Modern-day football has brought in a lot of new dynamics, especially when it comes to wide defenders. It is essential for them to be equally effective both in attack and defense.
With more detailed tactics coming into the game, the need for variables has to increase. This is one of the biggest reasons why full-backs are expected to be more participative in the attack now than ever.
Most successful full-backs right now are attacking-minded players
The likes of Ashley Cole, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, Cafu and other great full-backs have shown us what a great delight it is when wide defenders contribute in attack. Using them as inspiration, modern-day full-backs have been quite effective going forward.
Right now, the Premier League has some exciting full-backs who have been highly influential in many of their matches. Such is the importance of a high-quality full-back. Without further ado, let's take a look at the most valuable full-backs in the world right now.
#5 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Manchester City have been blessed with some extraordinary players and surely Joao Cancelo is one of them. The Portuguese is capable of playing as a full-back and a wing-back on either flank.
Because of his versatile nature, Joao Cancelo has been a very important player for Pep Guardiola, especially in the 2021-22 season. He's already scored once and registered four assists in the Premier League this campaign. Apart from his goal contributions, his sharpness and attacking abilities have looked very effective for City.
Considering his impressive performances, Joao Cancelo can easily be included in the top five list of both the right-backs and left-backs. Currently valued at €60 million, he will be a big player for Manchester City this season in their bid to defend the Premier League title.
#4 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Not many left-backs have been as impactful as Andrew Robertson has been in the past few years for Liverpool. The Scottish defender has a lively presence on the left flank with his amazing attacking instincts.
Having won both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with the Reds, Andrew Robertson has been quite successful with them. Jurgen Klopp relies heavily on the Scotsman to be productive in the attack despite his primary duty being to defend.
Andrew Robertson is currently valued at €65 million and is worth every penny for Liverpool. The 27-year old has one goal and five assists to his name in the Premier League this season.
#3 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi has had the pleasure of playing for some of the top clubs in Europe at a very young age. The Moroccan defender has played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and is now with Paris Saint-Germain.
He had a terrific 2020-21 season with Inter Milan where he played an important role in helping them win Serie A. Achraf Hakimi can play both as a right full-back and a wing-back. His best performance for Inter came when he played as a wing-back, scoring 7 goals and recording 8 assists in Serie A last season.
After a slow start with Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi has looked good with the French club, scoring thrice and recording three assists in Ligue 1 this season. The 23-year-old is valued at €70 million right now.
#2 Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
The Bayern Munich defender is one of the finest young players in the football world right now. At the age of 21, Alphonso Davies has impressed a significant amount of people.
The youngster is slowly growing into an important player for Bayern Munich. His remarkable speed, quick feet and attacking instincts make him a very dangerous left-back. Having spent more than three seasons with the Bavarian club, he has enjoyed winning the Bundesliga three times.
With a lot of talent at his disposal, Alphonso Davies is bound to make it big over time. The Canadian full-back is valued at €70 million right now.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
No full-back right now is more deadly than Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool. The Englishman has been a phenomenal act on the right side of the pitch and has been a menace to contain.
With his fabulous technique on the ball, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been able to provide some stunning crosses and valuable assists on the pitch. He has already scored twice and made nine assists in the Premier League this campaign. The English right-back is not only a threat in wide positions but also with set-piece situations.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has amazing vision and thanks to his passing skills, he's more often than not been able to make the right decision on the ball. Jurgen Klopp relies on his attacking outlet from the right flank as it allows Mohamed Salah to tuck in. The 23-year-old right back is valued at €80 million, presently.