Top 5 right-backs in the Premier League

1. Antonio Valencia

Valencia catches his breath after another one of his marauding runs on the right

It takes some character to be written off, played out of position and make it back onto the first team and muster even greater influence in the dressing room. For doing this alone, Valencia has gone on to become among the best in his position. Being a natural winger, his crossing and running cause many problems for the opposition and his screamer against Everton displayed the threat he carries with the ball.

Where he truly excels, however, is without the ball. The sheer tirelessness of Valencia is amazing. First tried as a makeshift right-back after Louis van Gaal was unhappy with his other options, Valencia has taken to the position like a duck to water and become the first choice in the team.

He has aged like fine wine; his work rate, end product and discipline have earned rave reviews from fans and pundits alike.