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Football is the epitome of a team game and one where every position is as important as the other. Hence, it is no surprise that teams burn the midnight oil to get their combination right in order to create a title-winning machine.
In this article though, the position that we would focus on is the full-back spot.
Over the years, the full-back’s role has evolved with football’s ever-changing demands. Originally tasked with only defending, the full-backs’ ability to double up as an attacking outlet nowadays has provided another dimension to their play.
In the past, the world has seen full backs such as Carlos Alberto, Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos and Philipp Lahm carve a niche for themselves. However, who are their equivalents in today’s game?
Through the course of this article, we would answer the above question and weigh in on the ‘best full-back debate’.
Thus, here is a look at the best full-backs across the globe currently:
#5. Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)
The Frenchman’s stock has meteorically risen over the past year with his outstanding displays for Atletico Madrid and France not going unnoticed. Hernandez was so good at the World Cup that he kept a certain Benjamin Mendy out of the eleven throughout.
A tenacious tackler, the Frenchman is as good a defender as any on our list and averages 2.5 tackles per game. Moreover, the left-back is one of those defenders who takes no prisoners and is willing to lay it all on the line to keep things quiet at the back.
Though the French defender might not be as prolific or flamboyant going forward, he does enough at the back to feature at the forefront of any discussion regarding the best full-backs in the world.
Yet, one can’t ignore that Hernandez still needs to scale another level offensively to be truly considered as the premier full-back on the planet.
And while he has plenty of time to mould his attacking game, at the moment, he just falls short of his competitors and has to make do with the No.5 spot on our list.
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#4. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
The German broke into Bayern Munich’s first team during the 2015-16 season under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Since then, Kimmich has gone from strength to strength and is one of the first names on Bayern’s team sheet these days.
The German looks accomplished on the ball and excels in keeping possession. In addition, the defender is extremely adept at reading the game and snuffs out the danger in an instant.
However, the most impressive aspect of his play is his offensive end product. With Bayern Munich and Germany inclined to attack the opposition relentlessly, Kimmich finds himself foraying forward frequently. However, the German comes up trumps when it comes to delivering crosses more often than not.
Even in the current season, he has garnered 10 assists in the Bundesliga to go with his two assists in the Champions League.
Though he still looks patchy defensively, he’s shown the appetite to apply himself in the defensive third and work diligently.
At 24 years of age, Kimmich has time on his hand to blossom into the best full-back in the world.
Yet, at this stage, he is far from the finished defensive article. Thus, he has to settle for the No.4 spot.
#3. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
The Scottish international has become a cult hero at Anfield over the past year and a half. After signing from Hull City at the start of last season, Robertson encountered initial teething problems. However, the defender overcame those with aplomb and has become the best left-back in the Premier League.
A marauder down the left wing, Robertson has bagged 6 assists in the league and a further two in the Champions League. Moreover, the Scottish international has constantly provided Liverpool with width, thus allowing Jurgen Klopp to play a solid midfield trio.
Additionally, the left-back has been imperious defensively and he’s stood strong in the face of the Premier League’s famed attackers. Apart from the recent game against Bayern Munich, the defender has looked unshakeable in the continental competitions too.
At present, Roberston is one of the most complete full-backs in the world and the only area he needs to improve upon is his crossing into the box. Yet, the Scotsman is only 24 and with time, he would only add more strings to his bow.
Thus, he takes the No.3 spot on our list.
#2. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
The Spaniard has been making waves in the footballing fraternity since returning to Real Madrid in 2013.
Carvajal’s biggest asset is his hard-working nature. He gets through his fair share of offensive and defensive work every game and his ferocious pace allows him to go up and down the flank regularly.
On the defensive front, the right-back is extremely handy with his brand of aggressive defending and a tough nut to crack. In the current season as well, he has averaged 1.5 tackles per game to supplement his 1 interception per match.
As for his adventures in the final third, he provides Real Madrid with an attacking avenue at all times. Moreover, his tireless running stretches defences and accords the likes of Gareth Bale and Lucas Vasquez the license to move in-field.
Additionally, the Spaniard boasts of the rare ability to judiciously pick the timing of his forward rampages. And Carvajal very seldom makes the wrong choice.
Though the Spaniard would’ve wanted to make the net bulge more, a lack of goal-scoring numbers certainly doesn’t offset the numerous merits he brings to the plate.
Thus, he takes the runner-up spot on our list.
#1. Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona)
Jordi Alba has been around the higher echelons of the full-back circle over the past decade. Yet, in the last few months, he has distinguished himself as the best in the world.
The left-back is probably the best attacking full back in the world. With an eye for a pass, the Spaniard is decisive in the offensive third and finds his teammates with unnerving efficiency.
In the early part of his career, Alba was criticised for his failure to conjure the end product his talent warranted. However, this term, he has silenced all his doubters and has notched up 10 assists across all competitions.
In addition to his attacking attributes, the Spaniard isn’t too shabby defensively. The Spaniard’s astute game reading is unparalleled and he averages 1.8 interceptions per game in LaLiga. Moreover, his blistering pace enables him to be a difference maker in both penalty boxes.
At this juncture, there is hardly a full back who performs his multiple roles with as much dexterity as Alba.
Thus, without a shadow of a doubt, the Spaniard takes the top spot on our list.
