Wing Back Discussion

[McSweeny]

Well i'm on the market and i'm looking to strenghten my defence. I put up outstanding-formidable-inad/passable across the back. So naturally i want to improve the inad side. Part of that low rating is because i play my guy on offensive.

ok so i guess what i've been wondering about is how important is the winger rating to a wing back? After doing some reading up on the hattrick rules i find that winger skill doesn't effect the defence at all. Now if i go by just that i wouldn't care if any of my 3 defenders had ANY winger skill right? But winger skill for wingbacks boosts my attack...

so i guess what this all boils down to is what skills a good wingback should have. I just lost out in the bidding for a 24yr old excellent defender/passable winger. So i'm thinking maybe excellent/inad would be good... or maybe solid/solid?

I figure i'll end up going with what i find first for a good price, but i figured this would promt some good discussion

[KevinNU7]

I you play them offensive then you should do with the best winger rating you can get an find someone with a better defensive rating then palymaking rating.

[daedalus]

If you intend to play your wingback offensive, you might keep a few things in mind:

1) His defensive skill takes a penalty so, when considering what defense he will contribute to your cause, consider his effective defense to be about a level below listed.

2) You might be able to make up for that by playing your centreback on the same side (swapping Ortega with your Extra Inner Midfielder so that Ortega covers for McConnell).

3) Don't forget that the best way to boost your defensive ratings is STILL by improving your keeper (admittedly, improving Stout's 4-stars is going to be both difficult AND expensive).

4) As Kevin mentioned, keep playmaking in the back of your mind as you look. An offensive wingback will contribute a small amount to your midfield. Any contribution helps! :)

Unrelated but could be useful if you're shopping for defenders: If you intend to make use of Counter-Attack, Attack on Wing or Attack in Middle tactics next season, keep passing in mind as those relies on passing (defenders only for C-A) to work.