5 Of The Best Right Backs In Premier League History

“No one wants to grow to be a Gary Neville.” A harsh quote from former Premier League all-star Jamie Carragher – but sadly, it’s a quote that rings with an air of truth.

However, we take issue with the other part of that quote – “If you’re a full-back, you’re either a failed centre-back or a failed winger.” None of the players on this list could be classified as a failure – in fact, they’re all winners.

To qualify for inclusion, players must have played at right-back for the majority of their career. For example, Denis Irwin was a brilliant right-back, but we won’t be including him here, as he played predominantly at left-back (despite being right footed).

We’ll be looking at players from teams such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in this list. Can you guess who they are?

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Some may see this as a controversial pick. Trent Alexander-Arnold often struggles when it comes to a full-back’s bread and butter – he isn’t the quickest, nor is he a particularly good defender, but it is his passing and vision that lands him a spot on this list.

Alexander-Arnold’s long-range passing and ability to pick out his teammates is unrivalled in any position – let alone at right-back. He adds an extra dimension to Liverpool’s play that other teams simply do not have.

Additionally, his ability from set-pieces is something to behold – he can whip in dangerous corners, as well as score spectacular free kicks.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Some may accuse Cesar Azpilicueta of being ‘past it’ today – while that may be true, in his prime, there were few defenders in world football who could touch the Spaniard.

An adaptable defender, Azpilicueta can play comfortably anywhere across the backline – nevertheless, he has always played his best football from his natural position of right-back.

He has been at Chelsea since 2012, making 346 league appearances in that time. At 33, he is definitely on the decline – but he still remains a top defender and professional.

Gary Neville

Well, no one may want to grow up to be a Gary Neville, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t one of the best defenders in Premier League history.

While never particularly strong, quick or technically gifted, Neville is one of the most intelligent full-backs the world has ever seen. He always knew where to be – for what he lacked in ability, he made up for with grit and determination.

He was adaptable, too – he would happily slot into central defence if needed. He was the archetypal modern professional – something every club needs.

Kyle Walker

Many are starting believe that Kyle Walker has taken Gary Neville’s mantle as the greatest right-back in Premier League history. We believe that there is one who is better than both, but nevertheless, Walker has matured into an outstanding full-back at Manchester City.

At Tottenham Hotspur, Walker was a perfectly serviceable, if erratic defender. He would often use his pace to correct his mistakes – but now that he’s a grizzled veteran, those mistakes are becoming less and less common.

Not only this, Walker is also brilliant at getting forward. His crossing, alongside his underrated shooting ability, make him a secret weapon of sorts for the Citizens in that regard.

Pablo Zabaleta

You may not agree with us but Pablo Zabaleta is everything a full-back should be. Not only was he a fearsome, powerful defender, he was also great at getting forward in his prime.

Zabaleta is the perfect blend of old school and new school. He had the defensive ferocity of full-backs of old, while possessing the technical ability and positive mindset of modern wing-backs.

In that sense, Zabaleta cannot be touched. He may have had an underwhelming spell at West Ham, but we feel this is forgivable, as it came right at the end of his playing career.