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Defenders play a vital role in the game of football today, but they mostly remain underrated. The defensive-minded players have always been key to the success of top clubs.
This year, there have been some wonderful performances from defenders around the world. They have not just been effective by restricting the opposition, but have also been helpful in offence too.
Modern-day football encourages full-backs to be proactively involved in the game. We have seen some great defenders like Marcelo, Ashley Cole, Cesar Azpilicueta and others do pretty well in attack. Many other defenders have also been successful at both ends.
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On that note, here's a look at the five best defenders with the most goal contributions this year:
#5 Borna Sosa (VfB Stuttgart) - 15
Having come through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb's youth academy, Borna Sosa played in Croatia in the early days of his career. In 2018, he joined VfB Stuttgart, and has been with them since then.
Sosa is a tall and smart left-back who can also play as a wing-back. His attacking mindset has helped him turn into an assist provider. The 23-year old recorded nine assists in the Bundesliga last season.
Considering the attacking threat he provides, Sosa earned himself a call-up to the senior Croatian team this year. The young left-back has scored two goals and recorded 13 assists in 2021 across competitions.
Note: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) and Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) have also had 15 goal contributions this year.
#4 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City) - 16
It is truly a blessing to have a player like Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese defender can play on either side of the pitch, both as a full-back or as a wing-back.
Cancelo has got the passing range of a quality playmaker and the knack to dribble past players like a top winger. His creativity has been of great help to Manchester City. The Portuguese full-back contributed five Premier League goals last season.
His form has only got better this season, as he has contributed ten goals across competitions. Cancelo has been involved in 16 goals in 2021 as he remains a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's arsenal.
#3 Jordi Alba (Barcelona) - 17
Barcelona are facing a tough time right now, both on and off the field. Nevertheless, Jordi Alba has been one of the shining lights for them this year.
The Spanish left-back has an attacking mindset, with a penchant to move forward and contribute in attack. Alba played a key role in helping Barcelona win the Copa Del Rey last season, scoring two goals and recording five assists.
The 32-year old will look to step up more this season as Barcelona have struggled across competitions this season. Nevertheless, Alba has been involved in 17 goals in 2021, and remains a key player for them, given his quality and experience.
#2 Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) - 17
Juan Cuadrado played as a winger for most of his career before transitioning to right-back. With his pace and ability to beat players, the Colombian has done quite well in his new role.
The former Chelsea man scored twice and recorded ten assists for the Old Lady last season, despite Juventus failing to win a major title. He has four goals to his name this season, and has looked like an effective player on the right.
With 17 goals contributed by the Colombian in 2021, he has been one of the better attack-minded defenders. Cuadrado's services should come in handy for Juventus to turn around their poor form this season.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - 20
Not many defenders in the world are as technically sound as Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman has superb technique with the ball at his feet, and is a delightful player to watch.
With his amazing crosses and set-piece-taking ability, Alexander-Arnold is a massive threat. The English right-back contributed 11 goals across competitions last season.
The 23-year old has bettered his exploits this season. Alexander-Arnold has been involved in 12 goals in 19 appearances this season, and has looked more dangerous than ever. He has contributed 20 goals across competitions in 2021, the most by any defender this year.
