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The evolution of modern football has occurred in such a way that defenders are now expected to contribute to the attack.
While centre-backs are expected to be good with the ball, the onus is on full-backs to burst forward to provide a cross or make an important pass. The likes of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have increased the responsibilities of a full-back with their world-class performances.
We look at the:
Top 5 defenders with the most assists in Europe's top 5 leagues this season
#5 Lucas Digne (Everton) | 7 assists
One of Everton's most important players, Lucas Digne, has slotted in perfectly as Leighton Baines' successor in the left-back position.
A squad player at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, Digne joined Everton in 2018 from the La Liga giants for a fee of £18 million, and has impressed with his creativity and crossing ability. The France international has been a constant presence on the left for the Toffees and shared the Everton Player's Player of the Season for the 2018-19 campaign with Idrissa Gueye.
Digne has made 110 appearances in all competitions for Everton, scoring five goals and providing 20 assists. The 27-year old has been appreciated for his consistent displays.
#4 Christopher Trimmel (Union Berlin) | 9 assists
Union Berlin have been one of the better teams in the Bundesliga this season, and sit 7th in the league table with a game to go.
Christopher Trimmel has been crucial to their performances this season. The 34-year old has been utilised as a right-back and a right wing-back by manager Urs Fischer, and Trimmel has not disappointed with his performances. An excellent crosser, the captain of Union Berlin has not shirked away from his duties.
Having joined Union Berlin from Rapid Wien in 2014, the Austria international has 228 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring three goals and providing 51 assists. It remains to be seen how Union Berlin will replace him in the long run.
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#3 Borna Sosa (Stuttgart) | 10 assists
Borna Sosa has endured a tumultuous week. The left-back was expected to represent the German national team during the Euros this summer instead of Croatia, but it was later revealed that Sosa would not be able to play for Germany. The Stuttgart star had to issue an apology to Croatian fans and the public via the Croatia Football Federation's website.
All of this, however, goes on to show how highly Sosa is rated. The 23-year old has been a key player for an impressive Stuttgart side, with his passing skill standing out.
Sosa has played as a left-back and a left wing-back, and it seems unlikely that Stuttgart will be able to keep hold of him for long. Leeds United have been heavily linked, while clubs like Roma and Bayern Munich have been suggested as potential destinations.
#2 Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) | 11 assists
Juventus have struggled this season under the management of Andrea Pirlo, but Juan Cuadrado has enjoyed a good individual campaign.
The 32-year old, who made his name as a winger, has been deployed as a right-back or a right wing-back by Pirlo, and has stood out with his performances. A good dribbler and crosser, Cuadrado has been a mainstay for Pirlo's Juventus.
The Colombia international has made 220 appearances in all competitions for Juventus, scoring 19 goals and providing 54 assists. There have been reports that Juventus will look to extend his contract.
#1 Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund) | 11 assists
One of the most underrated players in Europe right now, Raphael Guerreiro is quietly enjoying another stellar season with Borussia Dortmund.
A versatile player, Guerreiro is capable of playing as a left-back, in midfield and as a winger, making him a manager's dream. The Portugal international joined Borussia Dortmund from Lorient in 2016 for a fee of £11 million, has proved to be worth every penny.
Guerreiro has made 159 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists. The 27-year old has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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