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As a sport, football has been revolutionized time and again over the last century. In its early days, the game prioritized attackers and had insanely top-heavy formations, with as many as seven or eight out-and-out attackers.
Defending was the least of everyone’s concern, as every talented footballer wanted to get on the scoresheet. Then, passing football came around and more balanced formations were introduced. Defenders were still not as dynamic, but there were some personalities who wanted to give the forwards a run for their money.
Total football eventually took over and instigated everyone to pitch in wherever necessary. Defenders, in particular, started making more forward runs and even began acting as auxiliary wingers.
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Today, in 2021, some defenders are considered to be serious attacking threats. They score headers, whip in perfect crosses and even beat opposing defenders to clinch a late winner.
In this piece, we will be taking a look at some of the best attack-minded defenders in the business — players who are currently considered to be the most menacing by their contemporaries. Now, without further ado, let us check out the
5 best defenders with the most attacking threat in the world
#5 Sergio Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
For over a decade, Sergio Ramos has defined the term “attack-minded defenders.” The former Real Madrid keeper is known for his clutch performances in desperate times and is one of the best headers of the ball.
Ramos’s attacking brilliance was at its best in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League season; he scored a brace in the final, including a match-saving equalizer to lead Real Madrid to Champions League glory. The new Paris Saint-Germain player managed to net 19 goals in his final three seasons for Real Madrid.
#4 Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
Raphael Guerreiro may not have the most illustrious resume in the world of football, but the full-back's attacking contribution is right up there with the very best. The Portugal international primarily plays as a left-back at Borussia Dortmund but can play just as proficiently as a left-midfielder.
Guerreiro’s crossing ability is arguably the best in the league, and the likes of Erling Halaand are certainly grateful to have him around. The Dortmund man has registered 20 goals and 24 assists over the last three seasons — which is more than satisfactory for a player lining up as a defender. The player is one of the first names on the team sheet for Dortmund and is set to be an important part of the club’s domestic and European campaigns this season.
#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
English Premier League side Liverpool have a reputation for promoting some of the most talented youngsters around; right back Trent Alexander-Arnold is a fine example of the club’s exemplary culture.
Since joining Liverpool's senior team, Alexander-Arnold has emerged as one of the most creative players in the English Premier League. His knack of drifting into little pockets of space, attacking the opposition third, and early crosses has turned him into quite an attacking asset for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. To top it off, the Englishman is excellent from set-pieces. He became a folk hero for his corner against Barcelona in the second leg of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
The right-back is not much of a scorer, but is consistent with his assists. Over the last three seasons — between 2018-19 and 2020-21 — he racked up 40 assists across all competitions.
#2 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Despite being only 21 years of age, Achraf Hakimi has featured for some of the biggest clubs in the world. He started off at Real Madrid, playing for the club’s youth teams before making it to the senior team.
He then spent a considerable amount of time honing his skills at Borussia Dortmund, becoming one of the best in the league. His display of attacking flair drew a contract from Inter, allowing the player to don the iconic kit of the Nerazzurri. And now, following a great season in Italy, he has signed for Paris Saint-Germain.
Hakimi packs explosive pace and endless stamina, which makes him an asset to any team in the world. He can deliver accurate balls, is capable of performing expertly as a right wing-back, and has an eye for goal as well. Last season, he enjoyed his best ever campaign in club football, scoring 7 goals and registering 10 assists for Inter.
He has already started two games for PSG this season and registered a goal and an assist. Assuming he maintains his purple patch, we are certain to see him become one of the first names on the team sheet under Mauricio Pochettino.
#1 Robin Gosens (Atalanta)
Atalanta are without a doubt one of the most exciting teams in Italy right now, and their adventurous left-back, Robin Gosens, is the perfect embodiment of the attacking spirit they possess. The Germany international is a quick, two-footed full-back who can slot in at any position. Although primarily a left-back, he has played both further up and on the other side of the pitch.
Gosens, who featured in four matches for Germany at UEFA Euro 2020, is one of the first names on the team sheet for Atalanta, and deservedly so. His surges down the left-hand channel allowed him to register 11 goals and 8 assists last season, which is more than most would have hoped for.
Over the last three seasons, he has pitched in with 25 goals and 20 assists across all competitions for Atalanta.
