5 defenders with the most goal involvements in 2021-22 season
The modern game has seen more and more defenders venture upfield and contribute to their team's attack.
Centre-backs have a presence at both ends, thanks to their aerial ability. Meanwhile, the full-backs lend width to their team's attack by bombarding the flanks. That creates an offensive overload, which often results in goals.
Many teams, especially in Europe's top five leagues, have attacking full-backs who not only provide assists, but also score key goals. These teams also have good ball-playing centre-backs who do not hesitate to make their presence felt at the other end.
That trend has continued this season as well. On that note, here's a look at the five defenders with the most goal contributions in Europe's top five leagues this season (2021-22):
#5 Domenico Criscito - 6 (five goals, one assist)
Domenico Criscito is one of the most prolific goalscoring defenders in the game at the moment.
Belying his 35 years of age, the left-back has hit the ground running this season. He has bagged five goals and an assist, but Genoa are languishing in the relegation zone, having won just once in 21 games this season.
4 - Domenico Criscito is the defender with the most goals scored in the Big-5 European Leagues so far: four, all from penalties. Coldness.
#SpeziaGenoa
The versatile footballer can also play as a centre-back, wing-back and wide midfielder. Currently in his third spell at Genoa, the two-time Russian Premier League winner has scored all of his 21 Serie A goals for the club.
#4 Niko Giesselmann - 7 (three goals, four assists)
Niko Giesselmann is another left-back who has hit the ground running this season. The 30-year-old has been one of the key performers for a Union Berlin team that is cruising in seventh place in the 2021-22 Bundesliga table.
He has bagged seven goal contributions in the German top flight this season, including three goals. One of his strikes came against holders Bayern Munich, where Berlin lost 5-2 at home.
One of the many shining stars for @FCUnion_EN so far this #Bundesliga season, Niko #Gießelmann ✨🌠 https://t.co/aPevcKURYV
The 30-year-old's only other Bundesliga goal came while he played for Fortuna Dusseldorf.