5 full-backs with the best tackling ability in the world right now

#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)

Wan-Bissaka has been impressive at Old Trafford

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.

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#2 Davide Calabria (AC Milan)

Calabria possess an exceptional tacking ability

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.

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#1 Luke Ayling (Leeds United)

Luke Ayling is one of the most underrated full-backs in the world

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.

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