The finest full-backs at the World Cup this summer.
With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil starting on Thursday CaughtOffside has decided to pick out the 10 best full-backs who will be starring at the tournament.
10. Patrice Evra, France
Despite now being 33-years-old this Manchester United star can still cut it at the very top and this was proven when Evra was awarded a new contract by the club this summer, whilst Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were not.
The Frenchman should start at left-back for his nation at the World Cup as he looks to put the controversies of four years ago in South Africa behind him.
9. Serge Aurier, Ivory Coast
Of all the African nations the Ivorians have been the ones with the most expectation to succeed on the international stage in recent times, due to the plethora of talent they produce.
This time around 21-year-old Aurier will be hoping to take his fine form with Toulouse in 2013/14 straight into the World Cup.
8. Ricardo Rodriguez, Switzerland
Whilst many people have named Belgium as their dark horses for this summer’s competition, perhaps the honour should got to Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Swiss stars.
With a world-class manager at their helm who knows what the nation can achieve, especially with talents such as Wolfsburg left-back Rodriguez.
7. Mathieu Debuchy, France
This Newcastle United defender will be competing with Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna for the right-back spot at the World Cup, but manager Didier Deschamps appears to prefer the former.
That is probably because despite playing for perhaps a less fashionable club, Debuchy appears to be able to balance defensive and attacking duties perfectly.
6. Cesar Azpilicueta, Spain
It’s been a brilliant past 12 months for this Chelsea ace, who has propelled himself into this list after proving himself once manager Jose Mourinho put faith in him.
Azpilicueta is now just as comfortable at either right or left-back and should be in the Spanish starting XI as they look to defend their title.
5. Pablo Zabaleta, Argentina
Many have highlighted the Argentinian’s defence as their weak link, but their right-back slot can certainly not be included under that banner.
That is because Zabaleta has been in one of the best sides in Europe in Manchester City since 2008 and is nearly always an assured presence.
4. Leighton Baines, England
It appears to be quite a Premier League heavy list as the fifth player from the English top tier makes an appearances in the shape of Everton’s Baines.
The 29-year-old has finally established himself in the English starting XI ahead of Ashley Cole and could be one of their key players this summer.
3. Marcelo, Brazil
In the mould of so many great Brazilian defenders of the past, this Real Madrid star is at his best when going forward.
Marcelo played a big part in Madrid’s Copa del Rey and Champions League successes last term and will be going into the tournament in his home nation high on confidence.
2. Dani Alves, Brazil
On the opposite flank for the Brazilians will be another full-back who can perhaps not be matched when it comes to going forward.
Alves’ club FC Barcelona may have had a poor campaign by their high standards in 2013/14, but the 30-year-old was as sharp as ever.
1. Philipp Lahm, Germany
Yet top of the pile is someone who actually played much of last season in defensive midfield for Bayern Munich at head coach Pep Guardiola’s request.
It is a tribute to Lahm’s versatility that the German took to that new role seamlessly, but whether at right or left-back the 30-year-old is naturally a defender.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.