The role of the modern full-back has changed drastically, as they are expected to contribute just as much going forward as defending. And with the emergence of prolific attack-minded defenders like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Reece James and Ben Chilwell, the number of assists provided by defenders has skyrocketed too.
With that in mind, we’ve ranked the best 10 defenders in terms of assists in Premier League history. Let’s take a look at them.
The most assists for a defender in Premier League history 👟
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 10, 2024
Take a bow, @TrentAA 👏 pic.twitter.com/1oFOpQYwxg
Top 10 Premier League defenders in terms of assists:
10. Dan Petrescu
Club(s): Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Bradford City, Southampton
Premier League appearances: 215
Assists: 33
Dan Petrescu is a former Romanian footballer and a highly regarded football manager. Known for his exceptional versatility as a player, he excelled in various positions, including right-back, winger, and midfielder. His managerial career has been equally impressive, with successful spells at various clubs, showcasing his tactical acumen and leadership skills. With a strong track record both on the field and in the dugout, Petrescu continues to be a prominent figure in the world of football.
9. Gary Neville
Club(s): Manchester United
Premier League appearances: 400
Assists: 35
Few expected Gary Neville, a member of Manchester United’s famed Class of 92, to have a successful playing career. Neville, who was deemed too small to play centre-back, reinvented himself as right-back, closely studying teammate and versatile full-back Denis Irwin, and formed a renowned partnership with David Beckham on the right flank.
8. César Azpilicueta
Club(s): Chelsea
Premier League appearances: 343
Assists: 35
Azpilicueta’s Chelsea teammates affectionately refer to him as “Dave,” and it took him some time to fit in at Stamford Bridge, but once he did, the Spaniard has not looked back since. Azpilicueta is a two-time Premier League champion with Chelsea and lifted the Europa League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies as their beloved captain before leaving for Atletico Madrid.
7. Andy Hinchcliffe
Club(s): Everton, Sheffield Wednesday
Premier League appearances: 219
Assists: 36
Andy Hinchcliffe, a set-piece maestro, started his career at boyhood club Manchester City before joining Everton a few seasons before the Premier League was formed. He spent most of the 1990s at Goodison Park before finishing his career with Sheffield Wednesday.
6. Ian Harte
Club(s): Leeds United, Sunderland, Reading
Premier League appearances: 237
Assists: 36
During his tenure at Elland Road, Ian Harte was noted for his scoring, particularly from dead-ball situations, but the Irishman, like his fellow compatriot (and full-back) Kelly, didn’t need a second invitation to maraud into the opposition half.
5. Antonio Valencia
Club(s): Wigan Athletic, Manchester United
Premier League appearances: 325
Assists: 39
Antonio Valencia is most fondly remembered for his time with Manchester United, winning several trophies with them including the league title as part of Alex Ferguson’s late era. He also played for Wigan Athletic before eventually hanging up his boots.
4. Graeme Le Saux
Club(s): Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Southampton
Premier League appearances: 327
Assists: 44
Graeme Le Saux was a member of Kenny Dalglish’s Premier League-winning Blackburn Rovers squad, a period sandwiched between seasons at childhood club Chelsea. During that time, he earned 36 England caps, scoring his only goal against Brazil.
3. Leighton Baines
Club(s): Wigan, Everton
Premier League appearances: 420
Assists: 53
Leighton Baines had 11 assists in the 2010/11 season, equaling former Toffee full-back Hinchcliffe (1994/95) for the most by a defender in a single Premier League season until Alexander-Arnold arrived.
2. Andrew Robertson
Club(s): Hull City, Liverpool
Premier League appearances: 260
Assists: 57
Liverpool’s second side of the enticing full-back pair. Andrew Robertson played in the Premier League with Hull City before they were relegated in 2018. He persuaded the powers that be at Anfield with his performance during that one season, and he hasn’t looked back since.
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Club(s): Liverpool
Premier League appearances: 219
Assists: 58
Trent Alexander-Arnold currently ranks first in terms of the most assists in the Premier League from a defender. The Liverpool academy graduate has been criticised for his defensive shortcomings but makes up for it multifold with his attacking brilliance. At only 25, he is at the top of this list.
Bonus: Ashley Young
Club(s): Everton, Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United
Premier League appearances: 433
Assists: 71
Ashley Young started his career at Watford before joining Aston Villa. After making a name for himself with the Villans, he moved on to Manchester United, from where he is most fondly remembered. After his Premier League title triumphs, he won the Serie A with Inter Milan before returning to Villa. He played as a right back in the latter stages of his career.
