Top 5 Best Right-Backs in Premier League History

Right-back may not be the most ‘glamorous’ position on the field, but it can make the difference between a team’s success and failure.

History shows that no Premier League team has ever won the league without a solid right-back, one capable of handling both defensive duties and contributing to the attack. Over the past 30 years, since the Premier League was founded, countless talented right-backs have shone in the league.

Here are five names considered to be the best in that role.

5. Pablo Zabaleta

Pablo Zabaleta was not a flashy footballer, but he was exactly the type of right-back every team needs. Strong in defense, good on the ball, an excellent passer, and impressive in attacking support—these are all ways to describe the former Argentine international. Zabaleta was one of the pillars in Manchester City’s transformation, highlighted by their Premier League title in the 2011/12 season.

4. Lee Dixon

Lee Dixon can be considered one of Arsenal’s defensive leaders for 14 years, since his arrival in 1988. Not flashy or fast, Dixon simply played solid football, helping the Gunners win 2 English First Division titles and 2 Premier League titles.

For Arsenal fans of the 1990s, the defensive quartet of Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould, Tony Adams, and Lee Dixon always provided them with reassurance before every match. Dixon retired in 2002 at the age of 38, while still wearing Arsenal’s jersey at Highbury Stadium.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold

From a young Liverpool talent, Trent Alexander-Arnold gradually rose to become one of the best right-backs in the world in recent years. People often assume that a defender’s job is just to clear the ball, but Trent has proven that his role is far more than that.

Under the guidance of coach Jurgen Klopp and with his natural talent, Alexander-Arnold not only excels in defense but also in attack, almost like a midfielder. As of now, he is the right-back with the most assists in Premier League history.

2. Gary Neville

A key figure in Manchester United’s dominant teams of the 1990s and 2000s, Gary Neville was simply the best right-back in England during that time and consistently one of the best in the world.

The former Red Devil had a remarkable ability to tackle and was also excellent in joining the attack. Throughout his Premier League career, Neville made 35 assists and won 8 league titles.

1. Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker’s strength and speed have set him apart from his peers in the same position. This explains why a demanding coach like Pep Guardiola has always shown him a certain favoritism. Walker has been a pillar of Manchester City since he joined in 2017 from Tottenham Hotspur. During that time, the 1990-born right-back has won 6 Premier League titles.”