The inverted wing-backs (IWB) is a role rather than a position. Their job is still to defend the flanks and provide support. However, a signature movement that they employ is moving centrally into the field and occupying a position in the midfield, alongside the deep-lying midfielders.

The reasoning behind the movement of the Inverted Wing Back is to create a “midfield overload”. The role of an IWB is to add to the midfield and assist with winning more midfield battles. Another difference between fullbacks and inverted fullbacks is that inverted fullbacks either overlap or underlap the wide attackers/midfielders to provide additional offensive support. This varies based on the attacking scenario.

An inverted full-back, as the name suggests, is a full-back who inverts into central areas, particularly in the build-up and progression phases. In doing so, they help their team overload central avenues, whilst maintaining width through other players (usually wingers) that can stretch the field, and push central midfielders into advanced positions. Unlike many of our player roles, the ‘Inverted Fullback’ envelops a wider over-arching tactic, and therefore only becomes a role at specific, possession-based clubs.

Many teams have utilised IWBs to get an edge over the opposition. However, it can be strongly argued that no teams have employed inverted fullbacks better than Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Both teams deployed IWBs under the management of the tactical mastermind, Pep Guardiola.

Statistically speaking, inverted full-backs are likely to make a high number of passes, progressive passes, and even take a high number of touches in central channels and half-spaces. Similar to the fullback and wingback, an IWB requires great positional awareness, passing range, and a high work rate.  An emphasis is put on their positional awareness because they are tasked with operating in two areas of the pitch, as opposed to just one.

Pep Guardiola

At Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has been widely criticised for spending large amounts on fullbacks. However, taking into consideration the specialised nature of the fullbacks he uses in his systems, it’s easy to see why. The IWB player role may be a rare one, normally existing only in the highest functioning possession-based teams, but is bound to only grow as the game continues to evolve. 

For a more visual look at what an IWB is then please watch the video below from TIFO

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Using inverted wing-backs on Football Manager does not mean they will exclusively operate in central midfield areas, as occasionally, they might make normal overlapping runs, depending on their player traits.

IWB Description

Let’s look at FM23’s description of an Inverted Wing Back including the additions of support, attack, and automatic.

Without reinventing the wheel, Guido (commonly known as Strikerless) in the FM community depicts the likely movement of the different types of IWB in this article

Recommended Player Traits for Inverted Wing Backs

1. Tries long-range passes – This could be a useful arsenal if your inverted wing back has a good passing rating. He would be able to pick out your strikers or wingers with pinpoint accuracy from deep positions.
2. Plays one-twos – Another useful player trait for players with good passing, playing one-twos increases the tempo of your game and unsettles the opposition, making it difficult for them to pick up runners.
3. Tries killer balls often – If you really push your inverted wing back into an attacking role, training him on this PPM could help your team break down packed defences by encouraging risky balls that can split the defence open.
4. Switches ball to the other flank – Another player trait suitable for players with good passing, the inverted wing back can utilize this by finding wingers in space who would ideally be hugging the touchline to make the pitch as wide as possible.

IWB Player Attributes

In conclusion, what player attributes should you be looking for when it comes to scouting for an IWB? Check out the images below showing the highlighted player attributes for an IWB on defend, support and attack.

Based on the images I have come up with a table of the top 30 players on FM23 that would fit the IWB player role well enough and with some training could be even better!

Name/Nationality	Age	Club	Position	Preferred Foot
João Cancelo – Portuguese	28	Man City	D/WB (RL), M (R)	Right
Reece James – English	22	Chelsea	D (RC), WB (R), DM	Right
David Alaba – Austrian	30	Real Madrid	D (LC), WB (L), M (C)	Left
Andrew Robertson – Scottish	28	Liverpool	D/WB (L)	Left Only
Ben Chilwell – English	25	Chelsea	D/WB (L)	Left
Takehiro Tomiyasu – Japanese	23	Arsenal	D/WB (R)	Right
Jurriën Timber – Dutch	21	Ajax	D (RC), WB (R), DM	Right
Alphonso Davies – Canadian	21	FC Bayern	D/WB/M/AM (L)	Left
Marc Cucurella – Spanish	23	Chelsea	D/WB/M (L)	Left
Tino Livramento – English	19	Southampton	D/WB (R)	Right
Tariq Lamptey – Ghanaian	21	Brighton	D/WB (RL)	Right
Joško Gvardiol – Croatian	20	RB Leipzig	D (LC)	Left
Destiny Udogie – Italian	19	Udinese	D/WB/M (L)	Left
Ben Davies – Welsh	29	Tottenham	D (LC)	Left
Dani Carvajal – Spanish	30	Real Madrid	D/WB (R)	Right
Nuno Mendes – Portuguese	20	PSG	D/WB (L)	Left
Kieran Tierney – Scottish	25	Arsenal	D (LC), WB (L)	Left
Kostas Tsimikas – Greek	26	Liverpool	D/WB (L)	Left Only
David Raum – German	24	RB Leipzig	D/WB/M (L)	Left
José Gayà – Spanish	27	Valencia	D/WB/M/AM (L)	Left Only
Matthew Targett – English	26	Newcastle	D/WB (L)	Left
Kyle Walker-Peters – English	25	Southampton	D (RL), WB (R)	Right
Tyrick Mitchell – English	22	Crystal Palace	D/WB (L)	Left
Lucas Digne – French	28	Aston Villa	D/WB (L)	Left Only
Tyrell Malacia – Dutch	22	Man Utd	D/WB (L)	Left
Reinildo – Mozambican	28	Atlético	D (LC), WB/AM (L)	Left Only
Ander Capa – Spanish	30	Athletic	D/WB (R)	Right
Rico Henry – English	24	Brentford	D/WB (L)	Left Only
Nahuel Molina – Argentinian	24	Atlético	D/WB/M (R)	Right
Jordi Alba – Spanish	33	Barcelona	D/WB (L)	Left

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