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A defender has to, well, defend first to serve his team. When playing at right or left back, though, a little more is expected of the modern player: they have to be able to support the attacking players, and even provide a few goals and assists of their own.
In the 21st century, fullbacks have increasingly become comfortable with the ball at their feet, able to pass and dribble effectively, almost like a midfield player: Think of the width and support constantly offered by Cafu Roberto Carlos in Brazil's great 2002 World Cup-winning team, or the magnificent contribution to Everton's attacking success from Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines.
It’s not uncommon to see a fullback as the furthest forward player on the pitch, offering width and support, allowing attacking midfielders to drift inside off the flank and combine with forwards.
This slideshow analyses some top fullbacks in world football right now - the players who offer the most going forward from defence. At the top of their game, their output in attacking terms is unmatched for their positions.
That being said, here are the 5 best full-backs in world football, rated by their attacking contributions:
#5 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, Germany)
It was always going to be tough to replace club legend Phillipp Lahm, but Joshua Kimmich has performed incredibly well since becoming Bayern Munich's main right-back
Starting his career as a central midfielder, Kimmich has brought his skill with the ball at his feet and his composure to the right back position, looking like a natural. He scored 6 league goals last season, a remarkable return for a player in his position.
He's only 22 but looks like he has his position locked down for both club and country for the foreseeable future. While he is a strong and capable defender when he ventures forward, it's like his team has an extra midfielder, such is his calmness and skill in possession.
He's also linked up well with whoever has played in front of him on the right wing, be it Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, or Kingsley Coman, with his runs and support allowing these players to drift inside and get into shooting positions.
Kimmich, quite simply, is a quintessential modern-day full-back.
#4 Marcelo (Real Madrid, Brazil)
An obvious choice, Marcelo has been terrorizing opposing defences from left-back for a decade now.
When he plays it's apparent that he started out as a tricky winger: there is no better fullback in the world at dribbling and being involved in their team's attacking play. Despite his position, Marcelo has become one of Real's most important players, influencing the play an amazing amount.
He's also forged an excellent relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo on the left-hand side of the pitch, and what isn't mentioned enough, is how much Marcelo has helped the forward with his many successful seasons; it's thanks to Marcelo occupying the opposition right back that Ronaldo has found so much quality scoring positions further inside the field.
Marcelo has been criticized in the past for his defending ability, which isn't as strong as it could or should be, but history will remember him as one of the best attacking fullbacks in the modern era.
#3 Antonio Valencia (Manchester United, Ecuador)
The transformation of Valencia from inconsistent right winger to powerful right-back has been one of Jose Mourinho's greatest achievements since arriving at Manchester United.
Valencia has added strong defensive qualities to his attacking prowess, positioning himself as a great modern-day fullback as a result. Valencia has found the time and space he lacked when playing further forward, and there's perhaps no better fullback at crossing the ball.
His delivery has caused havoc to Premier League defences as he constantly supports the attack by reaching the byline. Valencia just seems much more confident in his new position, and his performances are showing this.
#2 Jordi Alba (Barcelona, Spain)
Suffering a drop in form last season as a result of falling out of favour with manager Luis Enrique, Alba has returned a renewed player this season, showing all his trademark energies and enthusiasm from left back.
It's difficult to think of a fullback as fast as Barcelona's Alba, and he's become renowned for his lung-bursting runs from deep in support of the attacking play.
What's interesting is the partnership between him and Lionel Messi: despite playing usually on the opposite side of the pitch, the Argentine has consistently found Alba being one of his main receivers of passes, with his ability to burst past defences allowing Messi to play through balls like only he can.
It's incredible just how great a relationship the left back and right winger share.
Alba's athleticism enables him to always make it back to defence in times of need, and is why he can always be found playing his part in Barcelona's intricate build-up play.
#1 Dani Alves (Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil)
He may be older now, but Alves has remarkably remained a powerful presence from right back. Perhaps the best fullback of the last decade, Alves has thankfully sustained his career after leaving Barcelona in 2016: he spent last season helping Juventus to the Champions League final; this season he's assisted PSG's frightening front trio of Neymar, Edinson Cavani, and Kylian Mbappe as they've become the toast of Europe.
His natural athleticism has enabled him to continue supporting the play in attack each game, and his experience and skill have helped the exciting young talent Mbappe excellently on the right wing.
Alves has also contributed memorable goals and assists, including an unstoppable shot against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League group stages.
Perhaps this will be his final year at the highest level, but what speaks loudest about Alves as a player is the fact that he can continue assisting Kylian Mbappe in attack just like he did with Lionel Messi for years at Barcelona.
Truly astonishing.
