Perhaps the most underappreciated position in modern football, the full-back has seen somewhat of revitalization in the Premier League with a return of attacking football. Goalkeepers and central defenders often receive lots of glory and negativity, but the full-back is an equally vital component of a successful team.
Now more than ever, managers demand not only defending qualities but also attacking prowess from their full-backs.
The English game has seen some fantastic defenders, but in recent years, the Premier League has seen a growth in effective full-backs, and the position is having an increasing influence on the game.
While we could look back in history and build a list that includes stars like Ashley Cole, Phil Neville, and Patrice Evra, for these three players we will be looking at the modern game. Excitingly for fans, the list is made up of young players who’ve already made their mark on the big stage.
3. Reece James – Right-back – Chelsea
The youngest player of the three, Reece James has quickly made his mark on Chelsea and the Premier League.
James is the most aggressive tackler on this list, and he also excels with the ball at his feet, taking on opposing full-backs on the dribble. He played a major role in the transformation of Chelsea under manager Thomas Tuchel.
At the age of 20, James debuted for the England national team in the nation’s most competitive position. James has carved out a role for himself competing against right-backs like Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and the number one player on this list.
2. Andrew Robertson – Left-back – Liverpool
Few Scottish players have reached the heights of Robertson, and his rise to stardom has been rapid.
Robertson has flourished under Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp’s playstyle, and Robertson has rewarded his manager with excellent and consistent play. Robertson is perfect for Klopp’s system, and the Scottish full-back has won plenty of team and individual awards.
He pushes high up the pitch, playing combination plays with attacking players and making incisive passes in the final third. In Liverpool’s 19/20 Premier League champion season, Robertson came up big with 12 assists and was named to the Premier League Team of the Season two years in a row.
Along with the next player on this list, Robertson has played a crucial role in Liverpool returning to its place as one of Europe’s top clubs.
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Right-back – Liverpool
For the past several years, Alexander-Arnold has been the best full-back in the Premier League. Much like Robertson, he has had an enormous impact on winning the Champions League and Premier League. And similar to Reece James, Alexander-Arnold’s rise came at a young age.
The man known as TAA can just about do it all, hit a world-class free kick, play stifling defence, pick out a pass cross-field, and pressure opposing defences with his passing and attacking runs.
He topped Robertson’s assist output in the Premier League title season, notching 13 assists. He also scored four times that season and has scored some amazing goals for both club and country.
The Englishman is the complete package for the modern game, and not only is he the best in the Premier League, but he’s also arguably the best right-back in the world.
And with his current trajectory, when all is said and done, there is a high chance that Alexander-Arnold is remembered as the best full-back in Premier League and English history.
