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La Liga has no shortage of talented footballers irrespective of the position they play in. But the Spanish league has enviable riches in the right-back positions as it's an integral part of the system implemented by the majority of Spanish clubs. Clubs in La Liga play in typically expansive fashion and the offensive wing-backs have to move forward when required to support the attack.
However, being a right-back in La Liga isn't just about running forward with the ball. The players have to be tactically astute and defensively assured as well. The league has no shortage of talented attackers so right-backs also have to fall back at will to ensure things remain tight at the back.
Few La Liga right-backs have outperformed their counterparts
While 2021 has been a generally great year for some footballers in La Liga, few have been better than the rest. This holds true for all positions, including the right back. The next five names on the list have been the standout right-backs in La Liga for 2021.
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#5 Pablo Maffeo
The importance of loan spells in the life of professional footballers can be attested to by Spaniard Pablo Maffeo's career so far. Maffeo's parent club is still the German club VFB Stuttgart but it is at La Liga where Maffeo has built a solid profile for himself. He currently plies his trade for RCD Mallorca.
Maffeo moved to Manchester City as a teenager but it became evident that he might not be able to break into the first team at Etihad. However, that has not prevented Maffeo from going on to become a great young right-back.
Maffeo resembles the typical offensive wing-backs which come from the Spanish academies. He is great on the ball and uses his speed to move forward and fall back when needed. 2021 has been a fruitful year for Maffeo and he enjoyed his time at Huesca and then at Mallorca. He has scored one goal and made five assists across all major competitions so far in 2021.
#4 Hugo Mallo
Over the years, Spanish right-back Hugo Mallo has been one of the most consistent right-backs in La Liga. The veteran right-back has been a one-club man having graduated from the Celta Vigo academy. He has been a consistent performer for the Galician club and has been there throughout the club's journey over the last decade.
Mallo has been a defensively robust right-back since his very early days. He is adept at tracking back and winning the ball from the attackers.
But that doesn't mean Mallo can't deliver up the pitch. 2021 has been a fruitful year for him in that regard as he has scored two goals himself and assisted three others.
#3 Oscar De Marcos
La Liga veteran Oscar De Marcos has played for more than a decade at Athletic Bilbao. The Spaniard is a highly versatile footballer who can operate in midfield and defense.
In 2021, De Marcos primarily operated as the starting right-back of Athletic Bilbao. It has been an unprecedented year for him as he has helped Bilbao win the Spanish Super Cup, beating Barcelona 3-2 in the finals.
De Marcos used his versatile skill set to play effectively in the wing-back position. He has played the role of an offensive wing-back with near perfection. In 2021, De Marcos contributed on the offensive end with three goals and three assists.
#2 Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier has made a name for himself since switching to La Liga with Atletico Madrid in 2019 from Tottenham Hotspur. He was first seen as a talent during his Burnley days, and he had an overall successful spell with Tottenham.
His desire to seek new experiences took him to La Liga, where Trippier has spent an excellent 2021. He was able to win the much-coveted first division winners medal as Atletico picked up the La Liga title on the final matchday of last season.
2021 was a quieter year on the offensive end for Trippier, who was at the misfortune of picking up a ban at the start of the year. However, he made a solid comeback to put it behind him. He was highly beneficial for Atletico, who had a successful pursuit of the La Liga campaign.
Trippier has made two assists in 2021, but both Deigo Simeone and Atletico Madrid will hope for similar performances moving into 2022.
#1 Dimitri Foulquier
Valencia right-back Dimitri Foulquier has made a name for himself among one of the rising stars in La Liga. He was part of the Granada team that exceeded all expectations with their brilliant Europa League campaign last season. They reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Manchester United.
Foulquier can play along the right. His signing by Valencia was seen more as an alternative to the existing members of the La Liga club. However, Foulquier has surprised quite a few and has sealed the starting spot at right-back for the time being.
2021 has been a good year for Foulquier as a successful spell with Granada is now being continued with another one at Valencia. Foulquier had great offensive returns to compliment his defensive work rate.
In 2021, Foulquier made six assists and scored one goal across all major competitions to have a year to remember.
