Top 10 Fullbacks on Football Manager 2022 Database Update

Let us look at the top 10 fullbacks on the latest Football Manager 2022 database update.

The winter, or mid-season, database update in the FM community is sometimes more anticipated than the main game's release. The changes can be major after the transfers, and the performers can be rewarded with a boost in stats, just like how the stragglers can be inversely affected with a decrease in attributes.

Good fullbacks are one of the most important positions in Football Manager. They not only serve as an outlet for attacks but also contribute to defence. It is also considered one of the hardest positions to get a quality player in the game. In this article, we will be seeing the top fullbacks (both left and right) on the Football Manager 2022 winter database update.

1. Alphonso Davies

The first player on the list is Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich. Considered the best left-back of his generation, Davies was the most expensive transfer from the MLS. He won the rookie of the year in his first season at Bayern, along with the continental treble. He is also the youngest player to ever play and score for the Canadian national team. Although his current season has been ravaged by injuries, there is no doubt that Davies is amongst the best players in his position. Davies is one of the fastest players in the game and has some of the best physical attributes. Aged just 20, Davies still has plenty of room for growth and can develop into an even more fearsome fullback.

2. Joao Cancelo

The 2nd name on the list is the Man City/Portuguese fullback, Joao Cancelo. After acclimating himself to the Premier League, Cancelo was named in the PFA Team of the year for 2020-2021 and helped Man City win the league title. Incidentally, City also reached the finals of the UCL the very same year. Very much an attacking fullback, Cancelo can comfortably operate on both wings. He is enjoying his best season with Man City, having provided 10 assists and scoring 3 goals apart from maintaining 15 clean sheets in the league. In Football Manager 2022, Cancelo is well rounded with a very strong cross on him. He is also a good dribbler and with good pace can comfortably get past most defenders.

3. Hakimi Achraf

The 3rd name on the list is the right-winger from PSG/Morocco, Achraf Hakimi. Regarded as one of the best young right-backs in world football, Hakimi has already played for several top clubs in his young career. Hakimi enjoyed his best season in 2020-2021 for Inter Milan, scoring an impressive 7 league goals. Hakimi moved to PSG in 2021 and is enjoying a solid season at the club. In FM 22, Hakimi is amongst the fastest defenders. He excels in the attacking third of the pitch and has well-rounded attributes in all 3 departments. Considering that he is still very young and has plenty of room for development, Hakimi could become the best fullback in the game given time.

4. Reece James

The 4th name on the list is the Chelsea wingback, Reece James. A versatile fullback, Reece James is currently enjoying his best domestic season with Chelsea, having scored 5 league goals in just 17 league appearances this season. Reece James is extremely well-rounded and is one of the best crossing fullbacks in FM2022. He is also physically strong and has solid mental attributes that enhance his playstyle. Considering that James is also very young, he has plenty of room for growth and could easily end up being the best defender from England in your saves.

5. Trent Alexander Arnold

The 5th name on the list is Trent Alexander Arnold from Liverpool. Another right-back who loves to contribute in attacks, Alexander Arnold, is probably the best crosser on this list. He has recorded the most assists for a defender in the PL for 3 seasons in a row. He also excels in set-piece situations and is capable in defence. TAA has amazing technical attributes and well-rounded mental attributes. Considering that he is just 22, there is room for growth, and under the right conditions, Alexander Arnold can become the best English fullback in the game.

6. Andrew Robertson

The 6th name on the list is the partner of Alexander Arnold, Andrew Robertson. Since joining Liverpool, the Scot has been sensational and has elevated his game to the next level. He has featured in the EPL team of the season in 2 of his last 4 seasons and is on course to do so once again this year. He is currently the defender with the most assists in the Premier League this season. Robertson, just like Alexander Arnold, is an attacking fullback and thrives on the attacking third of the pitch. On FM 22, Robertson has superb physical attributes, good mental attributes and technical attributes that enhance his style of play. Robertson is currently in his prime and can maintain a similar level of performance for at least 3-to 4 seasons in the game.

7. Theo Hernandez

The 7th name on the list is Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. The Frenchman is another fullback on the list who loves to attack. In his last 3 seasons with Milan, Hernandez has made 10+ goal contributions. He was named AC Milan player of the year in 2019-2020 and has been in the Serie A team of the year for the last 2 seasons. Hernandez has superb physical attributes and is an elite dribbler. With good mental attributes and decent technical, Hernandez has the potential to become the best left-back in the game.

8. Juan Cuadrado

The 8th name on the list is the Colombian veteran Juan Cuadrado from Juventus. Starting as a right-winger, Cuadrado slowly transitioned into a wingback and can now play in several roles on the right side of the pitch. Cuadrado has helped Juventus win 5 consecutive Serie A titles from 2015 to 2020. A direct footballer, Cuadrado enjoyed his best season in terms of assists in 2020-2021, having contributed an impressive 10 league assists. Despite being over 30, Cuadrado is in peak physical condition. In the game, he has some of the best physical attributes. His mental and technical attributes are also quite strong, and Cuadrado can cause trouble to most teams with his direct running.

9. Jose Gaya

Valencia's Jose Gaya is the 9th name on the list. The Spanish fullback is an extremely versatile player able to play across several positions on the left side of the pitch. A steady player, Gaya is currently playing his 10th season for Valencia, steadily improving in each one of them. The 2021-2022 season has been his best in terms of goal contributions, with Gaya providing an impressive 6 assists in the league so far. Gaya is well rounded with an emphasis on strong physical attributes. He also has excellent technique, especially when crossing the football, getting him into the best fullbacks in the game after the winter update.

10. Ben Chilwell

The final name on the list is Ben Chilwell from Chelsea. One of the most promising talents from Leicester, Chilwell made a big-money move to Chelsea in 2020. Chilwell made a strong start to his Chelsea career, having been instrumental in their Champion's League win, which earned him a spot in the UCL team of the year for 2020-2021. Chilwell suffered a nasty ACL injury in 2021 but is on the road to recovery. On Football Manager 2022, Chilwell is well rounded albeit not standout in most areas. He is a steady player who can contribute to attacks whilst remaining responsible in the back. Chilwell is also quite young and can further develop into an even better player.

That concludes the list of the top 10 fullbacks on FM 22 after the latest database update. Which ones are you keen on managing?