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A full-back's job in modern football is not only to shore up the defence, but also to contribute in attack. That makes the position difficult to play in, despite the lack of recognition full-backs usually get.
A full-back also needs to be full of running, marauding the length of their side of the pitch. So, usually, the best full-backs are often in their 20s, with their powers beginning to wane as they cross 30.
However, there are a few full-backs who have continued to perform at the highest level despite turning 30. On that note, here's a look at five full-backs above the age of 30 who are still going strong:
#5 Jesus Navas
Jesus Navas made his name as a right midfielder/winger. But since his return to Sevilla in 2017, the former Manchester City man has largely been deployed as a right-back. And Navas hasn't failed to impress at the position.
The 35-year-old's speed and crossing have been two of his biggest assets, which he has used well during his second stint with Sevilla. He provided seven assists in the 2019-20 league season, and followed that up with six more in the next one. Navas has already made two assists in 11 league appearances this season.
During his four-year spell with Manchester City between 2013 and 2017, Navas won a Premier League and two League Cup titles. He also captained Sevilla to the Europa League title in 2019-20.
Navas recently suffered a thigh injury that will keep him out of action for eight weeks.
#4 Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier evolved into a solid right-back during his time with Tottenham Hotspur. That helped him earn a call-up to England's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. Trippier scored his only international goal so far in the quadrennial tournament - a free-kick in England's semi-final against Croatia.
The next season, Trippier formed an integral part of the Spurs side that reached the 2018-19 Champions League final, where they went down to Liverpool. Atletico Madrid came calling, and Trippier became the first English player to represent the Rojiblancos.
The 31-year-old has impressed in Spain too, with a ten-week ban due to betting-related activities being the only setback in his Atletico career so far. He also won the La Liga title with them last season.
Trippier has been linked with a move back to England, with Manchester United and Newcastle United interested in his services.
#3 Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has been a loyal servant of the club since joining them in an €8 million deal from Marseille in 2012. He has made 442 appearances for The Blues across competitions, scoring 14 and assisting 56 goals.
Azpilicueta is a leader on the pitch, marshalling his troops brilliantly. He captained the club to their second Champions League title last season. He has continued to perform at the top level despite getting shifted to centre-back in a three-man defence Thomas Tuchel has employed.
Now into his tenth year with Chelsea, the 32-year-old has won two Premier League, a Champions League, an FA Cup and a League cup title.
#2 Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017. He has been a regular at City since then, helping them to three Premier League, an FA Cup and four League Cup titles.
Now into his fifth season with City, Walker is still one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has made 197 appearances for the club, scoring six and assisting 15 times.
Kyle Walker can play as a right-back, in a three-man defence and also as a wing-back. His versatility and tactical awareness make him one of the better full-backs in the game. Gareth Southgate has been used the 31-year-old as part of a back-three for England, where Walked has fitted in seamlessly.
#1 Jordi Alba
Barcelona's Jordi Alba is one of the best full-backs in the world above the age of 30.
The left-back flourished when Lionel Messi led the Barcelona attack, with Alba often being in the mix of things at the offensive end of the pitch. Despite his age, Alba hasn't slowed down or suffered a dent in his attacking abilities, even after Messi's departure to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Alba joined Barcelona in 2012, and has since played 396 games for the club across competitions, scoring 22 goals and making 86 assists. He has won five La Liga titles, as many Spanish Cups and three Spanish Super Cups, along with a UEFA Champions League title in 2014-15.
Despite Barcelona's struggles in the ongoing season, Jordi Alba has continued to perform at the attacking front. In 11 appearances across competitions, he has already made five assists.
