Scotland and the top flight here are renowned for producing top quality full-backs.
The national team have had two truly world-class players in the same position in left-siders Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, while on the other flank Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson have emerged.
All four learned their trade in the Scottish Premiership before moving on to bigger and better things in England or abroad.
Last season, we saw Owen Beck tearing things up at Dundee, but who are the standouts so far this term? Not the Old Firm takes a look at the best full-backs and wing-backs in the league to date.
Will Ferry – Dundee United
The 23-year-old left sided full-back/wing-back has been one of the signings of the summer since arriving at newly promoted Dundee United from Cheltenham Town, despite having other interest in England. In the top 18 per cent of full-backs for chances created, top 25 per cent for aerial duels won and top 20 per cent for defensive actions, he is contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Jack MacKenzie – Aberdeen
Aberdeen, as everyone knows, are flying. Some new signings have played a big part in that but academy graduate MacKenzie is in the form of his life at left-back. Playing with extreme confidence, he now has three English Championship sides on his trail.
Nicky Devlin – Aberdeen
On the other side, Devlin has been his usual dependable self for the Dons. Possibly not in the same vein of form as last season, he has stiill contributed enormously with a terrific engine to get up and down the flank. Chipped in with two goals as well, including a well taken one to help Aberdeen to victory over Hearts before the international break.
Ziyad Larkeche – Dundee
Arrived at Dundee on loan from QPR with decent pedigree having played 20 times in the English Championship last season. Like Devlin has two goals from wing-back and combines pace and power with technical ability.
Luca Stephenson – Dundee United
Another wing-back from the City of Discovery. One goal and two assists is a good return so far for the Liverpool loanee and fans are loving having him and Ferry on each flank.
Ewan Wilson – Motherwell
Wilson’s story is an incredible one. Sent back early from a loan at Stirling Albion in League One, he then joined Beith Juniors in the West of Scotland League. A few months later and he is a mainstay in the Motherwell side in the top fligght and not only that but a star performer.
Stephen O’Donnell – Motherwell
And on the other side is a more experienced campaigner. O’Donnell has had his ups and downs since signing for the Steelmen but the 26-times capped Scotland man is enjoying a stellar campaign so far, epitomised by his display against Hearts in which he covered over 11k.
