Why having a left-footed right winger is so hot right now

"Over the last 15 years, one particular style of player has become Europe's hottest -- and at times most expensive -- trend: the left-footed right winger. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise represent the current, shining examples of this phenomenon, while some greats blazed the trail before them, notably: Arjen Robben, Gareth Bale, Ángel Di María, Riyad Mahrez and, of course, Lionel Messi."

"used to emerge only once every two or three years. But these days, the game is producing several per year at the elite level, as youth coaches have responded to tactical changes in the modern game and embraced a demand -- from both clubs and players -- to produce inverted wingers who can drive at the heart of defense and shoot, rather than hug the touchline and cross."

"Already, the 2025-26 season is threatening to become the playground upon which an incredible new cast of left-footed right wingers take center stage. Yamal, still just 18, heads a teenage pack that includes Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, Chelsea's Estêvão, and perhaps even Arsenal's Max Dowman, who made his Premier League debut and won a penalty on Saturday aged only 15."

"Traditional wingers and the art of crossing once dominated the Premier League landscape and heavily influenced the European game. A 4-4-2 formation with two central midfielders, two strikers, and two wingers crossing into the box with their stronger foot was pretty common. Sir Alex Ferguson's incredibly successful Manchester United sides of the 1990s and 2000s were great examples; with left-footed Ryan Giggs on the left and right-footed David Beckham"

Over the last 15 years left-footed right wingers have emerged as a dominant attacking profile across Europe, exemplified by Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka and Michael Olise. Only about 20% of players are left footed, which once made such inverted wingers rare, but tactical shifts and coaching priorities have increased their production at elite levels. Youth systems now emphasize producing players who cut inside to shoot rather than stay wide to cross. The 2025-26 season features a new cohort of teenage left-footed right wingers, signaling continued emphasis on goal-focused wide attackers.

Read at ESPN.com