Top 5 right-backs in world football

Right back is an important position in modern football as players are expected to possess decent attacking as well as defensive pedigree. A position which was once predominantly defensive has now evolved into one of the most crucial roles in a team’s setup.

Players like Dani Alves, Lauren, Branislav Ivanovic, and Seamus Coleman have added a different dimension to the right-back role in the recent past. Be it the ability to slot into the middle as an additional centre back or midfielder, or the ability to make overlapping runs like a winger, these players have played their part in revolutionizing the position.

While the aforementioned players are stars from the past, there is an exciting bunch of players carrying the torch forward in the present day. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the five best right backs in world football.

5. Benjamin White | Arsenal | England

Arsenal signed Benjamin White from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 by triggering his £50 million release clause. He played his first season predominantly as a centre back, but became the first-choice right back in the 2022-23 season. Since then, he has developed into one of the best right backs in soccer.

White has incredible stamina and his co-ordination with Bukayo Saka on the Arsenal’s right flank allows him to make piercing overlapping runs. Standing at just over six feet, he is also strong and quick off the ball, allowing him to cover distances while tracking back. His calm demeanour and ability to rile opponents up make him an important part of the Gunners’ squad.

Ben White has made 127 appearances for Arsenal so far, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists.

4. Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool | England

Once regarded as the undisputed best right back, Alexander-Arnold’s inconsistencies with fitness see him drop down a few spots as others have outperformed him. However, as they say, form is temporary and class is permanent so there is little doubt Trent will soon be at his best once he is back fit and playing.

A unique profile with a tall and strong frame, fairly quick with the ability to dribble the ball well, Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool’s academy torch-bearer. However, the quality that sets him apart from most players in football is his ball-striking – be it for passing, crossing, or playing long balls. Trent has produced some of the best passes and set-pieces over the last few years. Iconic moments include the quick corner against Barcelona in the Champions League and his free-kick against Chelsea in the Premier League.

He has made 303 appearances for the Reds, scoring 18 goals and providing an impressive 81 assists. He is among the best right backs in football.

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3. Jeremie Frimpong | Bayer Leverkusen | Netherlands

Frimpong is by far the best attacking right back on this list, as seen by his incredible displays for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen this season. Adept with making overlapping as well as underlapping runs, Frimpong plays mostly as a wide forward for the recently crowned Bundesliga champions.

Blessed with electric pace and lovely ball control, playing a player of his abilities as a right back is essentially a cheat code. Frimpong is also good with set-pieces and has contributed immensely towards his teams goals this season. In 38 appearances across competitions, the Dutchman has bagged 12 goals and 11 assists.

Overall, he has made 133 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 23 goals and providing 31 assists. It won’t be a surprise if he transitions into an all-out forward eventually.

2. Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich | Germany

Joshua Kimmich has been one of the most solid, reliable, and consistent top 10 best right-back in the world of football over the last several years. Having come through RB Leipzig’s academy, he was signed by Bayern in 2015 and has been a mainstay in their first team.

Kimmich can play as a traditional right back, a central midfielder, or a defensive midfielder as well. His understanding of the game allows him to mold his style of play according to Bayern’s needs, making him the most invaluable player in their current squad. He has mostly played as a right-back this season and has put in impressive performances against the likes of Jadon Sancho and Gabriel Martinelli.

Overall, he has made 382 appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring 41 goals and providing 103 assists.

1. Kyle Walker | Manchester City | England

Currently the most reliable and dominant right back in the world by far, Kyle Walker’s rise to the top has been remarkable. He came through the ranks at Sheffield United in 2008, before being signed by Tottenham Hotspur the following year. He then spent a couple of years on loan at various clubs, before breaking into Spurs’ first team in 2012. He was then signed by Manchester City in 2017 and has been with them since.

A powerful player with incredible pace and stamina, Walker is one of the hardest defenders to beat in a foot race, regardless of the opponent’s age. He also reads the game well and rarely allows attackers to get on his wrong side, using his strength and pace to his advantage. Despite making several sprints per match, Walker also has incredible durability, allowing him to play in excess of 40 games per season on average.

Walker has made 292 appearances for City, scoring six goals and providing 21 assists.

FAQs

Q. Who is the best right back in world football?

A. Kyle Walker is currently the best right back.

Q. Is Reece James among the best right backs?

A. He was. Inconsistencies due to injuries over the last two seasons have seen him lose his spot to other players who have performed consistently.

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