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The role of a full-back in football has evolved over the years. Often considered one of the least important position on the field, modern-day full-backs have become integral components of their teams.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson at Liverpool, and Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich were key to their respective teams' Champions League triumphs in the last few seasons.
Right-backs around the world have made their mark
Jamie Carragher once said, “Nobody grows up wanting to be a (right-back) Gary Neville.” However, that is far from the truth in the current generation. England themselves have a wealth of options in that area of the pitch.
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The quality of right-backs in the Premier League is well-known. However, there are a few quality right-sided full-backs in other top leagues as well. On that note, here are the top five right-backs this year:
#5 Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker is the oldest and most traditional right-back on this list. The 31-year-old had another successful year with both club and country. Walker is arguably the most defensively robust among the players on this list.
Many would argue that Walker is Manchester City’s second-best right-back, but that only shows how strong their squad is. The former Tottenham man lags behind the top Premier League right-backs in terms of goals and assists.
Nevertheless, Walker has scored a couple of goals and racked up an assist for the Cityzens this season. His work off the ball caught the eye of critics and fans alike. Despite facing stiff competition at international level, Walker managed to keep his place as Southgate’s favoured option at right-back.
#4 Achraf Hakimi
Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has made a name for himself since his loan move to Borussia Dortmund in 2018. He played a key role in Inter Milan’s Serie A success last season before joining PSG this summer.
Hakimi is everything one would want in a modern-day full-back. He is gifted with immense pace, and is brilliant going forward. The only chink in his armour is his defensive lapses. However, he more than makes up for that while in possession.
The €60 million PSG acquisition has bagged six goals and recorded nine assists in 2021. After serving up impressive displays during the start of his PSG career, Hakimi has been relatively indifferent in the last few months.
He'll need to rediscover his mojo, as his form could be key in PSG’s pursuit of the UEFA Champions League this season.
#3 Reece James
Reece James has had a sensational year at right-back. He took the field a whopping 53 times for Chelsea, and stamped his authority as a right wing-back under manager Thomas Tuchel. He has made 13 goal contributions for the Blues in 2021.
Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the best defensive and attacking right-backs in the England squad. Reece James is equally adept in both aspects. James can also play as a centre-back, right wing-back or even in a holding midfield role.
Still only 22, James is only going to improve. The Chelsea youth academy graduate has all the attributes to become one of the most well-rounded right back in the game. For now, though, he has some room for improvement, and isn't yet the best in his position.
#2 Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo enjoyed the best year of his career in 2021. The Portuguese international was exceptional for Manchester City, both as right-back and left-back. With Kevin de Bruyne’s injuries woes, Cancelo also took on the creative mantle for his team, and didn't disappoint.
The former Juventus defender has scored five goals and assisted 11 times for Pep Guardiola’s side this year. It is also important to note that Cancelo is also very good defensively. He would often accompany Rodri in the middle of the park and control proceedings for his team from there.
Considering how good he has been at left-back this season, Cancelo could have easily topped the list for best left-back of the year. However, as his natural position is right-back, he'll have to be content with second spot on this list.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool may not have had the most memorable of years, but the same cannot be said about their talismanic right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The local lad’s creativity and passing just seem to get better with each passing year.
He has racked up as many as 16 assists this year, and has also scored four goals, mostly from outside the box. The 23-year-old has been on fire this season, leading most of the charts in terms of chance creation and providing assists.
Unlike in the England setup, Liverpool’s number 66 is indispensable under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. He has created over 100 chances this year, more than any other Premier League player. Despite his defensive frailties, Alexander-Arnold is a much-improved defender.
