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#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
