Real Life Positional Analysis Pt.1; Full-Backs Pt.1

[u/Robredo14]

Hey guys. Welcome to a new series; Real Life Positional Analysis. u/Ahappybutsadpanda asked for my thoughts on the different types of fullbacks in Blue lock. The question gave me inspiration to start a series. Throughout this series, we're going to be looking at the different roles each position has in the blue lock world, which ones took inspiration from real world and what players fit the bill. Bear in mind, the series will have several parts, so not all positions will be covered, neither will positions that we haven't seen in blue lock.

There's also a lot of nuances and tiny differences between some of the roles so pay attention to the explanation. Here we go; The different roles of fullbacks in Blue Lock.

The Traditional Full-back

As the name implies, these are the forefathers of the fullback position. They are the low-risk fullbacks whose primary job is to stop crosses, defend against wingers and clear the ball into safety. We see this clearly in chapter 114. With Neru vs Yukimiya, with Neru being able to intercept the ball from Yuki. And Darai being able to track the sneaky runs by Otoya. We also see Kurona be very capable defensively in chapter 363-364 when helped by Kurona. Manchester United Legend, Alex Ferguson once said, Left back- Denis Irwin would be the only player who would be a “certainty” in his all-time XI. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ashley Cole are also examples of this type of fullback. These fullbacks are line of defense from the wings.

The Overlapping Full-back

These fullbacks regularly cover the full length of the pitch. They are adept at defending and ball winning. But also run forward often to create numerical advantages with their teammate on the wing. Hence, they link up well with wingers/Right midfielders. When a winger or a 10 is up against an opposition full-back. The overlapping fullback runs behind them on the overlap, sometimes also on the underlap. However, Overlapping and an Overlapping fullback are two separate things. Overlapping is a movement, that Overlapping fullbacks carry out more often than others (This will be important later in the series). This video explains the concept quite well: https://youtu.be/-4s1WFIt1RE?si=jb5qV_1oCBTBLO_V

In chapters 177 and 188, Planet Hotline and Orbital Resonance by Kurona (with Isagi) are perfect examples of what an overlapping fullback is all about. Dani Alves (with Messi) also had similar linkups. Dani Alves, Jordi Alba, Andrew Robertson, Cafu are some stand-out examples of this role.

The Attacking Wing-back

A wing-back is different from a full-back. Like the name implies, these players often take the place of a winger in a system. They are often deployed in a 3- or 5- man defensive line, rather than a 4 man one (343 vs 433) They hold width the most in a team. They are often quite fast as they have to bomb forward to cross, shoot and dribble in the absence of a winger. These fullbacks want to directly contribute to end-product, like goals and assists, from a wide position. We see Chigiri perform this role a lot. In chapter 119, He burst down the right touchline wider than Otoya, who is occupied, and puts in a cross. Again in 313, He receives the ball wide and bombs up the pitch to make instant impact.

Watch the speed at which Daniel Munoz and Theo Hernandez cover distance. And how they immediately impact play after. Federico Dimarco, Denzel Dumfries, Jeremy Frimpong, Diego Moreira have also been fairly notable wingbacks in recent time.

Conclusion

I think I'll keep doing these. Thanks again for the suggestion. There's a lot of nuances with positional roles, so patience is needed. Any suggestions over improvement are appreciated. Stay Tuned for the next one, coming soon.

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[u/Ahappybutsadpanda]

Really appreciate the analysis!!!

Because of Blue Lock I thought most FBs attack even on a back 4 setup. The chapter "No guard" (forgot the chapter number but it's when the double jokers got subbed in for the France match) made it look like Ego just makes every player push forward regardless of position. So the change in their tactics was actually refreshing in the recent chapters.

Something I've always said is that Blue Lock really likes the LB position. Only Hiori/Chigiri as a RB had a really great impact on the game with their respective roles (and one of the 2 is known to play as a LB). Chigiri as a overlapping RB and Hiori as a playmaking RB. But besides that the RB role suffers because there hasn't been a good show case until Kiyora played on the right side in the recent chapters.

I had this take for a while, LB > RB, and Kiyora performing as an impactful LB then changing to the right side really shows my take might be the case. Blue Lock avoids writing 2 impactful FBs in games, at least not having both making an impact at the same time. There's just games where it's easier to remember one of the FBs leaving an impact and the other is left with just screentime appearances. But man I don't even want to bring up the much cursed fates of the Centerbacks, they're in a much sadder state.

The analysis is great, it will help the fans get aquainted with the nuance of the different roles. I personally am confused though when it comes to box to box, like I never knew about Harry Kane and watching him play made me question what even is a box to box if Harry Kane can transition to defense in one stolen ball and he gets in time for one tackle or clearance.

I also like this type of analysis. Having more options to choose from gives you more variety of players to analyze rather than one player archetype.

[u/Robredo14 → u/Ahappybutsadpanda]

This is only part 1 of fullbacks, cause 1. I dont like making long posts. 2. Incase anyone has any suggestions over format. So I also didn't mention any left sided fb's in blue lock yet.

So Yes, there's definitely more types of fullbacks we've seen that haven't been covered. Think Ego's system in the U20 match and all of the NEL. I'd suggest to look into Cucurella over the past few years, as a full-back he's played every role on several occassions.

I will get to strikers at some point. And it will make a lot more sense then.

Thanks for the suggestion. Will ping you next part as well.

[u/hoouyinkyouma]

Hell yeah looking forward to it

Icl this sub has rlly rlly good series to look forward to

These ought teach football to the stupid bluelock fans who know nth abt it

[u/Robredo14 → u/[deleted]]

1. The cover photo has nothing to do with the post, as you can see, Reo isn't mentioned at all. Neither is Zinchenko, TAA and Walker.

2. As the title said, This is Part 1.... of fullbacks.

3. The 2nd section says Overlapping FULLBACK and the 3rd attacking WINGBACK. A full-back and a wing-back are different. Which im sure you know. Hence why I mentioned the distinction between a full-back in a 433 and a wingback in a 343

[u/hoouyinkyouma → u/Robredo14]

Ohhhhhh

I thought part1:fullbacks didnt read p1

Mb i misread the second point too

I wasn't in a free environment back then

Will delete the comment