The wing-back is a modern variation on the full-back with heavier emphasis on attack. Today, this position is considered a half-back. This type of defender focuses more heavily on attack than defense, yet they must have the ability, when needed, to fall back and mark opposing players to lessen the threat of conceding a goal-scoring opportunity. Some formations have half-back players that mainly focus on defending, and some that focus more on attack.
In the evolution of the modern game, wing-backs are the combination of wingers and full-backs. As such, it is one of the most physically demanding positions in modern football. Wing-backs are often more adventurous than full-backs and are expected to provide width, especially in teams without wingers. A wing-back needs to be of exceptional stamina, be able to provide crosses upfield and defend effectively against opponents' attacks down the flanks. Some players who exemplify these traits are Shannon Cole of Western Sydney Wanderers, Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City, and DeAndre Yedlin of Spurs. A defensive midfielder is usually fielded to cover the advances of wing-backs.[11] It can also be occupied by wingers and side midfielders in a 3-centre-back formation.