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Modern football has seen its fair share of evolution over the years, including the Premier League. We have seen managers opt for different types of defensive lines: some with four, some with three and some even with five.
One common factor that remains unchanged is the prevalence and importance of full-backs. Simply put, full-backs are the defenders that line up on either end of the defensive line.
We've seen full-backs of all kinds: They are your attacking full-backs or wingbacks, as well as the more defensive kind. That said, let's take a look at the top five full-back pairings in Premier League history.
#5. Leighton Baines & Seamus Coleman - Everton
Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman certainly have their place in Everton's Premier League history.
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Widely regarded as the best-ever full-back pairing to play for the Toffees, Baines and Coleman often wreaked havoc from their respective wings. Famous for their explosive pace and their deadly crossing ability, the pair were frequently involved in goals from both sides.
Baines joined Everton in 2007 from Wigan, while Coleman joined in 2009 from the League of Ireland. The pair have represented Everton ever since, until Baines' eventual retirement in 2020.
The pair were adept defensively as well, ensuring Everton nullified attacking threats from the opposition. They are widely known for their key contributions on the wings.
Coleman and Baines have both featured on the PFA Team of the Year across different years. Baines has also won the Everton Player of the Season award on two occasions.
#4. Ashley Cole & Lauren - Arsenal
Ashley Cole and Lauren lined up on the left and right sides respectively during Arsenal's best-ever Premier League run.
Arsenal's "Invincibles" title run of 2003-04 is well documented. The Gunners went the entire season unbeaten in achieving a feat that has yet to be matched, to this day.
As you would expect, their defensive line was a key factor in achieving this feat. The side won 26 games all season and drew 12, conceding only 26 goals in the process. Arsenal also had the best defensive record in the Premier League the same year.
While the centre-backs for Arsenal were Kolo Toure and Sol Campbell, the wings were occupied by Ashley Cole and Lauren. Although the pair were not starters throughout their stints at Arsenal, they made sure to create history before parting ways.
Both players were excellent in their own ways. Lauren was more defensive in his approach while Cole was known to make bursting runs on the left flank before whipping in one of his signature crosses. The pair will certainly have a place in the Premier League's and Arsenal's history forever.
#3. Trent Alexander-Arnold & Andrew Robertson - Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson burst onto the scene with their attacking exploits at Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold was promoted through Liverpool's youth system, while Robertson joined Anfield from Hull City in 2017. The pair have been regular starters for Liverpool since the middle of the 2017-18 season.
The pair have already seen a lot of action within just three years. They have taken Liverpool to two UEFA Champions League finals and also won a Premier League trophy. While Liverpool did lose one Champions League final to Real Madrid, they did end up winning the other against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Famed for their unbelievable skill on the ball, both Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are world-class crossers of the ball. Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's system emphasizes fullbacks' contributions, and the pair have stepped up to the plate in style.
The pair have notched up a combined 72 assists during their time at the club, a truly remarkable feat. Alexander-Arnold even carries the record for most assists by a defender in a single Premier League season (13). With both still in the prime of their youth, there is a certain surety that these two are nowhere near done yet.
#2. Branislav Ivanovic & Ashley Cole - Chelsea
Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic are fondly remembered by Chelsea fans to this day. Forming a formidable partnership in defense, the pair played together for about six years in the Premier League.
Cole joined Chelsea from north London rivals Arsenal in 2006, while Ivanovic made the move from Moscow in 2008. They both brought different skill sets to the game, thereby making Chelsea a far stronger unit.
Ivanovic was known for his sheer strength as well as his impressive aerial ability. Despite being a defender by trade, he had a habit of getting involved in goals regularly. Cole, on the other hand, was known for his pace and his excellent crossing.
The pair won one Premier League title in the 2009-10 season and also won two FA Cup titles together. They also won the UEFA Champions League in 2012, however it has to be mentioned that Ivanovic missed the final through suspension. They also went on to win the UEFA Europa League the following year.
The pairing certainly impressed Premier League viewers and will not be forgotten in a hurry.
#1. Denis Irwin & Gary Neville - Manchester United
Denis Irwin and Gary Neville are two bonafide legends in Manchester United's history.
Taking up their positions on the left and right wings respectively, Irwin and Neville were mainstays in the United defense for about 10 years. Although it has to be said that they were not the preferred staring players throughout their time with the club, the fact remains that the pair achieved far more than any other pairing in Premier League history.
Irwin spent 12 years with United, while Neville spent 19 at Old Trafford. Irwin was signed from Oldham Athletic while Neville was a graduate from the famous 'Class of 92'.
The pair have won an admirable five Premier League titles together, as well as one FA Cup. Their most memorable achievement together was definitely the fabled UEFA Champions League in 1999, which saw United come back from behind to take home the prestigious award. Irwin and Neville both started the game and played every single minute.
Now into the media profession, there is no doubt that Denis Irwin and Gary Neville will forever be regarded as legends in Manchester United's history.
