The top 5 right-backs in Europe this season
Amidst all the glitz, glamour, fame and riches poured on their more illustrious teammates in the attacking and midfield positions, the full-backs are arguably more important than them for their overall functionality but more often than not, do not get the immense praise their contributions deserve.
They have taken up an even more important role ever since the tactical evolution that saw the rise of inverted wingers, with full-backs now required to provide more width in attacking positions, while also combining this with their defensive duties.
Pin-point deliveries, tracking back and putting their bodies on the line, these are some of the duties expected of a full-back and it is not uncommon to see that they are usually among the highest numbers in terms of distance covered.
So far this season, some right-backs have covered themselves in glory, while others have failed to hit their usual heights and in this piece, we shall be taking a look at the top five performing right-backs in Europe this season.
#5 Noussair Mazraoui - Ajax Amsterdam
Mazraoui is a 21-year-old Dutch-born Moroccan international who is making waves in the Netherlands Eredivisie with his performances for Ajax Amsterdam.
Alongside young teammates like Frenkie De Jong, Mattijs De Ligt and David Neres among others, Mazraoui is one of the mosty in-demand young players in the world, drawing praise from all and sundry for his excellent displays which belie his age.
Quick, agile, technically gifted and blessed with a wonderful crossing ability, the Moroccan international has the potential to become one of the best players in his position even though he is currently still a bit rough on the edges (which is only normal considering his young age).
So far this season, Mazraoui has made 21 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax, scoring and assisting one each, while he has been an ever-present, appearing in all 13 of the Dutch giants European fixtures this term (scoring two goals) right from the qualifiers and helped Ajax qualify from the group stage for the first time in over a decade.
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