How To: Wing Back in 4-4-2

Legends
Thomas Helveg
Scudetto 1998/99

Cafu
UEFA Super Cup 2003 & 2007, Scudetto 2003/04, Supercoppa Italiana 2004, UEFA Champions League 2006/07, FIFA Club World Cup 2007

Hybrid between Full Back and Winger. Thomas Helveg flourished under Alberto Zaccheroni unorthodox 3-4-3 formation, providing pin-point crosses for capocannoniere Oliver Bierhoff. Cafu does it more brilliantly for Carlo Ancelotti back four, romping to continental success and beyond.

Current
Ignazio Abate
Scudetto 2010/11, Supercoppa Italiana 2011 

Ignazio Abate, a pacey winger of Milan youth system was recalled from loan by Leonardo in 2009. He continued playing as a right back under Massimiliano Allegri only Scudetto campaign & Clarence Seedorf stint as manager. 

March 2014 Update (champman0102.co.uk)

 

Roles & Duties
Defensive line
Provide extra width
Overlap down the flank
Get crosses in from the byline

Key Attributes
Acceleration
Anticipation
Crossing
Decisions
Dribbling
Marking
Off The Ball
Positioning
Stamina
Tackling
Teamwork
Work Rate 

Before : Although given arrow up, further inspection of default with the ball (WIB) Abate is static behind the midfield line.

After : Focus, modify, copy & paste setting to all four WIB section along the flank. Now Abate has the freedom to accelerate forward.

Advantage
Hugging the touchline will increase throw-ins chances received.
Overloading the midfield; 4-4-2 suddenly becomes 3-5-2.

Take Note
Ensure the wide midfielder in front of wingback has decent attribute in defending.
In the example, Andrea Poli a holding midfielder always step back whenever Abate is overlapping. Caution of counter attack by opponent.

Results
Voted by fans as Milan Player of the Year season 2010/11. 

World class players
Philipp Lahm
Łukasz Piszczek
Stephan Lichtsteiner