Of course, David Villa was untested as a winger when he initially arrived at Camp Nou and was assigned to the right side, while Thierry Henry had not played as a winger in many years when he joined FC Barcelona and was assigned to the left wing. However, within months of each other, both players were moved to the left flank where they gained experience and proved themselves worthy teammates to Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez.
David Villa has always been a forward who can also play on the wing. He started his career at local club New York City FC before moving to Spain in January 2008. It wasn't until later that year when he made his La Liga debut against Getafe CF at the age of 23. In 2009, Villa won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona and also scored twice in the Champions League against Manchester United. He became a regular for Barca in 2010 and continued playing there until 2016 when he moved to NYCFC.
Villa has always been a goal scorer and despite playing on the wing, he has often been used as a number 9 or a striker. At City, he usually plays as an orthodox forward but can also fill in at left back if needed.
Barcelona signed him after he helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament.
The words "winger" or "wide player" in contemporary football refer to a non-defender who plays on the left or right side of the pitch. These words can refer to left or right midfielders, offensive midfielders on the left or right, or forwards on the left or right. Although the word "wingman" is still used today to describe the position on the field held by a left midfielder or forward, it is no longer accurate because both wings are now used as playing positions.
During the early years of the modern game, the term "winger" was also used for players who took shots from outside the box. This type of player is now called a "goal scorer".
In addition, the word "winger" was used to describe an attacking player who would take over the role of a defender if needed. For example, a wily old striker might be described as a winger because he would often come off his marker to help out defensively or go looking for the ball even if there wasn't any danger of being caught out by a defensive move. These types of players are now called "controllers".
Finally, the word "winger" was also used to describe an outfield player who could either attack the ball or cover defense. For example, if the opposing team had a number 10 player who liked to take free kicks, then this player would be described as a "winger".
Muller's function at Bayern is different. He was a winger early in his career, but he is now firmly entrenched in a center spot just off primary striker Robert Lewandowski. They are almost like two parts of one player - Muller will drop back and help out defensively, while also being willing to run with the ball at times.
As a winger, Thomas Muller played extremely fast football, using his speed to dribble past defenders and open up space for teammates. This is exactly what makes him such an important part of Bayern's system today, as he can play anywhere across the front line. He often starts games on the left side, but if Jerome Boateng is sent off or is replaced, he could move over to the right side instead.
Their relationship goes beyond football too. Muller has said that his friend status with Lewandowski means more to him than any trophy or award. They enjoy training together and having fun with each other outside of work too - they both have daughters who share the same birthday, and Muller even calls Lewandowski "onkel" (uncle) because they share the same age.
In short, yes, Thomas Muller is a winger, but he is also very much a central midfielder at heart.
He continued his football career at UP Langreo before joining the Mareo football school at the age of 17. Villa drew interest from numerous Asturian teams, but one of the province's larger clubs, Real Oviedo, said that he was too small and that they did not feel he had enough potential.
Villa is a Spanish icon and the all-time highest scorer in Spanish national team history. Before transferring to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, he also scored more than 100 goals for Valencia.
What exactly is a winger in soccer? Wingers are aggressive midfielders who play in wide areas, or "on the wing." Wingers are frequently some of the most interesting players to watch because they are skilled and fast, with exceptional dribbling and crossing abilities. They tend to use their skill set to create chances for themselves by taking on opponents one-on-one, or by finding space in the middle of the field where they can shoot or pass.
Wingers usually start on the left side of the pitch but can also be found on the right. They often make diagonal runs into the area from outside the left corner of the box to try and find space to shoot or send in a cross, while keeping an eye on the ball at all times in case of opportunity presents itself.
Players who specialize in playing on the wing include Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben, Andrés Iniesta, and Gareth Bale.
Winger is a term used to describe someone who plays on the wing. A center forward who has good skills on the wing is called a "winger-forward."
In association football, a winger is a player who plays on the flank opposite to that on which the centre-forward operates.