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Over the years, football has evolved a lot in terms of the style of play employed by teams, formations and managerial tactics, to name a few. But most importantly, there have been noticeable changes in the responsibilities of players, especially defenders.
Defender, in particular, have a lot more riding on their shoulders today than ever before, as they need to pose a threat in attack, both from set-pieces and open play.
Having such attack-minded defenders is always a bonus for a team contending for titles on various fronts. On that note, here's a look at five such players who possess the most attacking threat despite playing in defence.
#5 Fernando Hierro
Spain have produced many incredibly talented defenders over the years, but Fernando Hierro arguably ranks among the best.
A highly versatile player who could play with ease in multiple positions, Hierro packed solid defensive play with expansive passing range and goalscoring prowess.
After breaking out with Real Valladolid, Fernando Hierro moved to Real Madrid in 1989, where he firmly established himself among the league's biggest legends.
He was hugely sought-after for possessing an aerial threat during corners and his penchant for darting into the final third, making him a huge menace from open play too.
Hierro was a regular goalscorer for Los Blancos, registering his career-best tally of 21 strikes in the 1991-92 season - the most by a defender in the club's history.
#4 Laurent Blanc
Laurent Blanc started out as an attacking midfielder at Montpellier before dropping back to become an effective sweeper, although that only served to harness his goalscoring prowess further.
He scored well over 100 times in his club career, spanning nine teams, including Barcelona, Napoli, Inter Milan and Manchester United. Blanc also bagged 16 goals for France.
Most of his goals came from set-pieces, where he excelled, while his towering stature allowed him to have a dominant presence, especially in aerial challenges.
Blanc is most renowned for netting the Golden Goal against Paraguay in the last-16 of France's victorious campaign at the 1998 FIFA World Cup at home.
#3 Roberto Carlos
Here's another legend of the game who accomplished many things after becoming a full-back. Roberto Carlos doesn't need an introduction. He's widely considered the most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game, and quite rightly so.
The former Brazil great was a menace with his surging runs and crosses. However, Carlos' biggest talent was scoring his trademark bending free-kicks, the likes of which are almost impossible to replicate.
He earned the nickname 'The Bullet Man' for his ability to strike the dead-ball powerfully, none more so than his all-time legendary 'banana kick' against France in 1997.
The full-back's attacking prowess played a big role in the Seleccao's triumphant 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign and Real Madrid's league and European triumphs.
#2 Sergio Ramos
His goalscoring tally may not compare much to most of the names on this list. But Sergio Ramos is still among the defenders with the most attacking threat despite only being a centre-back.
Known for his leadership skills and goalscoring ability, the Spaniard often came up clutch for Real Madrid in crucial moments, be it heading in from corners or clinically dispatching penalties.
In a few rare instances, Ramos also demonstrated his free-kick prowess.
Ramos is one of the best headers of the ball, and his most famous contribution for Los Blancos was heading in a corner in the 94th minute of the 2014 Champions League final, which the Merengues won in extra time to win their La Decima.
35 and still going strong, the former Galactico is now looking to script a new chapter with French giants PSG.
#1 Ronald Koeman
Boasting a goalscoring record which any centre-forward would be proud of, Ronald Koeman is arguably the most prolific attacking defender of all-time and he's certain to retain it for many more years to come.
Renowned for his long-range passing, shooting ability and a keen eye for goal, the former centre-back scored all types of goals in his career - free-kicks, penalties, curling shots and long-rangers.
But it was Koeman's set-piece prowess that helped Barcelona win their first-ever European title with an exquisite free-kick in the 1992 UEFA Champions League final against Sampdoria.
With a staggering tally of 253 career goals, there has never been a defender more dangerous, attack-minded and threatening in attack than the current Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman.
