Years ago, full-backs play relatively nominal roles in a team: they are majorly tasked with marking and defending. The best full-backs in the world then were judged based on their defensive abilities....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Often these players can be criticized for neglecting one of these areas over the other, but in the modern game, they have to be adept at both to be considered the best.
Nowadays, the role has evolved significantly and the performance of players occupying these roles is not rated based on defending alone; but also on their attacking exploits.
Players like Marcelo, Dani Alves, Patrice Evra, Ashley Cole, Alex Sandro, Jordi Alba, and Dani Carvajal have been pioneers for the modern-day fullback.
Honorable Mentions
– Oleksandr Zinchenko(Arsenal)
– Nuno Mendes(PSG)
– Nathan Ake(Manchester City)
– Joao Cancelo(Manchester City)
– Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
10. Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
Known for his range of passing, crossing, and assists, Trent Alexander-Arnold is regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football — despite alleged flaws in his defensive ability.
His overlapping runs, switching of play, accuracy of crossing, and work rate in tracking back saw him become an important figure in Liverpool’s transitional, counter-attacking style of play.
9. Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw’s performances have drastically improved since the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, the England left-back one of the team’s most important players as he drives the team forward on the left flank.
A summer off in 2022 helped Shaw return revitalized and refreshed, doing him the world of good as he won his place back from Tyrell Malacia for his club while ensuring he is the undoubted left-back for his nation at World Cup 2022.
His work off the ball is often understated, too, allowing Marcus Rashford to drive inside with his overlapping runs as well as allowing the on-fire forward to stay further up the pitch as he holds down the fort when defending.
8. Theo Hernandez (Ac Milan)
He further boosted his profile by playing a key role in France’s run to the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hernandez was a menace in attack and was the first opposition player to score against Morocco in Qatar.
Furthermore, he created 10 chances and provided an assist. Defensively, he won 13 tackles and made 30 recoveries. He played 6 games, scored a goal, and provided 2 assists for Les Blues.
7. Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Due to the intense competition at center-back and weakness at right-back, Kounde was converted to a right-back at Camp Nou. He seamlessly adapted to the new role and even played there for France at the World Cup — playing 6 matches as Les Blues reached the final. Jules Kounde played 37 matches and scored 2 goals while providing 6 assists, as Barcelona won La Liga for the first time in four years.
6. Giovanni De Lorenzo (Napoli)
Following the departures of Lorenzo Insigne and Kalidou Koulibaly last summer, Giovanni Di Lorenzo was named the new captain of Napoli.
The Italian has since gone on to lead the club to win the Serie A for the first time in 33 years, as well as reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Di Lorenzo’s displays have seen him now regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football.
The Italian is versatile, capable of playing as a center-back, an attack-minded wing-back, or a right winger due to his offensive qualities. Although he is not fast, Di Lorenzo is tall, possesses good technique, can play with both feet, and is known for his stamina, physical qualities, and ability in the air.
5. Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s squad needed plenty of work when Xavi first took over but the emergence of Alejandro Balde at left back meant no pricy replacement for Jordi Alba was necessary.
The youngster’s emergence helped him make the Golden Boy shortlist and eyes are peeled to see if he can back up his excellent 2022/23 season. He also made it to the La Liga team of the season.
4. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Hakimi was brilliant throughout as Morocco became the first-ever African nation to reach the semi-final. He made the most tackles of any player in Qatar and was the standout player in a Moroccan defense that conceded just once (an own goal) before the semi-finals.
Moreso, he created 6 chances and made an assist at the World Cup. His sweet Panenka penalty against Spain in the round of 16 was one of the highlights of the World Cup. Achraf Hakimi made 38 appearances for PSG in all competitions this season, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists.
3. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
After making a name for himself at Tottenham and Atletico Madrid, Kieran Trippier joined Newcastle in January 2022.
His wealth of experience has been immensely useful as the Saudi-backed club seeks to qualify for the Champions League next season. Trippier has made 44 appearances for Newcastle in 2022/23 so far, registering a goal and 10 assists, helping Newcastle to make the Champions League spot.
2. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Due to his exceptional pace, strength, dribbling ability, creativity, and crossing ability; Alphonso Davies established himself as one of the best young wing-backs in world football.
Although mainly playing as an attacking full-back on the left flank, the versatile Canadian is equally capable of playing as a wing-back, left midfielder, or winger.
1.Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker, whose recovery speed and technical security remain crucial to his success, has played a key role in City’s reign of Premier League dominance.
The England international is no longer relied upon in the final third as much and is instead tasked with shunning opposition counter-attacks and ensuring City can establish a numerical superiority in midfield when they have the ball.
He stepped in at crucial moments during City’s treble-winning campaign and will firmly be regarded as one of the finest fullbacks England has ever produced. He was crucial in the recently won treble by Manchester City….READFULL
