Robert Pires: The Evolution of Wingers in Modern Football
It has been nearly 14 years since Robert Pires last graced an English football pitch in a professional match, marking the end of his stint at Aston Villa. Despite his departure, Pires remains a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern wingers, particularly as one of the first inverted wingers of the Premier League era. His tactical legacy continues to shape the way wide players approach the game in contemporary football.
Before the Premier League era, the norm dictated that right-footed wingers played on the right side, while left-footed wingers occupied the left flank. However, Pires, along with a select group of players like David Ginola, Marc Overmars, and the Chelsea trio of Damien Duff, Joe Cole, and Arjen Robben, challenged this orthodoxy by playing on the opposite side to their stronger foot. This shift marked a significant departure from traditional tactics and paved the way for a new era of wingers in the English game.
Pires’ journey as an inverted winger began with a positional shift in his late teens. Despite his initial reservations about playing on the left as a right-footed player, Pires quickly realized the advantages of his new role. By being on the ‘wrong’ flank, he gained a wider field of vision, enabling him to explore a variety of attacking options with his preferred foot. This unorthodox approach often left defenders puzzled, as they struggled to anticipate his next move.
One of Pires’ signature moves as an inverted winger was the ‘stop-start’ dribble, a deceptive technique that outwitted countless opponents. By feigning acceleration, then abruptly halting before accelerating again, Pires created a dynamic and unpredictable style of play that set him apart from traditional wingers. This blend of skill, creativity, and intelligence made him a formidable force on the left flank.
Despite not possessing explosive pace, Pires compensated with his impeccable dribbling and playmaking abilities. His keen sense of timing and spatial awareness allowed him to exploit defensive weaknesses and create scoring opportunities for his team. One memorable instance of his mastery was an assist against Liverpool at Anfield, where his stop-start dribble left Steven Gerrard stranded before setting up a goal for Freddie Ljungberg.
Arsene Wenger, Pires’ former manager at Arsenal, played a crucial role in revolutionizing the role of wingers by deploying him on the left despite being right-footed. This strategic decision not only confounded opponents but also inspired a generation of modern wingers to embrace the inverted winger role. Pires’ influence on the game continues to resonate, as evidenced by the plethora of inverted wingers in today’s Premier League.
When asked to name his top five modern wingers, Pires highlighted players like Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal. He commended Saka for his ability to beat opponents and his tactical awareness on the pitch. Salah’s positional sense and anticipation were lauded, while Vinicius Junior’s speed and versatility were praised. Raphinha’s technical finesse and shooting accuracy stood out, and Lamine Yamal’s fearlessness and precision in passing earned admiration.
In conclusion, Robert Pires’ legacy as an inverted winger has left an indelible mark on the evolution of modern football. His innovative approach to playing on the ‘wrong’ flank has reshaped traditional notions of winger roles and inspired a new generation of players to embrace versatility and creativity. As the game continues to evolve, Pires’ influence serves as a testament to the enduring impact of tactical innovation and strategic adaptation in football.
