For the longest time, the sole job of a full back would be for them to complete their defensive duties. They provided two key elements to the game; stop opposing wingers from running rampant and lay the ball off to their wingers so they can attack the opposing team. Then Ashley Cole came along and added a whole new dimension to the art of being a full back. Not only did he do all the duties asked him of him defensively, he also bombed up the field like no other player before him in the Premier League stretching teams out and providing extra elements to the attacking play. During his time with Arsenal and Chelsea the Englishman won every single medal a player could hope to have and he won them consistently. If the League ever has a left back quite as good as him ever again it'll be lucky.
