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#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.
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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.
