World Cup 2018: Top 10 Right-Backs in the Tournament

#7 Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier

The diminutive Englishman was one of the revelations of last season’s Premier League, as he excelled for Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side. Trippier was one of the best-attacking right-backs in the Premier League as he provided five assists in 21 games. Even more impressively, Trippier made 1.7 key passes per game- 18th in the Premier League and the most by any defender. Most of these were crosses (he averaged one per game) aimed at the head of Harry Kane.

Surprisingly, the 27-year-old was just as good in the Champions League- providing three assists in three games. It is such attacking play that will be vital for England if Trippier is to feature as a right-wing back in Gareth Southgate’s selected formation (likely a 3-4-3). Trippier was also decent defensively, averaging 2.2 tackles and 0.8 interceptions. Nonetheless, he will be looking to improve on that side of his game if England are to overcome years of disappointment and reach the latter stages of the World Cup.

Trippier’s defensive play will be especially crucial in England’s last group game against Meunier’s Belgium where Trippier will most likely need to mark Hazard. Trippier’s place in England’s starting line-up is fraught considering that his former club teammate Kyle Walker (featuring later in these rankings) also plays the same position. Yet, such is Southgate’s faith in the Spurs right-back that he has shown an inclination to move Walker to central defence in order to accommodate Trippier. Trippier will be hoping to vindicate his manager.