The roles of defenders have evolved in tandem with the game of football. Defensive players are expected to contribute to the attack and play an important role in building play from the back in the modern era.
Managers have encouraged their full-backs to attack and help the team whenever possible. This strategy has proven to be fruitful and useful for some of the top clubs.
Defenders' contributions to offense have only grown over the last three seasons. While center-backs have been useful, full-backs have outperformed them due to their positional freedom.
Top defenders have consistently created goals since the start of the 2019-20 season. It only helps their cause that some of them have been authorized to be set-piece takers for their respective teams. We look at the defenders who have had the most assists over the last three seasons.
It should be noted that the top five leagues in Europe are considered 5. Jordi Alba's (Barcelona)
Jordi Alba has developed into one of Barcelona's most respected and valuable players since joining the club in the 2012-13 season. Despite his primary responsibility of containing the opposition, the Spanish defender has been a significant contributor to the attack down the left flank.
Alba has always taken advantage of every opportunity to expose the opposition on the left wing. The Barcelona left-back has been a regular assist provider for the Catalan club, thanks to his incredible passing range and vision.
Alba has 20 league assists since the start of the 2019-20 season. His best season for Barcelona came in the 2021-22 season, when he finished with 10 assists, a personal career high.
four. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi was given the opportunity to play for some of Europe's top clubs at a young age. The Moroccan defender struggled to find regular game time with Los Blancos after graduating from Real Madrid's youth academy.He spent two seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund during the 2018-19 season. Hakimi eventually joined Inter Milan on a permanent basis in the 2020-21 season, but left after only one season to play for Paris Saint-Germain.
At the age of 23, the Moroccan right-back has gained popularity among top European teams. Hakimi has 24 assists since the start of the 2019-20 season, with some of them involving him playing as a right wing-back.
Andrew Robertson is number three (Liverpool)
Liverpool has adopted an attacking style of play under Jurgen Klopp's leadership. The full-backs are heavily involved in the attack in this style of play.
Andrew Robertson has benefited greatly from this approach and has made the most of it. The Scottish defender has been devastating down the left flank thanks to his dangerous crossing abilities.
Robertson has always appreciated the chance to contribute offensively, and as a result, he has 29 assists since the start of the 2019-20 season. He played a key role in Liverpool's Premier League victory in the 2019-20 season, contributing 12 assists.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, No. 2 (Liverpool)
The presence of two Liverpool full-backs on this list demonstrates how effective they have been for the club in recent years. Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with Andrew Robertson, has been a threat to the opposition.
The Englishman has excellent technique and a wide range of passing and crossing skills. Trent Alexander-Arnold has provided some beautiful balls in the box and has been outstanding with his set-pieces.
The Liverpool right-back relishes the opportunity to attack and has rarely shown hesitation in doing so. Trent Alexander-Arnold has 32 assists since the start of the 2019-20 season and was the team's second-leading assist provider last season.
With his talent, the 23-year-old has the potential to achieve great success in the future.
Filip Kostic is number one (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Filip Kostic has been in the Bundesliga since the 2014-15 season and is well acquainted with its requirements. He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2018-19 season and has remained with them since.
The Serbian's attacking approach has only gotten better over time. Kostic's fantastic passing and crossing abilities have allowed him to contribute to goals on a regular basis.
Despite his position at left-back, the Eintracht Frankfurt defender has proven to be a valuable asset on the left wing. Kostic has 34 assists in the last three seasons. The Serbian's best season came in the 2020-21 season, when he had 14 assists in the Bundesliga.
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