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The demands of the game have changed, and full-back is arguably a position where the most change has taken place.
The tactical and physical developments in the game has seen managers place immense responsibility on their full-backs. They are supposed to contribute to the attack while not forgetting their defensive duties, and in some teams, the full-backs are also the main source of creativity.
On that note, here's a look at the five best full-backs in the game right now.
#5 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
One has to wonder how much of an impact Joao Cancelo's absence had on Portugal's disappointing Euro 2020 campaign.
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Cancelo was one of the best players in the Premier League last season, and was expected to start for his country at the tournament. However, the Manchester City man tested positive for COVID-19 a few days before the tournament began, and was unable to participate in the tournament.
The 27-year-old was pivotal last season as Manchester City won the Premier League title. After a subdued first season, Cancelo was utilised in both full-back positions by Pep Guardiola, and impressed with his technical ability.
The former Juventus man often tucked into midfield from full-back positions, from where he played excellent passes. Cancelo did not come cheap, but he is proving to be worth the money for City.
#4 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Andrew Robertson is one of the best left-backs in the game at the moment, so Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will like to have him back as soon as possible.
Robertson is currently out with an injury, with backup left-back Kostas Tsimikas doing a good job in the Scot's absence. However, few players can match Robertson's energy, dynamism and world-class crossing ability, as he is one of the best creative full-backs in the game.
The Scotland international was signed from relegated Hull City for £8 million in 2017 as a second-choice left-back. Now, the 27-year-old is a firm fan favourite among the Anfield faithful, and many have tipped Robertson to become the Liverpool captain in the future.
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#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The full-back duo of Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold has helped Liverpool win the Champions League and the Premier League.
Alexander-Arnold is a product of the Liverpool academy. Regarded by many as the best right-back in the game at the moment, the England international has been heralded as a generational talent. Highly creative and possessing excellent passing and crossing ability, Alexander-Arnold is also proficient in free-kicks.
The 22-year-old was not at his best last season, but still managed to deliver impressive numbers. Alexander-Arnold is still developing, so one can only imagine how good he would be during his prime years.
#2 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw's transformation from a much-maligned player at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho to arguably the best left-back in the game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been well documented.
Shaw's talent was never in question. Manchester United signed the England international from Southampton in 2014 for nearly £34 million, and much was expected from the youngster. However, a horrific injury in 2015 stalled Shaw's progress, and the arrival of Mourinho did not help him either.
Under Solskjaer, though, the 26-year-old has barely put a foot wrong. Shaw is excellent in the future, and many Manchester United attacks occurred from the left flank last season, where Shaw and Marcus Rashford combined well. The left-back has clearly worked on his crossing and passing ability, and he is now an undroppable first-team player for Manchester United.
#1 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi has been one of the best full-backs in the game for some time now, enjoying fruitful spells with Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Hakimi made his name as a world-class talent during his two-year loan spell with Borussia Dortmund. The Morocco international was utilised in both full-back positions and further forward, and displayed his qualities for the Bundesliga giants regularly.
It was thought that he would become a part of the Real Madrid first XI when he returned, but Los Blancos immediately sold him to Inter Milan.
The 22-year-old won the Serie A in Italy last season before he was sold to Paris Saint-Germain this summer for £54 million. Hakimi is a modern-day full-back, highly creative and attack-minded and possesses good pace. He could be a regular for Paris Saint-Germain for many seasons.
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