The fullback is one of the most underrated positions on the pitch.
In the modern game it is required from wide defenders not only to defend well but to pose a consistent attacking threat. The position has evolved from the player who runs back and forth the whole length of the pitch to an all-round football player- needing to be able to play in defense, midfield and attack.
You can see the rise of value in fullbacks worldwide. The Footy Club presents you the Top 10 Fullbacks 2023/2024.
10. João Cancelo
João Cancelo is undoubtedly one of the most technically gifted attacking fullbacks in recent years. He had an amazing start with his new loan club Barcelona but in recent games he has been too mistake-prone. Normally Top 5 Fullback in the world but this season he has not been as good as we are used to seeing him.
9. Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi has been one of the best rightbacks in the world for quite some time now. He is stable defensively and amazing in attack, contributing with goals and assists every season. His 12 goal contributions this season has proven that amazingly.
8. Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez has been a stable on the left-back at Milan. We all know that he is able to provide magic moments when he plays. Long shot screamers, solo goals, electric pace- Theo has it all. Milan and Theo are not having the best of seasons, otherwise the Frenchman would have been higher.
7. Alphonso Davies
If it wasn’t for injuries Alphonso Davies would definitely make it in our Top 5. Lightning quick on the left side of Bayern, the Canadian International is one for the future. No wonder why Real Madrid are eager to sign him.
6. Federico Dimarco
The Italian left-back is a threat. He was Inter’s best player last season and has established himself as one of the best in his position. Dimarco is so dangerous going forward, he is a dream for every coach to have in their team.
5. Daniel Carvajal
Carvajal is aging like a fine wine. He proved all the doubters wrong when they said that he cannot cope with all the pacey wingers coming against him, but he has been nothing but rock solid. He has been captaining this Madrid side like a warrior, leading them to the LaLiga title and potentially their 15th UCL.
4. Ben White
It is a shame for England not to have Ben White in their squad for the upcoming Euros. The Englishman has thrived under Arteta, becoming on the world’s best in the right-back position. His aggression and interceptions are next to no other player in the world and he has improved his attacking play tremendously with 4 goals in the Premier League.
3. Alejandro Grimaldo
The Spanish left wingback is the bargain of the season. He moved from Benfica to Bayer Leverkusen on a FREE transfer. What followed after that is just magic. He has been so important for Leverkusen, being undoubtedly the most dangerous fullback in the world and his stats go to show that- 29 goal contributions! Some strikers wish to have these numbers and he is doing all of this while defending magnificently and being a set-piece specialist. Just wow!
2. Jeremie Frimpong
Just like Grimaldo, the wingback on the other side of the pitch for Leverkusen has been nothing but magical. Jeremie Frimpong has absolutely flourished this season. He is uncatchable by opposition defenders. The Dutchman has also scored many clutch goals this season contributing massively to Leverkusen’s so-far-unbeaten season. Not even let us mention his 26 goal contributions! What a star!
1. Kyle Walker
It probably comes to no surprise to see Kyle Walker as a number 1 consistently in all fullback rankings EVERY YEAR. There is of course a reason for this. Walker is just the best at his position. He is every winger’s worst nightmare- being so solid and quick, it makes him impossible to get past. But Walker is not only a classic fast paced fullback. In recent seasons, Guardiola has been using him in the inverted fullback role, essentially letting him play in midfield. He has been even better. Kyle Walker has it all. Our Number 1!
