The demands on full-backs has increased massively in recent years, and elite full-backs are now expected to contribute to both attack and defence.
A trend of teams spending more money on full-backs than ever before has taken over world football. World-class full-backs do not come cheap, with managers now extremely aware of what they offer to a team. Many top full-backs are now the superstars of their respective teams.
We look at the 5 highest-paid right-backs in the world right now.
#5 Kyle Walker (Manchester City) | £110,000 per week
Kyle Walker is one of the best right-backs in the world, and has been an integral part of the Manchester City first XI for some time now.
Walker did not come cheap, joining Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 for nearly £47.5 million. He has proved to be worth the fee, though. One of the fastest footballers in the Premier League, Walker is a technically gifted and physically dominant right-back renowned for his attacking prowess.
The 31-year-old has often been utilised as the right-sided centre-back in a three-man defence by England manager Gareth Southgate. Walker has made 195 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists. He has won three Premier League titles with the club.
#4 Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) | £130,000 per week
Once regarded as the best right-back in the world, Dani Carvajal's stock has fallen in recent years due to subpar performances and injury issues.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Carvajal made his name in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. Real Madrid re-signed him in 2013 for nearly £6 million, and the Spain international soon established himself as the first-choice right-back. Carvajal is not a glamorous player, but in his prime few could match his consistency.
In 302 appearances in all competitions for the club, Carvajal has scored seven goals and provided 51 assists. The 29-year-old has not enjoyed the best of lucks with injuries in recent seasons. Carvajal has won two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid.
Also Read: UEFA's Club Ranking - Top 5 Clubs (October 2021)
#3 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) | £130,000 per week
Achraf Hakimi is competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the title of the best right-back in world football right now.
The 22-year-old has already experienced playing in top-flight leagues in Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Hakimi made his name as one of the best young players in the world during his time with Borussia Dortmund. It was surprising to see Real Madrid let him go to Inter Milan in 2020.
Hakimi played a pivotal role as Antonio Conte's men won the Serie A during his only season at the club. Paris Saint-Germain bought him this summer for £54 million. World-class in attack, the Morocco international has enjoyed an excellent start to life in France.
#2 Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) | £150,000 per week
Few would have expected Juan Cuadrado to become one of the best right-backs in the world following his disappointing spell with Chelsea.
Cuadrado made his name as a winger for Fiorentina and joined Chelsea in a high-profile move in 2015. The move did not work out, and the Colombia international returned to Italy, this time joining Juventus on an initial loan deal that very year. Juventus eventually paid £18 million to make the deal permanent.
The 33-year old has done a good job for the Serie A giants. In 234 appearances in all competitions, Cuadrado has scored 20 goals and provided 54 assists. The former Udinese man has won five Serie A titles with his current club.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) | £180,000 per week
It is not surprising that the best right-back in the world is also the highest-earning right-back in the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is regarded by many as a generational talent. A product of the Liverpool academy, the England international has rapidly become one of the best players in the Premier League. Alexander-Arnold boasts a unique skillset, with his technical prowess, passing ability and creativity all standing out.
There have also been calls for the 23-year old to be utilised in midfield due to his abilities. Alexander-Arnold is a world-class footballer who has made 189 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 48 assists.
Also Read: 5 players who could join Newcastle United in January