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In modern times, full-backs have evolved from only mastering the defensive aspect of the game to becoming regular creators for their teams with impeccable crossing abilities. Even though Ashley Cole is regarded as one of the best full-backs of his generation, players like him are scarcely found nowadays.
With Antonio Conte revolutionizing the three centre-back systems, full-backs have become an essential part of their teams. Their contribution to the game is more rounded off now than ever, with players needing both defensive and offensive skills to succeed on the flanks.
Full-backs to watch out for this season
With the 2021-22 season already underway, Barcelona boast one of the most promising rosters in the full-back position. Jordi Alba is fresh off one of his most productive seasons as a professional, laying out 15 assists in all competitions. In addition to the Spaniard, Barcelona have also recruited Emerson Royal for a paltry fee of €9m. The Brazilian will compete with the supremely talented Sergino Dest for a starting spot.
Elsewhere, considering Real Madrid's defensive predicament, it will be interesting to see how they use their latest star-signing David Alaba. Furthermore, RB Leipzig recently made the loan transfer of Angelino, permanent, following his sensational spell at the Red Bull Arena.
With the increasing demand for attacking full-backs in the current market, players are constantly honing their creative skills. On that note, let's take a look at five full-backs with the best crossing ability in the world at the moment:
#5 Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Widely regarded as a full-back, Achraf Hakimi has elevated his offensive game to such an extent that calling him a right midfielder won't be wrong. In his solitary season at Inter, Hakimi was deployed on the right flank as a wing-back in Antonio Conte's famous 3-5-2 system. The Moroccan thrived in that position, creating 36 chances of which eight were successfully converted.
His tremendous form, coupled with Inter's financial predicament, resulted in a bumper €60m move to PSG earlier this summer. The French giants have assembled a star-studded squad over the years but have always lacked quality and consistency in the full-back slots.
With Hakimi's inclusion, Mauricio Pochettino has not only tied up a defensive loose end but also increased his team's offensive output from the right flank. Boasting a 24.35 per cent crossing accuracy, the 22-year-old provided 27 successful crosses from open play in a league-winning season with Inter last term. It'll be interesting to see how his PSG career pans out in the coming years.
#4 Lucas Digne (Everton)
Lucas Digne was touted as a young prodigy during his initial years at Lille. Identifying him as a potential superstar of the future, PSG snapped up Digne on a €15m transfer in 2013, three days before his 20th birthday. Unfortunately, the Frenchman had an underwhelming two-year stay in Paris and was subsequently loaned out to Roma in 2015. He was eventually sold to Barcelona the next year.
After spending two years as Jordi Alba's deputy at the Camp Nou, Digne joined Everton in the summer of 2018. The France international immediately found his footing on Merseyside, making the left-back position his own at Goodison Park.
The highly physical Premier League perfectly complimented Digne's rugged style and he has since established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in England.
Digne attempted a gargantuan total of 215 crosses last season, of which a decent 21.4 per cent reached their intended target. With seven assists to his name in the 2020-21 league season, the 28-year-old left-back is one of the best crossers of the ball, period.
Also read: 5 players with the highest combined transfer fees (2021)
#3 Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)
Fitting right into the conversion of transformed full-backs, Juan Cuadrado was once regarded as one of the most promising wingers during his Fiorentina days. Following a string of impressive performances at the 2014 World Cup, Cuadrado was signed by Chelsea in the winter transfer window of 2015.
However, it soon became apparent that the Colombian playmaker was only purchased for his status without any structured plans of including him in the first team. As a result, Cuadrado devoted just six months at Stamford Bridge, spending the subsequent years at Juventus.
The pacy wide-man was reintroduced to the world as a full-back in Turin, playing most of his games on the right flank with additional defensive duties.
Six years after making his first appearance as a Juventus player, Cuadrado is still one of the best full-backs in the world in terms of his crossing ability. With 10 assists and a superior 25.93 per cent cross accuracy last season, he is still going strong at 33.
#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most highly-rated youngsters currently plying their trades in football. At just 22, the Englishman is valued at a whopping €75m. Having joined the first team under Jurgen Klopp, the creative full-back made his debut for Liverpool in 2016, aged just 18.
Since then, Alexander-Arnold has made the right-back spot his own, permanently displacing an injury-prone Nathaniel Clyne. His performances proved to be so exceptional that Clyne had to move ships in search of proper game-time. The Reds went on to win the Champions League and the Premier League in succession, with Alexander-Arnold being an integral part of the legendary squad.
What the young right-back lacks in defence, he more than makes up for through his attacking output. In 181 games for Liverpool, he has already racked up 45 assists, his best years still ahead of him.
Just last season, he produced seven assists, whipping in a whopping 297 crosses for his forwards. With a respectable cross accuracy of 22.56 per cent, Alexander-Arnold is easily one of the best creative full-backs in football at the moment.
#1 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Wrapping up the Premier League-dominated list is Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw. The rejuvenated defender is fresh off a career-best season in terms of performance. His consistency earned him the preferred left-back spot at Manchester United, as well as England. Shaw was particularly impressive in the Three Lions' run to Euro 2020's final.
Having spent many injury-riddled seasons at Old Trafford, the 26-year-old defender announced himself to the whole world in emphatic fashion last season. His exemplary form restricted newcomer Alex Telles to a few substitute and cup appearances. The Portuguese full-back was brought in to replace the outgoing Ashley Young but ended up playing second fiddle to an inspired Shaw instead.
With five assists and a goal to his name in the Premier League, the Englishman was one of the most innovative full-backs in the world last season. He created 72 chances in the league itself, maintaining a 30.16 per cent crossing accuracy throughout the 2020-21 season.
If Shaw manages to stay consistent and fit, he still has time to fulfill the potential that compelled United to fork out €37.5m for a 19-year-old in 2014.
Also read: 5 goalkeepers with the best ball distribution in the world right now
