The right-back position was never considered the most fascinating, but with the evolution of the beautiful game, it has transformed into an exciting and unpredictable role.
The top players in this position combine positional awareness with lightning-fast speed, along with the courage to venture forward and assist their teams in attack.
Depending on the team’s formation, a right-back might either stay back to help the defense or push forward to overlap with the wingers, creating a numerical advantage that opposing defenders struggle to counter.
These abilities truly make the modern right-back an indispensable asset.
- Top Right-Backs In The Premier League
- 1. Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
- 2. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
- 3. Reece James (Chelsea)
- 4. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
- 5. Ben White (Arsenal)
- 6. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
- 7. Kenny Tete (Fulham)
- 8. Diogo Dalot ( Manchester United)
- 9. Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
- 10. Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
Top Right-Backs In The Premier League
While there are several football leagues played around the world, only a select few can be considered truly world-class.
The English Premier League stands out as the best among them and has been a breeding ground for some of the greatest right-backs in history.
1. Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Walker has been a stalwart at right-back for Manchester City for several years. His blistering pace, defensive solidity, and ability to contribute in attack make him an indispensable asset for the reigning champions.
His ability to track back and defend one-on-one situations while also providing overlapping runs is unmatched.
This is highlighted by the interest shown by top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, in securing his services during the summer transfer window.
Walker’s decision to remain at the Etihad Stadium proves his commitment to Manchester City and the recognition of his value to the team. Despite the club’s considerable defensive options, Walker remains an indispensable figure in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup.
One of Walker’s standout attributes is his pace, which not only helps him in defensive actions but also makes him a formidable force to contend with in one-on-one situations.
His ability to recover quickly and track back effectively has been a vital asset for Manchester City and has solidified his reputation as one of the toughest defenders to face in Europe.
While he may not be as prolific in the final third as some of his counterparts, Walker’s consistency and defensive reliability make him a top-tier right-back.
2. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
His return to the Premier League has been nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his claim as one of the best right-backs in the Premier league without a shadow of a doubt.
Trippier’s journey back to England has surpassed even the expectations of many, including his own previous stints at Tottenham Hotspur.
In the 2023 season, Trippier’s performances were so exceptional that he not only earned inclusion in the Team of the Season but was also crowned the MVP (Most Valuable Player).
Such recognition speaks volumes about his impact on Newcastle United, a club that benefitted immensely from his presence.
Trippier’s stats further underline his prowess on the pitch.
He delivered excellent performances, notching a goal and providing seven assists. These numbers reflect his ability to contribute big time in the final third and his proficiency as a playmaker from the right-back position.
Beyond the statistics, Kieran Trippier assumed a vital leadership role within the Newcastle squad, providing the team with much-needed guidance and direction.
Regardless of how much financial backing Newcastle receives in the upcoming transfer windows, it’s clear that Trippier will be a regular in Eddie Howe’s team.
3. Reece James (Chelsea)
James has undeniably emerged as a highly controversial figure in the discussion of the best right-backs in the Premier League, and for good reason.
When assessing his performance game-wise, he is undoubtedly a contender for the title of the best right-back, with one notable clause – his fitness and availability.
James’ ability to consistently perform at his peak is dependent on his fitness and the number of games he can play. This has been a point of contention throughout his career, as injuries and spells on the sidelines have at times limited his impact.
However, the 2023-24 season holds big promise for him, especially with Chelsea not having any European sojourn, which can often be physically demanding on players.
At his best, James is a player who is incredibly difficult to counter.
He has a near-perfect blend of power, pace, and technical ability, making him a potent force both defensively and offensively. His ability to produce spectacular volley goals, adds to his skills.
Analyzing his statistical profile on FBRef supports the assertion that James is a player with immense potential and capabilities.
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
TAA’s footballing prowess is indeed a subject of admiration and debate. His unique style of play and versatility have made him a standout figure at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp.
Few, if any, right-backs are better than Alexander-Arnold when it comes to contributing in the middle and offensive third of the pitch. His remarkable record of assists is evidence of his influence on Liverpool’s attacking play.
His performances were integral during Liverpool’s memorable Champions League win and their successful bid to momentarily disrupt Manchester City’s hegemonic dominance in the Premier League.
However, for all the sublime creativity and goalscoring threat he brings as an underlapping full-back, questions have often been raised about his defensive capabilities.
These concerns have led to debates about his overall ranking among the best right-backs in the Premier League. Critics argue that while he excels offensively, there may be room for improvement in defense.
It’s this debate that places Alexander-Arnold at fourth on the list, at least for now.
5. Ben White (Arsenal)
White’s ability to seamlessly transition from his natural center-back position to the right-back role was nothing short of impressive. Despite having spent much of his career as a central defender, White adapted to his new role with ease, proving his versatility and adaptability.
His performances at right-back for Arsenal were notable for their defensive solidity and his contributions to the attack.
As the new season begins, the question arises regarding White’s position within the team. While he started Arsenal’s first game as a central defender, unforeseen circumstances, such as the ACL injury to new signing Jurrien Timber, necessitated White’s return to the right-back position.
The versatility and adaptability that White has shown throughout his career will be an invaluable asset for Arsenal, and it offers manager Mikel Arteta flexibility in team selection and tactics.
Whether deployed at right-back or center-back, Ben White’s contributions will be crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions in the Premier League as they strive to improve upon their previous season’s performance and potentially contend for the title
6. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
At a certain point, it appeared as though Wan-Bissaka’s Manchester United career was on the brink of ending. He found himself unfancied by manager Erik ten Hag, often left out of the starting lineup for several league games.
Speculation was rife about a possible mid-season transfer to other Premier League clubs, suggesting a potential exit from Old Trafford.
However, what followed was nothing short of a remarkable resurgence. Wan-Bissaka’s return to the first team was accompanied by a string of impressive performances. His nickname, “the spider,” speaks to his exceptional defensive abilities, and he showed them consistently during this period.
Indeed, there are few, if any, full-backs on the list of the best Premier League right-backs who can match Wan-Bissaka’s defensive capabilities. His ability to read the game, make crucial tackles, and provide stability at the back is a fact of his defensive acumen.
7. Kenny Tete (Fulham)
Kenny Tete’s contribution to Fulham’s success in the 2022/23 season was indeed remarkable. As a consistent presence at the back, he added dynamism to Fulham’s attack from the right flank, making him a crucial figure in their campaign.
Tete’s six-goal contributions in the league, consisting of both goals and assists, played a big role in Fulham’s impressive 10th-place finish. His ability to provide an offensive threat from the right-back position added an extra dimension to Fulham’s gameplay, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
During the summer transfer window, Kenny Tete’s performances drew interest from Liverpool, one of the top clubs in the Premier League. This not only speaks to his individual talent but also to his potential to thrive at an even higher level.
For Fulham and their manager Marco Silva, retaining Tete as their first-choice right-back will be a priority.
His presence on the pitch not only bolsters the team’s defensive solidity but also contributes significantly to their attacking options.
8. Diogo Dalot ( Manchester United)
Diogo Dalot’s journey in English football has been one of development and growth.
When he signed for Manchester United in 2018, he came with high praise from then-manager Jose Mourinho, who hailed him as “the best full-back in Europe in his age group.”
While he may not have reached that level quite yet, Dalot has certainly developed into a fine right-back during his time at Old Trafford.
A major turning point in Dalot’s career came with a loan move to AC Milan, where he had the opportunity to further hone his skills and gain valuable experience in Serie A.
His time in Italy proved instrumental in his progress, and upon returning to Manchester United, he showed the benefits of his development.
Under the management of Erik ten Hag, he played a substantial role for Manchester United in the 2022/23 season, making 42 appearances in all competitions.
Given his impressive performances and role in Manchester United’s success, it’s natural to wonder why he isn’t ranked. The explanation lies in the fierce competition in the Premier League, where several outstanding right-backs vie for recognition.
9. Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
His impact on Aston Villa’s gameplay is undeniable. His dynamic style of play makes him a fantastic attacking option for the club, as he possesses the energy and versatility to cover vast expanses of the pitch with ease.
During the 2022/23 season, Cash helped Aston Villa secure a spot in the Europa Conference League under the guidance of manager Unai Emery. With 26 appearances to his name, he proved his consistency and commitment to the team’s success.
However, despite his contributions, reports suggest that Unai Emery may have reservations about Cash’s suitability for the right-back position moving forward. This raises questions about his long-term role within the team and whether he fits into Emery’s tactical plans.
In light of this uncertainty and Emery’s concerns, it’s understandable why Cash may not be ranked higher on the list of the best Premier League right-backs for the 2023-24 season.
While he has undoubtedly shown his quality, the uncertainty surrounding his role at the club and the potential for changes in the squad’s structure can influence his ranking.
10. Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
Tino Livramento’s rise to prominence in the Premier League is nothing short of impressive.
At just 20 years old, he has already established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in the league.
However, Livramento’s ascent to stardom faced a significant setback when he suffered an ACL injury that forced him to miss an entire year of football.
Southampton, the club where he initially made his mark, sorely missed his presence on the pitch, particularly as they faced a challenging campaign that ultimately ended in relegation. His absence underscored his importance to the team and highlighted his potential impact.
Despite his injury, Livramento’s talent and potential were evident enough to attract significant attention from other Premier League clubs. Newcastle, recognizing his immense potential, decided to invest £32 million in securing his services. This substantial transfer fee reflects the high regard in which Livramento is held within the footballing world.
Now, Newcastle boasts the presence of not one but two exceptionally talented right-backs. Tino Livramento’s arrival adds depth and competition in a key position, which is often essential for a club’s success in the Premier League. The Magpies are fortunate to have such a promising talent in their ranks, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to full fitness.
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