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A former world-class full-back has analysed the challenges of defending against Europe's elite wingers, including Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Bukayo Saka.
Former full-back Philipp Lahm has offered his expert analysis on how to nullify some of the Champions League 's most dangerous wingers.
Reflecting on his own experiences against tricky wide players, Lahm considered the best approaches to contain the threats posed by the likes of Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Bukayo Saka.
The former Bayern and Germany captain traced the evolution of these attackers back to players like Marc Overmars, who combined traditional wing play with incisive dribbling.
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Lahm also recalled his Bayern Munich teammates Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, highlighting their constant threat through quick changes of direction and finishing ability.
Lahm on stopping Vini Jr, Saka and Yamal
Turning his attention to modern wingers, Lahm analysed Vinicius Jr.'s impressive ability to operate at high speed and initiate attacks from deep.
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The retired defender emphasised the importance of denying Vinicius space to move infield and forcing him towards the touchline.
“Vinicius Jr’s dribbling and changes of direction remind me of Robben and Ribery,” Lahm told The Athletic. “However, he tends to be less diligent defensively, which offers opportunities to attack in transitional moments.
“Defending him with the ball is harder. I don’t think Vinicius Jr can ever be neutralised, but it’s crucial not to give him space to move inside.
“You have to deny him the angles and space that allow him to drive towards the penalty box. Push him outwards, always towards the touchline.”
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Regarding Saka, Lahm noted his significant development under Mikel Arteta, highlighting his clarity of thought and vision in the final third.
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The retired defender believes the best way to deal with the Englishman’s all-round threat is to limit his touches and block the passing lanes around him, isolating him and forcing him onto his weaker foot.
“ Saka is clearly a really purposeful and precise dribbler, too, so I think dealing with him as an all-round threat is about cutting off the supply,” said Lahm.
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“The best approach is to limit his touches and to try to block the passing lanes around him. He needs to be isolated.
“Make sure he only has poor options around him and, as much as possible, keep him on his weaker right foot.”
Finally, Lahm described Yamal as astonishing for his age, praising his quick decision-making and precise passing.
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Lahm stressed the need for maximum concentration at all times when defending against Yamal, anticipating his movements and denying him any space, particularly on his stronger foot.
“Lamine Yamal is astonishing. For his age, he is astounding,” said the 2014 World Cup winner. “He makes quick decisions, never takes more touches of the ball than he needs and often finds his team-mates with just a few touches.
“Defending him requires maximum concentration at all times — everywhere — and you need to have the ability to anticipate his movements, too, because you don’t have time to react to them.
“He has to be on his weaker foot at all times. He cannot have any space.”
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What’s next for Vini Jr., Saka and Yamal?
While Saka and Yamal are still in the Champions League, Vini Jr and Real Madrid were already eliminated in the quarter-finals.
The Brazilian should feature for Los Blancos against Celta Vigo, as Carlo Ancelotti’s team attempt to reel in Barcelona in LaLiga.
With Liverpool now crowned Premier League champions, Arsenal’s sole focus is the Champions League, but the Gunners must overturn a first-leg defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.
Yamal should feature for Barcelona in Wednesday’s semi-final first-leg contest with Inter.
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