The full-back is now a midfielder, and the data agrees

The inverted full-back has moved from novelty to convention quickly enough that the language has not caught up with the role.

Where the touches happen

Touch maps for a growing number of full-backs now cluster in central midfield rather than along the touchline, particularly in possession phases against a low block.

The position is still called full-back. Almost nothing else about it is unchanged.

What it costs

The trade is defensive width on the counter, which is why the sides using it most also invest heavily in recovery pace at centre-back.