1
The wide defender who protects the flank and overlaps to help the attack. The role has changed massively. Old-school full-backs defended first; modern ones are expected to get forward and create. Some tuck inside into midfield like Cancelo, others stay wide and cross like Alexander-Arnold. You need stamina to get up and down for 90 minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson redefined full-back play at Liverpool, combining for 35 assists in the 2018-19 season while providing defensive solidity, making them arguably the most productive full-back pairing in football history.
Robbie
Jan 25, 2026
Have a different take?
Think there's another way to define Full-Back? The Football Dictionary is built by the community — submit your own definition and let others vote on it.
Submit Your Definition