbi, Joaquin Seys, Kyriani Sabbe, Joel Ordóñez, Romeo Vermant, Bjorn Meijer, Ardon Jashari, Hugo Siquet, Christos Tzolis, Raphael Onyedika

🇵🇹 Sporting: Geovany Quenda, João Simões, Conrad Harder, Ousmane Diomande, Zeno Debast, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catomo