While certain numbers are associated with specific positions in a soccer team, there are some numbers that you may see alternating on the pitch during a game.
One of the most demanding positions in soccer is the wing or number 7 player. The number 7 plays mostly on the right wing and must be able to switch between attack and defense very quickly for the duration of the match. However, you may well see a right-wing switch to the left side of the field, especially if this gains their team an advantage.
Wings require coordination, speed, strength, and strategic thinking ability as the coach needs a player who will fulfill both offensive and defensive duties.
To excel in the role, a wing must have excellent dribbling ability, the ability to play well with both feet, and an eye for the goal. Primarily, they must also have the ability to create scoring opportunities for their team.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the significance and responsibilities of the wing.
Table of Contents
- The History of Number 7 in Soccer
- The Role of the Right Wing in Soccer
- The Number 7 in a 4:4:2 Soccer Formation
- The Number 7 in a 4:3:3 Soccer Formation
- Training the Number 7 in Soccer
- Tactics for the Number 7 in Soccer
- Strategies for the Number 7 in Soccer
- The Advantages of Playing as a Wing
- The Disadvantages of Playing as a Wing
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Number 7 in Soccer
- Best Players Who Have Worn the Number 7
The History of Number 7 in Soccer
The number 7 in soccer has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the early days of the sport.
Initially, the position was assigned to the right-winger, who focused almost exclusively on dribbling down the sidelines and delivering crosses into the box.
With the evolution of the sport, the wing became increasingly central to the team’s defending and attacking strategy, especially linking with the mid-field.
With the shift towards the passing game in professional soccer, combined with the introduction of fast-paced, technologically advanced play, wings became more-versatile players, capable of occupying a central role in attack and defense.
Today, the number 7 is often assigned to a player who can not only deliver accurate crosses but also possesses excellent dribbling skills, an eye for goal, the ability to create multiple scoring opportunities from different angles, as well as being capable of winning back the ball.
The Role of the Right Wing in Soccer
The modern role of the right-wing is to bring a dynamic and versatile attacking presence to the team.
Top professionals wearing the number 7 now act as hybrids, alternating between the traditional wing role and as a central attacking midfielder. They provide width and pace in the attack, creating scoring opportunities with their speed as well as squeezing defenders to regain possession or providing overlapping opportunities for their right backs.
The Number 7 in a 4:4:2 Soccer Formation
Traditionally, this is seen in the 4:4:2 formation, which was a mainstay of English football and can still be seen in the Premier League today. The wings link up with the central mid-fielders and can play an effective attacking role.
In this formation, the wings are employed in both an attacking and defending role as the central mid-fielders and backs provide a cohesive and effective defensive unit supported by the two wings.
In addition to good technical skills, the wing must also possess the ability to make fast runs down the sideline as well as diagonal runs into the box, linking up with their teammates, and providing an offensive threat from a central position.
The ability to both run onto a ball played behind the defensive line as well as the ability to draw defenders, thus making space for attacking midfielders to initiate attacks, makes for a devastating winger.
They must also be willing and able to track back and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
The Number 7 in a 4:3:3 Soccer Formation
An attacking wing is more pronounced when the coach deploys a 4:3:3 formation reminiscent of the “Total Football” approach, perfected by Johan Cruyff while at Ajax and then Barcelona.
In a 4:3:3 formation, the wings (numbers 7 and 11) play a more attacking role. The wings are free to play outside the defenders, making space in the center of the pitch or cutting in and providing an opportunity for the right and left backs to overlap down the sideline.
With an opposite-footed right wing, the use of their stronger left foot allows them to attack the goal while beating their defender on the inside.
In this formation, the wing cannot relax for a moment, as they may be needed to support the defense or make a run down the wing in a split second.
Training the Number 7 in Soccer
Achieving success as a wing requires a combination of physical and mental attributes, making training for this role both demanding and rewarding.
Players aspiring to play this position must focus on developing their speed, agility, and technical skills. These include dribbling and ball-handling exercises to improve their ability to move the ball with both the inside and outside of the foot, as well as shooting and crossing drills to sharpen their finishing skills.
This is the best position for fast soccer players who can beat their opponents with their speed and strength.
Wings should be trained using drills that emphasize explosive runs, making and receiving short and long passes, incorporating direct shots at goal, as well as delivering crosses into the 6-yard box.
Drills can start at the center of the pitch and utilize give-and-go short passes with a mid-field player and can then alternate with the wing taking the ball wide to pick out a player in the box with an accurate cross.
Rather than playing the ball wide, the mid-fielder could set up a short pass to allow the wing to shoot directly on goal.
Variations of this drill may include 5 or 6 cones to dribble through as well as positioning opposition defenders who start as stationery barriers and progress to apply varying degrees of pressure on the wings as they attempt to shoot or cross.
Using this drill with and without a goalkeeper can increase realism and provide opportunities to also train midfielders and goalkeepers in rotation. This gives players a few minutes to rest between cycles.
Tactics for the Number 7 in Soccer
The tactics employed by the wings are dependent on the formation and style of play chosen by the coach or management team.
However, several key principles remain consistent. The wings should aim to get behind the opposition’s defensive line, creating space for their teammates and delivering the ball into the box.
They should also be aware of their positioning, both when in possession of the ball and when out of possession, making sure to transition quickly from defense to attack.
In addition, wings should have the ability to read the game, anticipating the movement of their teammates and opponents and making quick, effective decisions on the field.
The tactics can also vary depending on the specific match and opposition, with the player having to adapt their approach accordingly.
Jürgen Klopp’s use of wrong-footed wingers Mo Salah and Sadino Mané, while at Liverpool, provided the perfect opportunity for Alexander-Arnold and Robertson to overlap as the wingers moved inside their opponents.
This provided Liverpool’s width with the left and right backs going wide on attack and making it difficult for their opponents to defend against the crosses and cutbacks.
Whether it’s playing through balls to the striker and right back, making runs behind the defense, or contributing to the team’s defensive efforts, the wing plays a crucial role in the tactical success of the team.
Strategies for the Number 7 in Soccer
Individually, wings must be able to use their pace and technical abilities to beat their defender, making well-timed runs into the box to receive passes along the ground or crosses in the air.
Alternatively, they should beat the defender and attack the goal or lay the ball wide for the right back to run onto. They can then offer the opportunity to attack the near post or hang back to give the right back an option to cut the ball back.
This requires a complete understanding of the game and the ability to read the movements of both teammates and opponents.
When on the attack, wings will many times make a run into the area where they think their teammates will place a ball. This requires great anticipation and exquisite timing.
Successful wings will always be moving, balancing individual skills and tactics with an understanding of their position in relation to the ball, their teammates, and the opposition.
The Advantages of Playing as a Wing
Wings now have the freedom to roam and create opportunities for themselves and their teammates, leading to a more varied and dynamic attacking style of play.
They have the opportunity to score goals and contribute to the attack in many different ways, whether it’s through dribbling, shooting, crossing, or making dummy runs.
The combination of these advantages makes playing on the wing a challenging and rewarding role for players who are willing to work hard and embrace the responsibilities of the position.
The Disadvantages of Playing as a Wing
While playing on the wing can be highly rewarding, it also comes with its share of challenges.
One of the major requirements is extreme fitness and endurance. Wings must be able to play both offensively and defensively, making quick decisions and executing under pressure.
Another challenge is the high level of technical ability that is required, as players must be able to dribble, shoot, cross, and make runs with precision and accuracy.
Players who lack the technical ability to control the ball, shoot accurately, cross while under pressure, and make tactical runs, may find it difficult to have a positive impact on the game.
The position is physically demanding, with wings expected to cover a lot of ground and have an impact both in attack and defense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Number 7 in Soccer
Poor positioning is one of the biggest mistakes that players in this role make, as it can result in lost opportunities and a lack of effectiveness in attack.
Poor decision-making, such as taking too many touches on the ball or passing to the wrong player, can slow down the attack and disrupt the flow of play.
While failing to track back and support the defense, can leave the team vulnerable to counterattacks.
To avoid these mistakes, players and their coaches must focus on developing technical expertise, tactical awareness, and mental capabilities.
Best Players Who Have Worn the Number 7
Here’s a list of some of the best players who have worn the number 7 jersey, starting with arguably the best player in the modern era, Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Having learned to harness his enormous talent at Manchester United, Ronaldo perfected his skills in the highly competitive La Liga. With the emphasis on technical skill and passing in the Spanish league, Ronaldo became a devastating right-wing when on the attack with his club Real Madrid.
Arjen Robben
With his devastatingly quick acceleration and exquisite ball control, Arjen Robben’s quick feet have accounted for much of Bayern Munich’s success in the Bundesliga.
Kevin De Bruyne
While Kevin De Bruyne has been described as the most complete footballer and usually plays as a central midfielder, he has been used to devastating effect as a right-wing.
Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann is a two-footed player whose dominant left foot made him a perfect candidate for the number 7 position while at Barcelona.
Sadio Mane
Mane is a prolific goal scorer, and the perfect example of a number 7 whose technique, finishing, and speed have been used to great effect.
