Wingers are arguably the most interesting players to watch on a football pitch.
They are responsible for providing width to the sides, but that doesn’t mean they just run along the sideline.

Wingers are those who try to create openings in the final third using their speed, trickery and ability to send the ball into dangerous areas.

The role of wingers has evolved over the years.
There are mainly two types of wingers. One is the traditional winger who heads for the boundary line after beating defenders to send crosses into the box. The other is the inverted winger, who tries to infiltrate down the flank before going on goal or making a nimble pass that cuts through the defense to create a chance.

There are a lot of world-class wingers in the world right now. Without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the best wingers in football this season.

#5 Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur)

At this point, we have to admit that Son Heung-Min has largely dispelled the myth that Tottenham Hotspur is a ‘Harry Kane team’. The South Korea international has been phenomenal for Spurs since joining them in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen.

Harry Kane struggled badly in the first half of the current campaign and it was Son who stepped up and delivered for the Lilywhites. He continues to do so as well and is one of the fittest wingers in the world right now.

Son is a world-class example of an inverted winger. He has a lot of speed and is excellent with the ball at his feet. The 29-year-old also has a great range and is able to find the back of the net from anywhere in the final third.

He has bagged 18 goals and eight assists in 40 appearances in all competitions for Antonio Conte’s side.

#4 Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Liverpool have been at their best in attack this season. They boast one of the most intimidating frontlines in the world today and also boast enviable depth up top. Jurgen Klopp must be one of the luckiest managers in this regard.

He can choose three players from Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Harvey Elliott for each game.

New signing Luis Diaz has been touted as Mane’s successor, but the latter has proven this season that it’s too early to contemplate a future without him.

The Senegal international won AFCON 2021 earlier this year. He has also been in great form for the Merseysiders and this season could very well be one of the most memorable of his career.

In 43 appearances in all competitions so far this season, Mane has scored 19 goas and provided three assists.

#3 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Riyad Mahrez is one of the most stylish players on the planet. The Algerian international possesses exquisite technique which is reflected in his deft first contact, body feints and ability to outflank defenders and beat them.

Mahrez has been a force to be reckoned with on Manchester City’s right wing since the start of the season. He has scored several spectacular goals this year and, despite being 31 years old, he remains one of Manchester City’s best attacking assets.

In 42 appearances in all competitions since the start of the season, Mahrez has scored 23 goals and provided eight assists.

#2 Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid are currently one point away from winning their 35th La Liga title. Two of his attackers, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr, are largely responsible for this success, the first in 32 years.

While Benzema has been Real Madrid’s strongman for a few seasons now, the club desperately needed one of their youngsters to finally shine. We’ve seen flashes of genius from Vinicius Jr, but for the past couple of years he’s limited himself to that as well.

However, the 21-year-old managed to double his strength and become one of the best wingers in the world. He has the “samba” flair associated with the greatest Brazilian footballers.

It’s a pleasure to see Vinicius Jr. have a blast when he’s on top. He’s bagged 17 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos since the start of the season.

#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool striker, is undoubtedly one of the most successful players of the 2021-22 season. He has been in sublime form for Liverpool and this could very well be the best season of his career too.

Salah has been a menacing presence on the right wing for Jurgen Klopp’s men. His electric pace, his ability to beat defenders and his inimitable ability to find the back of the net in extremely difficult situations make him one of the greatest strikers of the modern era.

Salah could yet finish the season with a four-fold, with Liverpool remaining in contention for all remaining titles. They have already won the League Cup and this could be the year that Jurgen Klopp truly etches his name in Merseyside folklore.

In 43 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool since the start of the season, Salah has scored 30 goals and provided 13 assists.