5 best right-backs of all time

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#3 Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm is a Bayern Munich legend

A product of the Bayern Munich academy, Philipp Lahm has been hailed by many as one of the greatest players to have ever played for the club.

Apart from a two-year loan spell with Stuttgart, Lahm spent his entire playing career with Bayern Munich. A highly intelligent, tactically versatile and disciplined player, the Germany international was well-regarded by all the managers he played under, and captained Bayern Munich during his latter years at the club.

Lahm made 517 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich, winning eight Bundesliga titles and one Champions League trophy. He was part of the Germany side which won the World Cup in 2014 as well.

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#2 Dani Alves

Dani Alves in action for Sao Paulo

One of modern football's great right-backs, Dani Alves does not often get the credit he deserves for the many splendid performances he has put in over the years, mainly for Barcelona.

Alves made his name with Sevilla, and then earned a £32 million move to Barcelona in 2008. There, the Brazil international would establish his legacy as one of the greatest right-backs of all time, with his incredible attacking performances ensuring that he became one of the most important members of Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona side.

Technically strong, with excellent creativity and crossing ability, Alves' skill-set has seen him being used as a winger and in midfield. For his current club Sao Paulo, the 37-year old plays as an attacking midfielder, highlighting his unique skills. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, is often compared to Alves.

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#1 Carlos Alberto

Carlos Alberto was renowned for his leadership

Nicknamed "Capita", Carlos Alberto captained Brazil to triumph in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, scoring a goal in the final as well.

A strong defender who was good on the ball, Carlos Alberto spent the majority of his playing career playing for Santos as a defensive heartbeat. The Brazil international did not shirk away from his attacking responsibilities either and managed to score at a good rate for a right-back when he was at Santos.

Alberto appeared for the likes of Fluminense, Flamengo, New York Cosmos and California Surf before retiring in 1982. After his retirement he started a career as a manager, managing clubs like Flamengo, Corinthians, Botafogo and Atletico Mineiro, as well as countries like Oman and Azerbaijan.

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