Ranking the top 5 full-back pairings in Premier League history

Crystal Palace v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Crystal Palace v Liverpool FC - Premier League

#3. Trent Alexander-Arnold & Andrew Robertson - Liverpool

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Leicester City v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Leicester City v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson burst onto the scene with their attacking exploits at Liverpool.

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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.

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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.

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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

Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League
Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League

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.

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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.

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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.

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The pairing certainly impressed Premier League viewers and will not be forgotten in a hurry.


#1. Denis Irwin & Gary Neville - Manchester United

Marian Pahars, Gary Neville, Denis Irwin
Marian Pahars, Gary Neville, Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin and Gary Neville are two bonafide legends in Manchester United's history.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Edited by Arnav Kholkar
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