The modern-day tactical trend is characterised by the diverging evolution of wide players. While some coaches want their players to act as traditional touchline-hugging wingers – think Jeremy Doku at Manchester City – others move in the complete opposite direction.
For the purpose of this article, we will call this new interpretation of the position the ‘wide forward’, and illustrate this evolution through Arsenal’s very own Bukayo Saka.
The wide forward role requires top-level technical excellence, tactical intelligence and physicality. Getting your wide forward from the academy is like hitting a jackpot on no wagering free spins! And this is exactly what Mikel Arteta did with the 23-year-old England international.
Versatility and Specialisation: From Left-Back to Wide Forward
Saka’s journey to redefining the wide forward position began with an unconventional foundation that would prove instrumental in his tactical development. Bukayo’s first appearances for the Gunners were as a left-back and left wing-back during the 2019/20 season, with head coach Arteta having to look for solutions due to the injury plague that hit the squad. It was those early matches and countless training sessions that equipped Saka with a unique perspective on defensive positioning and transition play that few attacking players possess. The player himself described that period as educational, as it instilled in him a comprehensive understanding of defensive duties, spatial awareness and the importance of tactical discipline within a structured system.
This defensive experience fundamentally distinguishes Saka’s play in the wide forward position from more traditional wingers and forwards. Where a conventional wide player might prioritise one-on-one attacking actions, Bukayo’s approach blends his understanding of team shape and defensive transition with his attacking instincts. Moreover, his ability to track back, press effectively high on the pitch, and maintain positional discipline during defensive phases sets him apart from other players in his position.
The transition from defensive roles to attacking positions under Arteta’s guidance was gradual and purposeful. Saka did not simply revert to his natural instincts, having played as an attacker during the academy years, Bukayo integrated his defensive understanding into his attacking talent to create a hybrid profile that would become central to Arsenal’s tactical evolution.
The Modern Incarnation: Inverting Traditional Expectations
Playing a predominantly left-footed winger on the right flank creates natural inversion opportunities, but Bukayo Saka’s interpretation of his wide forward role goes far beyond cutting inside. His intelligent positioning allows for sophisticated interplay with Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s creative force in midfield. Saka’s drifting inward creates numerical superiority in key central areas and simultaneously draws defensive attention away from Odegaard.
Furthermore, this positional shift creates space for overlapping runs from Arsenal’s right-back. As a result of this rotational movement, opposite defensive lines are stretched both horizontally and vertically, which creates space and time for Arsenal’s attacks to develop. These movements suggest a player who understands space creation not just for personal gain but for collective tactical advantage.
Another key point is the technical excellence with which Bukayo performs his role. The top-level body positioning and close control of the ball that characterise his dribbling allows him to beat defenders in confined spaces. This is a crucial skill when operating in congested central areas, and sets him apart from traditional wingers who rely on pure pace more often.
The psychological profile adds another dimension to Saka’s positional redefinition. Despite his youth, he is willing to assume leadership responsibilities and influence the game through individual brilliance while maintaining collective goals as a priority. Contemporary wide forwards are often among a team’s most important players, and Saka’s psychological maturity, backed by his love for the club, enables him to balance these demands effectively.
Points of Potential Improvement: Right Foot and Finishing
At 23 years old, Bukayo is yet to enter his prime and naturally has room to grow. One such point of growth would be his ambipedality, or the ability to play with both feet. Saka remains predominantly left-footed, but an increasing comfort with his right foot would make him even more unpredictable in one-on-one situations and allow for more varied attacking approaches from his inverted position. This technical development would directly support his tactical versatility, enabling him to threaten the goal from multiple angles and positions.
A second point of growth would be Saka’s finishing ability. Traditionally, wingers are primarily judged by their creative output, but contemporary wide forwards like Saka are expected to contribute significantly to goal tallies. Bukayo has had one 20-goal season in 2023/24 and would have probably hit similar numbers in 2024/25 if not for his injury. However, he has the potential to do better, and should strive to deliver 25-goal seasons year after year to reach a new level in his development. This would further illustrate how his position has evolved to encompass striker-like responsibilities while maintaining traditional wing play elements.
In conclusion, Bukayo Saka’s journey from academy prospect to positional innovator showcases football’s capacity for continuous evolution, where traditional roles adapt to meet modern tactical demands. In redefining what it means to be a wide forward, Saka contributes to the ongoing redefinition of football itself, proving that individual development and tactical innovation remain inextricably linked. And the best is yet to come.