The 5 Best Attacking Defenses in World Football

In soccer (football), players are usually expected to stick to their positions. If you're a defender, your main task is to defend. If you're a striker, you are asked to score.

However, there are always some players who do more than what their position emphasizes. Most of the time, these players are defenders.

Even though defenders are primarily supposed to defend, they are sometimes asked to attack as well—especially for full-backs. This usually applies to players on stronger teams around the world. 

Many elite sides have lineups that promote lots of attacking. In these systems, defenders—especially those on the wings—are allowed to push forward.

Here's a list of the five best attacking defenses.

Barcelona

Defensive Lineup: Dani Alves, Abidal, Pique, Puyol (Mascherano, Adriano, Maxwell).

Any team with Dani Alves will have an attacking-minded defense. Barcelona bought the Brazilian right-back from Sevilla in 2008, and it has proven to be a great purchase (even if he cost over £23 million). Alves ends up playing right forward for most of the game but is also good defensively.

While Alves offers most of Barca's attacking play from defense, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol have proven to be goal sources off corner kicks. And Abidal is often in the opponent's half with some great crosses into the penalty area.

Manchester United

Defensive Lineup: Evra, Smalling, Evans, Jones (Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio).

Manchester United defenders may not be outstanding scorers, but they definitely don't lack the confidence going forward. 

Unlike other teams on this list, United don't possess the most attacking full-backs. Patrice Evra makes forward runs on the left side, but very few attacks are contributed from the right full-back position.

However, their centre-backs, especially Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, have established themselves as goal sources from set pieces.

This season has seen a change in lineup for the Red Devils: Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who have been considered guaranteed starters in the past, have been dropped for most games, leaving room for younger stars. 

Phil Jones has played in all 11 EPL games for United this season (started eight), while Johnny Evans and Chris Smalling have featured in a handful of matches. 

This switch at the back, however, hasn't changed too much, as United's defense is still great going forward.

Ajax

Defensive Lineup: Anita, van der Weil, Vertonghen, Alderweireld (Ooijer, Blind, Boileson).

Ajax may not be playing too well this season, but there is no doubt that they boast a strong defense. The Dutch side conceded 30 league goals last season, which isn't that great, but their defense helped in the attack by scoring 14 times.

Jan Vertonghen may be the main attacking threat from Ajax's back line, but their other defenders can also chip in with a goal. Van der Wiel and Vurnon Anita have been great in the wing-back positions.

Chelsea

Defensive Lineup: Cole, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry (Luiz, Alex, Betrand).

In recent years, the Blues have built a defense with many attacking capabilities. Chelsea's centre-backs have impressed in the air, while their full-backs have been praised for marauding runs going forward.

Players like John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are well-known for their attacking contributions. The addition of David Luiz has made Chelsea's defense even more attacking, and he has already scored three times for the club. 

And who could forget Alex's amazing free kick against Arsenal last season?

Real Madrid

Defensive Lineup: Ramos, Marcelo, Pepe, Carvalho (Coentrao, Arbeloa, Albiol).

Real Madrid have arguably the best two-attacking full-back combination in the world.

On the left, they have Marcelo (or Fabio Coentrao, if Madrid need him). On the right, they have Sergio Ramos. These two constantly terrorize the opponent's defense and practically play as forwards for much of the game.

In addition, Los Merengues have good centre-backs (Pepe and Carvalho) who can pose a threat off corner kicks.