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We are already past the halfway mark of the 2018/19 season of the Premier League and we have seen some good stuff so far. In the Premier League, we have seen some brilliant full-back play. This season, we have seen some brilliant full-backs running up and down their respective flanks.
The full-backs take up wide defensive positions and alongside the center backs, they form the defensive base of a side. In the modern game, full-backs have taken on a much more attacking role and they provide help on both sides of the field. The full-backs need to have a lot of stamina as they have to make a lot of runs off the ball and supply crosses in the opposition penalty box. They are generally assigned with the task of taking throw-ins.
The full-backs enable the manager to introduce different tactical styles, which can be attacking or defensive. In an attacking game-play, the full-backs tend to be much higher up the field as opposed to a defensive game-play. The full-backs are a very important part of every team.
So, without further ado, here are the top 3 full-backs in the Premier League this season:
#1 Andrew Robertson
Andrew Robertson has been the Premier League's best full-back this season thus far. He has enjoyed a stunning season for the Reds as Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League. The Scotland international has been working tirelessly for Liverpool this season and even Jose Mourinho has praised the 24-year-old. Robertson has been a part of the back four that has kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
His selfless running off the ball is a joy to behold and he is the definition of a modern full-back. The Scottish international is a leader on the field - something which is very rarely seen in the current generation of footballers. The 24-year-old isn't high on bulk but he makes up for it with his hard work.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Robertson has provided a total of 5 assists, completed 17 of his dribbles and has given 62 crosses. The 24-year-old has won 67% tackles, won 92 duels, made 17 interceptions and made a total of 34 clearances.
#2 Cesar Azpilicueta
After playing as a center back under Antonio Conte in a back three last season, Cesar Azpilicueta has successfully converted himself to a formidable right back under Maurizio Sarri. Chelsea have kept 10 clean sheets in the 21 games he has played for Chelsea in the Premier League this season. The versatility of the Spaniard is commendable as he can play anywhere across the backline.
Azpilicueta is the captain of Chelsea and he leads them on the field. The 29-year-old is an important part of Sarri's Chelsea side and he has been a long serving agent for Chelsea. The Spaniard signed a new four year deal with Chelsea in December 2018, which will keep him at the Stamford Bridge till 2022. His form is important for Chelsea to make it to the top four.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Cesar has provided 2 assists, completed 6 of his dribbles and given a total of 77 crosses. The 29-year-old has won 58% of his tackles, won 59% of his duels, made 26 interceptions and cleared the ball 41 times.
#3 Benjamin Chilwell
Benjamin Chilwell's talent has been well known for some time now and this season, the 22-year-old has come into his own as he has been wonderful for Leicester City. The England international has made a total of 20 appearances for the Foxes and is looking formidable on that left back spot.
He has improved leaps and bounds as he has looked more assured defensively and has made big improvements in his decision making and positional play. Chilwell is a full-back who loves to attack and him running with ball is brilliant to watch. Still very young, the 22-year-old still has a long way to go but if keeps his performances up, Leicester will have a huge task of keeping their star man next summer. His form is going to be vital for Leicester as they look to end the season in the top half of the Premier League.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Chilwell has provided 1 assists, completed 35 of his dribbles and has banged in a total of 83 crosses. The England international has won 52% of his tackles, 53% of his duels, made 19 interceptions and cleared the ball 65 times.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and they do not necessarily represent the views of Sportskeeda.
