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Not long ago, Jamie Carragher insisted that no child wishes to become a full-back at the beginning of their careers. He even jokingly claimed that "no one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville". But in recent times, the importance of a full-back has increased tenfold, making it a crucial position that contributes in both attack and defense.
England head coach Gareth Southgate was recently in the news after having picked four right-backs in England's Euro 2020 squad. It highlights how there has been a sudden increase in the quality of players in the position.
There are currently a plethora of top-class right-backs within the England camp. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier were all selected for Euro 2020.
But not just in England, young right-backs have been emerging from other countries too. Three of the five players in this article, which lists the five best right-backs in the world based on WhoScored ratings, are under 25 years of age.
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On that note, let's take a look at the five right-backs who have been in top form in the ongoing season:
#5 Pablo Maffeo (7.19)
RCD Mallorca's Pablo Maffeo has been rock solid in defense for the La Liga side. Due to his superlative performances at right-back, he comes out as the fifth best in the world in his position as per WhoScored ratings.
Maffeo has made 11 league appearances for Mallorca this season, scoring once and assisting another. But it's on the defensive end, where he has been even better. He has attempted 3.3 tackles per match this season, 3.1 of which have been successful - the highest on this list.
The 24-year-old has made 1.4 interceptions per match on an average, blocked 0.5 crosses, 0.3 shots and 0.6 passes, which further highlights his defensive ability.
#4 Giovanni Di Lorenzo (7.21)
Giovanni Di Lorenzo has played every minute of all of Napoli's Serie A games, playing a crucial role in their incredible start to the season. The Patrenopei are currently top of the Serie A table with 32 points from 12 matches, ahead of Milan on goal difference.
As far as Di Lorenzo is concerned, the 28-year-old has helped Napoli keep eight clean sheets in the league so far while conceding only four goals. His full-back partner on the left, Mario Rui, also finds himself among the top five left-backs in the world currently based on WhoScored ratings.
Di Lorenzo has made 1.6 successful tackles per match, made 1.3 interceptions, blocked 0.6 passes, 0.3 crosses and 0.2 shots. The Italy international has been impeccable with his long passing too. He has so far played 2.8 long balls per match on average, second most on this list.
Notably, Di Lorenzo also starred for Italy in their triumphant Euro 2020 campaign earlier this summer.
#3 Reece James (7.33)
Reece James isn't just the promising right-back that he was projected as during his early Chelsea days, but has now grown into one of the best in his position. The 21-year-old is now a constant feature in Thomas Tuchel's side, and it comes as no surprise that he is among the top three on the list based on current form.
James has made eight league appearances for Chelsea, seven of which have come from right wing-back position. He has also repaid the faith shown in him by scoring four and assisting three league goals.
The Englishman has been great going forward, playing 1.4 key passes in every league match on average. His crossing has been great too. One of his three league assists came from a cross while another from a corner.
At just 21 years of age, James has a lot of time on hand to become one of England's greatest full-backs.
#2 Frederic Guilbert (7.33)
On loan from Aston Villa, Strasbourg's Frederic Guilbert is currently the second-best right-back in the world based on WhoScored ratings. The Frenchman has made nine league appearances for the Ligue 1 side, providing two assists.
Guilbert has made the most interceptions per match on this list with 2.3. He has been a decent tackler too, making 2.4 successful tackles on average. He would, however, want to work on his ability to keep opposition attackers at bay and not allow them to dribble past him easily.
His pass and shot blocking have been great though. He has the most passes and shots blocked per match on this list with 0.8 and 0.6 respectively. The 26-year-old has also helped the club keep three clean sheets in the league so far.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.70)
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best right-back in the world based on WhoScored ratings. But going by his performances over the past few seasons for the Reds, it can be safely said that the Englishman is the best right-back in the world.
In the Premier League this season, Alexander-Arnold has scored one and assisted four goals, with Jurgen Klopp's men keeping five clean sheets when he's been on the field.
Moreover, his passing has been top-notch. The 23-year-old has made a massive six successful long passes in every match on average, the highest among all right-backs across Europe's top five leagues.
Juventus' Danilo is second behind him with 4.4 successful long passes made in every match, which highlights how crucial a role Alexander-Arnold has played for Liverpool.
The Reds will hope Alexander-Arnold can maintain his form for the remainder of the season as they aim to reclaim the Premier League title.
