5 Premier League full-backs who can do well as wingers

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League

Premier League teams take a ruthless approach when it comes to attacking. That being said, not all teams prefer to go all guns blazing as sitting back helps them generate a positive result.

The game in England has always been intense and physical and that's probably why the Premier League is one of the most entertaining leagues. The most unexpected of players can pop up and ruin the opposition's day on any given weekend.

Premier League full-backs are good attackers

Modern football has changed a lot of things and one of them is how the full-backs approach the game. They have become more attack-minded than ever and prefer to take a gamble going forward rather than holding back.

In the process, some Premier League full-backs have become very good with their attacking approach. Their playing style is so advanced that they can even do well playing as wingers. On that note, let's take a look at those Premier League full-backs who can do justice playing on the wings.

Honorable Mention: Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)


#5 Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Sheffield United v Manchester City - Premier League
Sheffield United v Manchester City - Premier League

Kyle Walker has always liked to participate in the attack, right from his Tottenham Hotspur days. He has preferred to use his blistering pace to go past defenders on the wings and provide crosses into the box.

At Manchester City, Walker has looked for a more balanced approach to his game but his attacking instinct still exists. He has never shied away from a chance to shoot or cross whenever available.

He's a strong lad with a good amount of pace at his disposal. Walker can be a very effective winger on the right should he choose to become one. He might not be recording assists on a regular basis but that doesn't take away the threat he possesses from the wing.


#4 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Marcos Alonso came through the ranks at Real Madrid. After not getting enough opportunities at the Bernabeu, the Spaniard joined Bolton Wanderers in 2010.

The move wasn't quite productive for the left-back, which encouraged him to join Fiorentina in 2013. It was with the Serie A side that Alonso impressed and earned a move to Chelsea in 2016. Ever since then, he has been more or less a regular face with the Blues.

The Spanish defender has a sweet left foot and has amazing technique on the ball. Given his style of play, he can make room and provide some ravishing crosses from the left wing.

He has good vision and impressive passing range under his belt. Not to forget, he can pop up with some stunning goals both in normal play and from set-pieces. As such, Alonso has the skills to become a fine left-winger.

#3 Reece James (Chelsea)

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League

The Premier League has one of the most talented youngsters in the form of Reece James. Having come through the ranks at Chelsea, it was initially difficult for him to find a place in the starting eleven. He was loaned to Wigan Athletic in the Championship for a season where he gave some impressive performances.

He has been a regular part of the senior side ever since he returned to play in the 2019-20 season. James is young and a very talented footballer. The 21-year old right-back has the speed, intelligence and skills to be a very useful outlet on the right in the Premier League.

Using his attacking-minded approach, Reece James can be very lethal in the attack. He likes to take on defenders and provide dangerous crosses into the box. He even has the right technique to score goals. He has scored four goals and registered four assists in just nine Premier League appearances this season. The Englishman can turn into a very effective right winger.


#2 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

Manchester City v Olympiacos FC: Group C - UEFA Champions League
Manchester City v Olympiacos FC: Group C - UEFA Champions League

Joao Cancelo's talent is immense and is clearly visible this season in the Premier League. The Portuguese has been a massive asset for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

With his ability to play both as a left-back and a right-back, Cancelo offers a lot of variety to his game. His passing range and vision are as good as a talented playmaker. He can dribble past players and provide the right pass with just the right power.

The former Juventus defender already has two assists to his name this season and it does not fully represent what Cancelo can offer on the pitch. With his intelligence and technical abilities, the 27-year old can surely play as a winger on either flank.


#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Liverpool FC v Manchester United - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Manchester United - Premier League

If there's a discussion that involves defenders with an attacking approach in the Premier League, it would be silly to miss out on Trent Alexander-Arnold's name. The young Englishman has got so much talent at his disposal.

It sometimes feels like Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing in the wrong position given his technical abilities. The English right-back has superb passing range and the best level of technique on the ball. He reminds us of David Beckham with the passes and crosses that he provides from the right.

When on song, he can be the perfect feeder for a target man in the box. Trent Alexander-Arnold already has four assists to his name this Premier League season. He's a high level of threat on the right and it's unimaginable how lethal he can be playing as a right-winger when he's relieved of his defensive duties.

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