Do Fullbacks Still Need to Defend in the Modern Game?

We are long past the days of the Paulo Maldinis, the Gary Nevilles, the Lilian Thurams, or the Giuseppe Bergomis; just to name a few of the players we now know as the classic “no-nonsense fullbacks”. However, the role of the fullback position has drastically transformed in the modern game.

With the popularity of the inverted, attacking, overlapping, and underlapping fullbacks, the question is raised: Do fullbacks still need to be able to defend to be successful in a modern setup?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid)

Real Madrid have added one more superstar to their new Galácticos superteam with the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trent has been regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world for the last decade, but not for his defensive ability, but rather for his ability on the ball; his playmaking, crossing, and creativity. Trent is the embodiment of all the characteristics in a modern fullback.

However, despite his attacking success and effectiveness, Trent has often struggled to come up against wingers more dominant in 1-on-1 situations, such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Jeremy Doku, and even left-back Nuno Mendes during their Round of 16 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season.

Trent was dribbled past a staggering 12 times against Jeremy Doku and Manchester City, and 8 times over two legs against PSG.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold excels as one of the best in his position for almost every attacking statistic, according to FBRef.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Scouting Report Table

Statistic	Per 90	Percentile
Non-Penalty Goals	0.09	81
Non-Penalty Expected Goals Provided by Opta. An underline indicates there is a match that is missing data, but will be updated when available.”>npxG: Non-Penalty xG	0.07	74
Does not include penalty kicks”>Shots Total	1.68	97
Assists	0.21	86
Expected Assisted Goals xG which follows a pass that assists a shot Provided by Opta. An underline indicates there is a match that is missing data, but will be updated when available.”>xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals	0.24	97
xG totals include penalty kicks, but do not include penalty shootouts (unless otherwise noted). Provided by Opta. An underline indicates there is a match that is missing data, but will be updated when available. Minimum 30 minutes played per squad game to qualify as a leader”>npxG + xAG	0.31	94
The two offensive actions directly leading to a shot, such as passes, take-ons and drawing fouls. Note: A single player can receive credit for multiple actions and the shot-taker can also receive credit.”>Shot-Creating Actions	3.52	96
Includes live ball passes (including crosses) as well as corner kicks, throw-ins, free kicks and goal kicks.”>Passes Attempted	71.80	97
Minimum 30 minutes played per squad game to qualify as a leader Includes live ball passes (including crosses) as well as corner kicks, throw-ins, free kicks and goal kicks.”>Pass Completion %	73.6%	20
Completed passes that move the ball towards the opponent’s goal line at least 10 yards from its furthest point in the last six passes, or any completed pass into the penalty area. Excludes passes from the defending 40% of the pitch”>Progressive Passes	8.52	99
Progressive Carries	1.72	40
Unsuccessful take-ons include attempts where the dribbler retained possession but was unable to get past the defender”>Successful Take-Ons	0.64	58
Touches (Att Pen)	1.38	50
Completed passes that move the ball towards the opponent’s goal line at least 10 yards from its furthest point in the last six passes, or any completed pass into the penalty area. Excludes passes from the defending 40% of the pitch”>Progressive Passes Rec	3.37	31
Tackles	2.63	85
Interceptions	1.19	77
Blocks	0.95	34
Clearances	1.87	18
Aerials Won	0.12	1

Player compared to positional peers in Men’s Big 5 Leagues, UCL, UEL over the last 365 days. Based on 2938 minutes played.
How scouting reports are calculated
Powered by Opta

However, it has been proven this season, especially in PSG’s Champions League winning campaign that strong defensive performances from fullbacks helps ensure success in high-stakes games, such as knockout games.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nuno Mendes (@nunomendes_5)

PSG left-back Nuno Mendes has been one of the best defenders in the world this season, winning five trophies this season including the UCL and the Nations League with Portugal. Nuno Mendes has not only been contributing to PSG’s attack, but he has also delivered strong defensive performances when called upon in the Champions League. From keeping Ballon D’or contender Mohamed Salah to 0 goal contributions over two legs versus PSG, to providing two goals and an assist against Aston Villa in the quarter finals, followed by a strong performance against Bukayo Saka and Arsenal in the semi-finals before another solid performance in PSG’s emphatic 5–0 win over Inter Milan in the UCL Final.

Nuno Mendes is the perfect balance of embodying the qualities of a modern attacking fullback, but still capable of delivering strong defensive performances and shutting down world-class opposition wingers when called upon.

The same can be said if we look back at the previous five Champions League winning teams. Dani Carvajal played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s win in 2024 with his Man of the Match performance, providing a goal in the final versus Dortmund while delivering a solid defensive display. Manuel Akanji and Nathan Aké also delivered a solid defensive performance versus Inter Milan in 2023. In 2022, it was Dani Carvajal once again who helped inspire Real Madrid’s miraculous comeback with a fantastic cross against Manchester City in the semi-finals, before a strong defensive performance against Liverpool in the final. In 2021, Reece James helped shut down Manchester City to a clean sheet while securing the title. In 2020, Joshua Kimmich delivered a strong defensive performance against Kylian Mbappé in the final while providing the assist for Kingsley Coman’s winning goal.

Verdict

In today’s game, being specialized in one aspect can be a liability. A fullback who only attacks can be a creative weapon, but also a defensive target. A fullback who only defends may be solid, but limits build-up and progression, especially in transitions and counter attacks from defense to attack, where most goals usually come from in high-stakes knockout games.

The most successful teams don’t choose one or the other. They choose both.