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The Premier League is not short of quality full-backs. Modern-day football, especially in England, demands that the full-backs find the right balance between attack and defense.
From linking up with the midfielder and winger on the same side to successfully handling the opposition attackers, it is indeed a challenge for full-backs to carry out their duties.
Some Premier League full-backs deserve more recognition
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Luke Shaw, Kyle Walker and others have been recognized as some of the finest full-backs in the Premier League right now. That being said, their presence has overshadowed the performance of certain other full-backs in the league.
With not all of them playing for the top teams in the Premier League, they sometimes do not get the appreciation that they deserve. On that note, let's take a look at some of the underrated full-backs in England's top division:
#5 Matt Targett (Aston Villa)
The 25-year old has come up through the ranks at Southampton. Having joined the Saints from the age of eight, Matt Targett made his first Premier League appearance against Queens Park Rangers in a 2-1 home victory.
With the presence of first-choice left-back Ryan Bertrand, it became difficult for Targett to get regular game time. He eventually went on loan to Fulham in 2018, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League.
In the summer of 2019, Targett joined Aston Villa and has been a regular starter for them ever since. The Englishman is a very positive figure going forward. He has been smart with his approach and crosses.
Targett's efforts on the left side of the pitch have been very productive for Villa. Last season, he was voted the Players' Player of the Season at the club. With such consistent performances, the former Southampton full-back seems to have a bright future in the Premier League.
#4 Vladimir Coufal (West Ham United)
Vladimir Coufal arrived in the Premier League last season after signing for West Ham United. The Czech Republic right-back has made an instant impact since signing with the Hammers.
The experienced defender is strong, likes to get physical, makes interesting attacking runs, and doesn't shy away from making tackles. At the age of 29, the former Slavia Prague full-back has it all to make it count for the London club.
West Ham United had an impressive 2020-21 season after finishing sixth in the Premier League. Coufal had quite an important role in helping their cause. He made seven assists and looked very solid on the right. Coufal has only got better with time and it will be interesting to see how he performs in his second season in England. The right-back has already registered an assist in five Premier League appearances.
#3 Lucas Digne (Everton)
The Premier League is not an easy league to settle into but ever since his arrival in 2018, Lucas Digne has done really well at Everton. The French full-back started his career with Lille in Ligue 1.
He then joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 but struggled for game-time with them. He had a temporary spell in Serie A with Roma after which he joined Barcelona.
Digne had a decent spell with the Spanish giants but in order to play more regularly, he joined Everton in the Premier League. The former Lille left-back has done consistently well with the Toffees, especially using his attacking side of the game.
His crosses and vision while moving forward have been quite productive for Everton. He has notched up 18 assists in the last three seasons and looks quite a threat even with his set-pieces. Digne will hope to get better in the league and eventually get the appreciation he deserves.
#2 Luke Ayling (Leeds United)
Not many are aware but Luke Ayling is a product of Arsenal's youth academy. He played alongside Jack Wilshere and Kyle Bartley. After his contract expired with the Gunners, the English defender joined Yeovil Town on loan for a season before being signed permanently by the Glovers.
After five seasons at Yeovil, Ayling joined Bristol City in League One. The former Arsenal defender played both as a right-back and centre-back in the 2015-16 season, helping the Robins earn promotion to the Championship.
In the summer of 2016, Ayling joined Leeds United in the Championship and has since been with them. The 30-year old spent four years in the Championship with the Whites before finally being promoted to the Premier League. Ayling's first season in the top division was an impressive one with some sturdy performances on the right.
His tackling has been a delight to watch and his intent to attack whenever possible is a big plus. He scored a cracking goal against Manchester United in Leeds' first game of the 2021-22 season. Undoubtedly, Ayling will have a crucial role to play under Marcelo Bielsa this term as well.
#1 Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
Another West Ham United player on this list is Aaron Cresswell. Born in Liverpool, the Englishman joined Tranmere Rovers and played three seasons with them before joining Ipswich Town.
Cresswell developed very well and because of his consistent performances, he was on the radar of some of the Premier League clubs. In 2014, West Ham United managed to get his signature and he has been playing for them ever since.
With his superb technique and set-piece taking ability, Cresswell is a blessing to have in any team. He can provide some absolutely lovely crosses in the box and be a massive threat on the left. Another plus is that the former Ipswich defender can play as a left-back, wing-back and as a centre-back.
The 31-year old has now played in more than 200 appearances in the Premier League. He is now a veteran and it is time for the Englishman to get the acknowledgement he has deserved for many years.
