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Of all the outfield spots in the game of football, no position has experienced as much evolution as the full-back one. In the modern era, full-backs are expected to charge down the flanks and create as many opportunities from the wings as an offensive wideman. Consequently, their output at the back takes a hit sometimes.
Top full-backs with the most all-round capabilities
Nevertheless, there still exists a small group of wide defenders who excel in all aspects of their game. Manchester City have been lucky to possess two of the most gifted full-backs of the current generation. While Kyle Walker has the ability to put in some pinpoint crosses as well as track back in time, Joao Cancelo has a unique caliber of his own.
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The Portuguese is proficient in slotting into the midfield during build-up play to complete Pep Guardiola's intricate formation. Even Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich is excellent at defence, contrary to common belief. Kieran Tierney and Luke Shaw - a maestro at crossing the ball - are perfect examples of self-sustaining full-backs.
While creativity in the final third ends up hogging much of the full-back's rating criteria, putting in solid defensive performances is equally important. With this notion in mind, let's take a look at five full-backs who have the best tackling ability right now:
#5 James Justin (Leicester City)
Such was James Justin's showing last term that he managed to creep into the list of the best tackling full-backs despite playing just 23 Premier League games. The 23-year-old full-back was instrumental in Leicester City's solid finish to the 2020-21 season.
His injury coincided with the Foxes' drop in form towards the end of last season. Having been purchased from Luton Town for a nominal fee of £6 million in 2019, Justin was thrust into the first-team after an injury to starter Ricardo Pereira. The versatile full-back wasted no time in nailing down a spot in the squad with some scintillating performances.
Brendan Rodgers deployed him at various positions, including both full-back slots as well as further forward. With so many responsibilities on his plate, the youngster excelled at each role, especially in defence.
His superior tackling ability enabled him to make 61 tackles in such a short span, maintaining a 64.29 per cent accuracy in ground duels. If Justin can avoid any further long-term injuries, he could enjoy continued success at the highest level.
#4 Vladimir Coufal (West Ham United)
After years of shoddy business in the market, West Ham United are finally starting to find their stride in terms of transfer dealings. The signings of Thomas Soucek and Jesse Lingard were pivotal to their best season since 1999. However, the mid-season acquisition of an unknown full-back with the name Vladimir Coufal has proven to be a bargain buy for the Hammers.
A former teammate of the aforementioned Soucek at Slavia Prague, the 29-year-old Czech international has been sensational ever since he landed at the London Stadium in October 2020. Playing on the right side of defense, Coufal helped West Ham qualify for the Europa League with his brilliant tackling and crossing abilities.
In his debut Premier League campaign, Coufal racked up a massive 3,055 minutes, making the right-back's position his own. With 73 tackles and 208 ground duels, the 29-year-old full-back nullified the opposition's attacks effectively. Having signed a contract until 2023, Coufal has ample time to establish his place among the best full-backs of the ongoing decade.
Also read: 5 defensive midfielders with the best tackling ability in the world right now
#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Widely criticized for his lack of offensive abilities, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a top full-back nonetheless. Bought from Crystal Palace for an eye-catching fee of €55m, Wan-Bissaka has successfully sealed his position in the right-back slot at Manchester United.
The London-born right-back is a proper defender, possessing elite-level defensive skills. Wan-Bissaka has exceptional awareness at the back which enables him to thwart opposition advances in style. At 23, the Englishman is already one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.
Most importantly, Wan-Bissaka has the numbers to back up his skills, producing 88 tackles last season. The talented youngster also contested 225 ground duels with an imposing success rate of 60.44 per cent. With Luke Shaw being the carrier of creativity at Old Trafford on the other flank, United have a complete package in the full-back department.
#2 Davide Calabria (AC Milan)
Due to the extreme physical nature of the Premier League, Davide Calabria is the only full-back on this list, not plying his trade in the English top-flight. Subsequently, his inclusion is a testament to the Italian's elite defensive capabilities. Aged 24, Calabria is still a youthful prospect, yet to hit his prime years.
Known for his strong overlapping runs and crossing ability, the Italian full-back is equally adept at defending. A product of the fabled Milan academy, Calabria has proven to be a clear upgrade on Andrea Conti. Following an injury to their €25m signing in 2018, Calabria was promoted to first-choice full-back and the youngster hasn't looked back ever since.
Playing on the right-flank, the three-time capped Italian international has been a key figure at Milan under the tenure of Stefano Pioli. In 32 Serie A games last season, Calabria managed to make a whopping 101 tackles and contested 252 ground duels.
Despite his impressive attacking output, he maintained an accuracy of 62.3 per cent while attempting the said duels. With Italy and Milan both experiencing a resurgent period, Calabria's potential can make him an integral part of both sides.
#1 Luke Ayling (Leeds United)
The undisputed number one choice in terms of defensive full-backs, Luke Ayling, has been a revelation over the past few seasons. Aged 30, Ayling is a seasoned veteran with many second tier seasons under his belt. Despite his lack of experience in the top-flight of English football, Ayling has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
After two consistent campaigns under Marcelo Bielsa, the English full-back tasted promotion for the first time in his prolonged career in the 2019-20 season. While many suspected his capabilities ahead of his maiden Premier League crusade, Ayling responded in emphatic fashion.
Not only was the 30-year-old defender one of the best full-backs in the league last season, he backed his showings with some insane numbers. With 108 tackles and 308 ground duels, Ayling proved to be one of the most defensively sound full-backs in the Premier League. On top of that, he boasted a massive 65.58 per cent success rate in his ground duels, confirming his status as one of the best tacklers currently.
Also read: 5 superstars sold by Pep Guardiola
