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Football has always been a team sport. In order for a team to succeed on the pitch, every member has a role to play.
The goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards all have the same goal in mind: to win the game. However, some team members, like the full-backs, also have to perform dual roles. Full-backs are expected to perform at both ends of the pitch, supporting the attack and providing defensive cover.
Managers have recently learned to weaponize their full-backs to be dangerous in attack and help their teams create goals. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Achraf Hakimi and Joao Cancelo come to mind in this regard. However, before these players came around, there were a number of pioneering attack-minded full-backs in football.
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Without further ado, here is a list of five full-backs with the most assists in the 21st century.
#5 Philipp Lahm (94 assists)
Philipp Lahm is one of the best right-sided defenders in the history of football. He enjoyed a successful football career that spanned a dozen years.
Except for one year, Lahm spent his entire senior career at his boyhood club Bayern Munich. He won many trophies during his time with the Bundesliga giants, including the historic treble in 2013. The defender also captained the German national team to FIFA World Cup glory in 2014.
Lahm contributed 94 total assists in his professional career for Bayern Munich and Germany. 77 of those came for the Bavarians between 2005 and 2017, while 17 came for Die Mannschaft.
#4 Jordi Alba (112 assists)
Jordi Alba first came to prominence in 2012, when he helped the Spanish national team claim the European Championship title. The left-back has enjoyed a trophy-laden career since then, establishing himself as one of the world's best in his position.
Alba has spent his entire senior career in Spain, with his spell at FC Barcelona being the most notable of his career. Having played alongside some of the best attackers in the world at Camp Nou, the defender soon adapted to playing an attacking role.
Alba built a good chemistry with Lionel Messi during their time together at Barcelona. He supported the Argentine ace to score loads of goals through pinpoint passes and crosses.
Alba has recorded 112 assists in his career up to this point, making him a weapon high up the pitch. He recorded 95 of those assists at club level, with 17 more coming for his national team.
#3 Marcelo (113 assists)
For most of the 2010s, Marcelo was the top dog among left-backs in world football. The Brazilian star currently plies his trade for Real Madrid, having first joined the club in 2007 from Fluminense.
At the peak of his powers, Marcelo was a sight to behold as he dominated the left side of the pitch with relative ease. He was a starter in each of Real Madrid's successful UEFA Champions League campaigns, including their three consecutive triumphs (2016, 2017 and 2018).
The 33-year-old was also a key player for Brazil, having won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with them.
Marcelo has provided a total of 113 assists for club and country so far. He recorded 101 of those for Real Madrid and another 12 for the Brazil national team.
#2 Roberto Carlos (134 assists)
Before the likes of Marcelo and Jordi Alba came around, Roberto Carlos was the undisputed king of left-backs. The Brazilian played for a number of European clubs, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.
Carlos had incredible attacking qualities which were ahead of his time. His attacking attributes were on par with the best of the current generation, and he excelled at dead-ball situations for both club and country. His crossing ability was also second to none, with strikers such as Ronaldo and Raul his biggest beneficiaries.
Carlos provided 134 assists in his professional career for club and country. He made 122 of those at club level, with the other 12 coming in the colors of the Selecao.
#1 Dani Alves (192 assists)
Dani Alves is regarded by many as the greatest full-back in football history. The right-back has dominated his position for many years.
The 38-year-old still plies his trade at the highest level with Barcelona. He has also featured for clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. The defender has won titles everywhere he has played. He is the most decorated football player in the history of the sport, with 43 senior trophies for club and country.
Alves has delivered 192 assists for club and country so far. After providing an assist for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid last weekend, he has taken his club tally to 171. Meanwhile, he has provided 21 assists for his national team.
