Inverted Full-Backs: Why Players Like Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly Are Booming – Tactical Theory

The evolution of inverted full-backs stands as one of the most significant tactical innovations of the past decade.

Born from the need to manipulate central spaces and enhance control during the possession phase, this role has transformed the approach to deep build-up play and the creation of numerical superiority in central areas.

While embryonic forms of the concept had already emerged in the past, such as certain adaptations seen in total football or Pep Guardiola’s early Barcelona, it is only in recent years that the role has acquired consistent codification within top-level tactical systems.

This tactical analysis and tactical theory piece outlines the development of this role and its primary purpose on the pitch.

Why Use Inverted Full-Backs?

The primary function of the inverted full-back is to abandon the traditional wide corridor to occupy the half-space or even central zones during build-up.

This positional shift provides a more compact and structurally stable shape in possession, improving connections between units and offering an additional vertical passing option towards attacking midfielders or advanced central players.

Their central presence also aids in ball retention under pressure, offering short passing lanes and increasing the fluidity of the teams circulation.

Typically, the inverted full-back operates within a possession structure that resembles a 3-2-5 or a 2-3-5 formation.

In the latter configuration, the two full-backs often have asymmetrical responsibilities: one remains wide to ensure width, while the other tucks in to operate as a second pivot alongside the holding midfielder.

This dynamic movement, frequently observed in Guardiola’s Manchester City and Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli, is designed to create numerical superiority in central areas while maintaining structural balance during negative transitions.

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