Premier League: Top 10 fullbacks for 2016-17

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

As the game has modernized over the past decade-plus, no position has seen changes quite like the fullback. Given the value put on width and possession now, an offensively gifted fullback is as much in-demand as a defensive stalwart on the outsides of the pitch. With the EPL season kicking off in about two weeks, here’s a rundown of the position’s top 10 heading into 2016-17.

Last season, buccaneering speedsters Hector Bellerin and Danny Rose were the respective right and left backs on the PFA Team of the Year. The year before the North London duo were given top honors, it Chelsea regular Branislav Ivanovic and former Blues man turned Southampton star Ryan Bertrand who earned the distinctions.

The point being? Things can change quickly from season to season, and no one defender appears to have a firm stranglehold on the “Best Fullback in the EPL” title. But if there is one man with a clear path to that recognition, who is it? That’s what we’re here to find out.

**Quick note: Before we get rolling, be sure to check out Monday’s countdown of the Top 10 Strikers in EPL here. If offense isn’t your thing? Don’t panic. We’ve get 10 of the best coming your way, and we’ll double down with 10 of the best center backs later in the week.

Next: No. 10: Everton's Irishman

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