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Fullbacks have now become increasingly important for any big team as they could play a key role in both attack and defense. They even have a more difficult task in defending than a center back at occasions and usually would end up with better defending stats except for aerial duels.
Apart from their high defensive demands, they also should contribute well to the team's attacks and require tremendous energy to cover a vast area at the pitch. The fullbacks often have to become the main supplier who provides the key passes from the wings for the strikers as most of the wingers have become more of inside runners these days.
The right-back position has now seen a considerable increase in popularity due to Trent Alexander-Arnold's soaring fame. Now as the season nearing its end, let's take a look at 5 of the world's best right-backs this season.
#5 Sergi Roberto
It is no secret that Ernesto Valverde has struggled to find a reliable right-back for Barcelona as he has rotated several times between Roberto and Nelson Semedo to fill the position. Nevertheless, the former seemed to be the best option for the Catalans this season.
The 27-year-old has no problem in adapting to Barcelona's tiki-taka with he has excellent passing accuracy, and he has even played as a central midfielder several times this season. However, Sergi Roberto has excelled the most as a right-back, registering impressive 6 league assists for his team from the position.
An agile defender who has an excellent vision and pinpoint passes, the Spaniard has helped Barcelona a lot in attacks and arguably has become the best offensive-type right-back in the league. Unfortunately, his defensive contribution has been barely decent in this campaign.
He was also less impressive at European level as he failed to register a single assist or goal in the Champions League.
#4 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The English defender has been such a revelation for the Premier League. He might not come from a very reputable team, but his consistent display throughout this campaign has garnered plaudits from the public. Perhaps many would be even more shocked when seeing the his stats.
The Crystal Palace starlet has turned to be an impenetrable fortress at the back and helped his team to avoid relegation. He has racked up massive 3.7 tackles, 2.4 intercepts, and 3.7 clearances on average, arguably the best defensive stats among right-backs in the top European leagues.
He is also excellent on the air and has won 1.2 aerial duels per game thanks to his relatively tall stature. Apart from his defensive prowess, he can also contribute significantly in attack due to his impressive dribbling abilities and has also created 3 assists this campaign.
Unfortunately, he is yet to prove himself at European level and his passing accuracy is somewhat awful.
Nevertheless, he is just 21 years old, and still has many years to improve.
#3 Joao Cancelo
Many Juventus faithful have questioned Massimiliano Allegri's decision to bench the Portuguese star on several occasions. The Italian manager even started Mattia De Sciglio ahead of the 24 years old at Juventus' Champions League home tie against Ajax.
Nevertheless, the former Inter right-back has done enough to justify his massive €40 million price tag since he joined the Turin-based club just less than a year ago. He turned out to be one of Cristiano Ronaldo's best partners and even assisted the 34-year-old when Juventus traveled to Amsterdam.
A quick and agile defender with excellent ball distribution, Cancelo has contributed 5 assists and 1 goal in both Champions League and Serie A for Juventus this campaign. Several critics have pointed out toward his weak defending abilities, but his defensive stats have proved the doubters wrong.
He registered an average of 1.9 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game combined in both domestic and European competitions, quite impressive for a defender from a top club. If we take a look at his excellent overall display this season, no wonder that Manchester City and the Red Devils reportedly want him.
#2 Joshua Kimmich
The German starlet has flourished a lot since Pep Guardiola was in charge for Bayern. Many had doubted the 24-year-old's when Kimmich was tasked to replace retired Bayern legend Phillip Lahm at the right back. However, he has gradually risen to prominence after 2 difficult seasons with the Bundesliga giants.
Bought for just €8.5 million from Stuttgart in 2015, Kimmich has now seen his market price skyrocket up to more than €60 million. The Bayern star bears a close resemblance to Sergi Roberto in term of playing style and can also play as a central midfielder or a regista if needed.
However, his overall performance has far surpassed his Barcelona counterpart this campaign. He amassed 2 goals and 12 assists in Bundesliga alone, better than any other defenders at the league.
He also became Bayern's standout player at the Champions League, provided 2 assists from 7 games and created an average of 2.3 key passes each match. His defensive stats are decent as he registered 1.6 tackles, 1.7 intercepts, and 1 clearance on average.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
The Liverpool academy product has been no less than phenomenal this campaign. His reputation has soared high since Jurgen Klopp introduced him to The Red's main squad in 2017/18 season. He had endured a difficult debut season due to competition from Nathaniel Clyne, contributing just a goal and an assist from 19 appearances.
However, his fate has changed considerably since Clyne plagued by a lengthy injury. He became one of Klopp's most consistent player at the right back and even left Clyne with no place to come back. A speedy defender who has superb vision, Arnold has racked up massive 12 assists in the Premier League alone, higher than any other fullbacks.
He also impressed in the Champions League and registered 4 assists from 12 matches. He stole the show when his tricky corner led to Liverpool's 4th goal against Barcelona at Anfield. His defending have been great with 2.1 tackles, 2.1 clearances, and 1.2 interceptions
Overall, he deserves to be on the top spot of this list thanks to his outstanding progress at both domestic and European competitions.
