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Fullbacks have become the modern way to create chances and score goals. Just take the example of the current European champions, Liverpool. Their fullbacks, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have created a large number of assists this term.
Bayern have stars including Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba and new acquisition Benjamin Pavard to dominate down the flanks. Players like Jonny and Matt Doherty have been excellent for an overachieving Wolves in the Premier League all season.
The right-back spot has gained plenty of importance in the last decade or so. A defender playing in this role has a dual duty: to maintain a good defensive shape and equally charge upfront whenever required. He should be robust enough to hinder the paths of wingers, while defending as well as having the skill to deliver crosses in the opposition's penalty box. With all of that in mind, here we list the top three right-backs in Europe this season:
Honourable Mentions: Matt Doherty (Wolves), Noussair Mazraoui (Ajax), Łukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Borussia Dortmund).
#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace)
If teams like Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are chasing your signature at the age of 21, it means you have done a splendid job. Wan-Bissaka had to bide his time as second-choice behind loanee Timothy Fosu-Mensah last term but a few good displays gained Roy Hodgson's trust, who deputised him as Palace's first-choice at right-back this past season.
Not many right-backs across the world are better than him when it comes to defending one-on-one duels. A robust defender with ability and the engine to run down the flank, his creativity can still be improved but he has all the capability to develop further. Defensively, his numbers is just mind-boggling - 3.7 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game.
#2 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Phillip Lahm is a big name in football, especially for Bayern Munich. Thankfully for Bayern, they had a perfect ready-made replacement in the form of Joshua Kimmich for Lahm. Over the years, the 24-year-old star has been successful in entrenching himself as a pivotal part of both, for club and country.
So far this season, he made 34 league appearances and assisted 13, while scoring twice and enjoying a pass success percentage of more than 90%. In a season where Niko Kovač's side wasn't as dominating as they are expected to be, Kimmich continued to be a rare brightening star.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Without a doubt. What Alexander-Arnold has achieved this year is nothing but a dream for many players. Especially considering the fact he still is only 19 makes us eulogise even further. One of the most pivotal assets for Jurgen Klopp this past season, he created 12 assists in the Premier League - breaking the record for most by a defender in a single league campaign.
With the stamina to run all day long down the right-hand side, he supplies width and delivers pinpoint crosses with attackers can only hope for in dangerous positions. Startlingly, he is blessed with a wonderful right foot which helped him score a sumptuous free-kick goal against Watford too.
When it comes to intelligence and awareness, who can forget how smartly he took the corner against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, which proved pivotal in helping his team qualify for this month's final. Just brilliant.
