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Modern football requires a lot from the players. Tactics have evolved in a way that attackers are the first line of defense and defenders are expected to start attacks.
Top-quality teams have world-class players capable of making a difference. Defenders, and particularly full-backs, are expected to join the attack and contribute on the offensive front.
Here we take a look at the five most attacking defenders in football at the moment.
#5 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Questions remain over Marcos Alonso's ability at left-back, but his quality as a left wing-back cannot be doubted.
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Alonso was a surprise signing by Chelsea in 2016. The club bought him from Fiorentina for nearly £21 million. The Spain international has done well since joining the club, winning the Premier League, Europa League and the Champions League among other honors.
Alonso has made 175 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 25 goals and providing 18 assists. The 30-year old has had defensive issues over the years, but his ability to contribute to the team's attack has often proved to be pivotal. His dead-ball mastery has been well-covered too.
Alonso's game time has dwindled in recent seasons, with Ben Chilwell providing good competition to the Spaniard.
#4 Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Few would have imagined Alphonso Davies would transform into a world-class left-back for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
A prodigious winger during his Vancouver Whitecaps days, Davies joined Bayern Munich in 2018 for £9 million. Not many would have expected him to make an immediate impact in Bayern Munich's first XI, but the 20-year old soon became the first-choice left-back.
Davies played an important role as Bayern Munich won the treble in 2020. His performance against Barcelona that season in the Champions League was arguably the best display of his career so far.
The Canada international has made 95 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich, scoring five goals and providing 17 assists.
Also Read: 5 players who could leave Chelsea in the January transfer window
#3 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
After a quiet first season, Joao Cancelo has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.
Cancelo did not come cheap. Manchester City paid Juventus £58.5 million in 2019 for his services. The Portugal international was world-class last season, impressing with his technical qualities and in-match intelligence. Capable of operating in both full-back positions, Cancelo was essential in Manchester City's run to the Premier League title.
The 27-year old was often asked to drift into midfield, and he did not disappoint. Cancelo is now an integral part of Guardiola's Manchester City. In 88 appearances in all competitions, the former Valencia man has scored six goals and provided seven assists.
#2 Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
It can be argued that Theo Hernandez is now one of the best left-backs in the world, and arguably the best left-back in Serie A.
After a disappointing spell with Real Madrid, Hernandez moved to AC Milan in 2019 for £19.3 million. The France international has rejuvenated his career in Italy. Hernandez's attacking verve and creative play have made him a target for various top clubs.
Hernandez has made 90 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists. The 24-year old recently scored the winner for France in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, as Les Blues eventually won the trophy.
Paris Saint-Germain were interested in him in the summer, while Manchester City have been linked as well.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is certainly the best right-back in world football. A product of the Liverpool academy, Alexander-Arnold has already achieved a lot in the game even at 23 years of age.
A Champions League and Premier League winner, the England international is an excellent passer, crosser and creator. He has even been compared to Dani Alves due to his style of play.
Alexander-Arnold has made 187 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, scoring 10 goals and providing 47 assists.
Also Read: 5 players who could leave Arsenal in the January transfer window
