Full-backs have become the modern way to contribute to the offensive side of the game. Teams are looking to invest more and more on their wings, looking to strengthen with players who can be solid defensively and, at the same time, lively while attacking. Moving up and down the pitch, putting crosses in the box, robustly defending his flank and then chipping in with some goals.
Manchester City spent huge amounts on their fullbacks - Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy. Pep Guardiola was keen to replace the old legs of Pablo Zabaleta and Gaël Clichy since his takeover at the Etihad. Jurgen Klopp has made Anfield a terrifying place to visit and much of the credit goes to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson.
Marcos Alonso has been one of the best players for Chelsea in the past two seasons. He has saved the Blues on many occasions by scoring goals for his team. Ashley Young has been terrific since last season, adapting himself on either flank. His consistent performances forced Gareth Southgate to include him in England's squad for the World Cup 2018.
Who can forget Kieran Trippier's goal against Croatia in the World Cup semifinal? Alexander-Arnold scored a similar goal against Watford in the Premier League this season. David Beckham will be proud of the two English boys!
Here's our list of the Top 3 RB's of this season in the Premier League:
#3 Matt Doherty
What a sensational season this Irish-defender is having! Wolves have continued their impressive form of last season in this campaign. They are one of those sides who are almost certain to stay in the league at the end of the year. Matt Doherty has been a terrific player for them.
With the robust partnership of Boly and Coady in the defense, Doherty has excelled at the wing-back role. He has been a part of seven goals directly, scoring three and assisting four times. Defensively as well, he has made 1.7 tackles per game.
His major contribution to the team is the work-rate he displays when on the pitch. Consistency is the main thing which Nuno Espírito Santo wants from him.
#2 Kyle Walker
Manchester City signed the England right-back from Tottenham Hotspurs for £50m in the summer of 2017. At that time, he was arguably the best right-back in the Premier League. Since then, Pep has taken his game to a whole new level. He has made him more solid defensively which also helped England in the World Cup.
Southgate used him as the right center-back, behind Kieran Trippier. He has been a disciplined performer this season, making only six fouls. He has also made 24 tackles with a success rate of 67%. A recent blip in the form saw Danilo getting the starting role in recent matches, but we are sure that Walker is still Pep's go-to full-back.
He prefers to stay back when his team attacks and that is the reason he is not a major part of their attack but who can forget his rocket-goal against Newcastle United? Absolutely, breathtaking!
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Many will raise objections on his ranking but statistics certainly back our list. Not only the defense, but he has also been a vital contributor to Liverpool's offensive performance, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He also averages 1.4 key passes per game.
Coming to the defensive part, he may not be as good as Wan-Bissaka but still makes 1.9 tackles per game. The only shortcoming he has is his failure to win aerial duels but again, which player is perfect at 20? He prefers to stay wide and cross the ball from the right side.
Much of the credit for his excellent performances also go to the midfield players who cover for him when he is in the opposition's box. He is only 43 Premier League games old but his importance in Klopp's team is immense. Definitely, the future for England at this position is bright!