The Premier League Right-Back of All Time: A Definitive List of the Top 10
The Premier League, since its inception in 1992, has been a breeding ground for exceptional talent. While the spotlight often falls on goal-scorers and midfield maestros, the unsung heroes patrolling the flanks are equally crucial.
Right-backs, with their ability to balance defence and attack, have long been the unsung heroes of English football. In this feature, we navigate through the historical records of the Premier League to uncover the top 10 right-back legends the league has ever seen. These players have left an enduring impact with their skill, work rate, and commitment to their clubs.
Below Are The Best Premier League Right Backas of All-Time
1. Gary Neville (Manchester United)
Gary Neville, the epitome of loyalty and consistency, spent his entire illustrious career at Manchester United from 1992 to 2011. Becoming a symbol of the club's dominance, Neville's remarkable contributions include 400 appearances, boasting an impressive 37% clean sheet rate with 148 clean sheets. Beyond his defensive prowess, Neville showcased versatility with 5 goals and 35 assists. With numerous Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph, his influence on the right flank was immeasurable, leaving an enduring legacy at Manchester United.
2. Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City)
Kyle Walker's incredible pace and defensive abilities have made him one of the standout right-backs in the Premier League. He has played crucial roles in both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City's successes. Currently, Walker has amassed a total of 402 appearances, achieving 130 clean sheets, and showcasing a remarkable tackle success of 74%. Beyond his defensive contributions, Walker has demonstrated his attacking prowess with 8 goals and 36 assists.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Ranked 3rd on our list, Trent Alexander-Arnold embodies the modern-day evolution of right-backs. As we continue to explore the historical records of the Premier League to uncover the top 10 right-back legends, the question naturally arises – who is the best right-back in English history? This inquiry gains immediate relevance when examining talents like Alexander-Arnold, whose exceptional vision, pinpoint crosses, and instrumental role (often as an inverted full-back) in Liverpool's recent successes redefines the traditional expectations of the position
4. Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
Pablo Zabaleta was the epitome of a workhorse right-back. Known for his defensive prowess and work ethic, he played an instrumental role in Manchester City's transformation into a Premier League powerhouse. Zabaleta's defensive solidity contributed to 86 clean sheets, boasting an impressive 28% clean sheet rate. Beyond his defensive duties, he showcased his attacking abilities with 9 goals and 21 assists, making him a versatile and valuable asset on the field.
5. Lauren (Arsenal)
Lauren Etame Mayer, widely recognized as Lauren, played a pivotal role in the Arsenal squad that achieved an unbeaten run in the Premier League during the 2003-04 season. Renowned for his defensive prowess and versatility, Lauren operated as a right-back, amassing a total of 184 appearances for Arsenal (2000-2007) and later Portsmouth (2007-2008). His defensive contributions were evident in 63 clean sheets, securing an impressive 34% clean sheet rate, while he also displayed attacking flair with 6 goals and 8 assists throughout his impactful career.
6. Branislav Ivanović (Chelsea)
Branislav Ivanović was a versatile defender who often operated as a right-back for Chelsea. His strength, defensive skills, and a knack for scoring crucial goals made him a fan favourite.
7. Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Cesar Azpilicueta, affectionately known as "Dave" by Chelsea fans, is a versatile defender who has made a significant impact as a right-back for the club. His defensive reliability, work rate, and ability to contribute in both defence and attack have made him an essential figure in Chelsea's recent successes.
8. Denis Irwin (Manchester United)
Denis Irwin, primarily recognized as a left-back, showcased remarkable versatility throughout his career. With 328 appearances for Manchester United until 2002 and a brief stint with Wolves from 2003 to 2004, Irwin left an enduring impact. His defensive prowess is evident in a notable 38% clean sheet rate, accumulating 123 clean sheets. Irwin's ability to contribute in attack is reflected in his impressive goal-scoring record of 18 goals and 25 assists. His technical proficiency and adaptability were key factors in Manchester United's triumphs.
9. Lee Dixon (Arsenal)
Lee Dixon, a stalwart right-back during Arsenal's successful era under Arsène Wenger, left an indelible mark with 305 appearances. Renowned for his defensive acumen, Dixon achieved a remarkable 37% clean sheet rate, totalling 114 clean sheets. Beyond his defensive prowess, he showcased attacking flair with 9 goals and 19 assists. Dixon's reliability and versatility were integral to Arsenal's achievements, cementing his legacy as a key contributor during his tenure with the club until 2002.
10. Steve Finnan (Fulham, Liverpool)
Steve Finnan may not be the most celebrated right-back in the Premier League, but his consistency and reliability make him worthy of recognition. Finnan was a steady presence in defence during his time at Fulham and later at Liverpool.
Let's delve deeper into why some of these right-backs were exceptional and why they make the list.
The Pinnacle of Consistency: Gary Neville
Gary Neville epitomised Manchester United’s success throughout the Premier League era. Raised through the club’s youth ranks, he became a symbol of consistency and loyalty for the Red Devils. His tactical awareness, defensive tenacity, and timely interceptions made him an essential force at right-back, crucially supporting United's backline against top-tier wingers.
More than just a defender, Neville was a vocal leader who embodied United’s ethos under Sir Alex Ferguson. His trophy-laden career—including eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and the 1999 Champions League—reflects his invaluable impact. But it was his relentless commitment, week in and week out, that won fans’ hearts worldwide.
Kyle Walker: The Modern Right-Back
Kyle Walker embodies the evolution of the right-back role with his explosive pace, defensive skill, and instinct to drive forward. Starting at Tottenham Hotspur, Walker quickly became known for his speed, allowing him to recover defensively and make surging runs. His defensive awareness sharpened over time, making him a formidable presence.
Moving to Manchester City elevated Walker's game. Under Pep Guardiola, he improved tactically, integrating seamlessly into City’s possession-based system. Walker’s contributions have been crucial in City’s successes, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, the 2023 UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2023. Our Kyle Walker facts provide more insight into the defender.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Modern Magician
Trent Alexander-Arnold has redefined the right-back role, bringing creativity and precision that defies traditional expectations. A product of Liverpool's academy, he’s known for his vision and pinpoint crosses, becoming a key part of Liverpool’s attack. In the 2019-20 season, he recorded an impressive 13 Premier League assists, a record for a defender.
His game intelligence and ability to control tempo make him invaluable, whether playing as an inverted full-back or delivering perfect set pieces. While he continues to improve defensively, it’s his confidence and playmaking that truly stand out.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Alexander-Arnold has contributed to Liverpool’s success, securing the Premier League (2019–20), FA Cup and EFL Cup (2021–22), the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. It remains to be seen which trophies he’ll lift under new manager Arne Slot.
Pablo Zabaleta: The Heartbeat of Man City's Transformation
Pablo Zabaleta became a defining figure in Manchester City’s transformation under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership, representing both City’s success and its new identity. His dedication and leadership helped shape the club's culture as it rose to prominence in English and European football.
Defensively, Zabaleta was relentless, blending precise tackles with sharp positioning that frustrated opposition wingers. He embodied the modern full-back, adept at contributing to both defense and attack.
Yet, it was his leadership that set him apart. Though not always the official captain, Zabaleta was a true motivator, inspiring teammates and fans alike with his passion and commitment. His impressive achievements at City include Premier League titles, League Cups, and an FA Cup, securing his legacy as a cherished club icon.
Cesar Azpilicueta: Mr. Versatile
Cesar Azpilicueta, affectionately known as "Dave" by Chelsea fans, is a versatile defender who made a significant impact as a right-back for the club. His defensive reliability, work rate, and ability to contribute in both defence and attack made him an essential figure at Chelsea before he left for Atletico Madrid in 2023.
Azpilicueta's versatility allows him to play in various defensive positions, but it's at right-back where he excelled in the Premier League. His positional discipline and ability to read the game made him an excellent one-on-one defender. He was rarely caught out of position, which made him a consistent presence in the Chelsea backline.
Offensively, Azpilicueta offers a reliable outlet on the right flank. His crosses and deliveries into the box are accurate, and he's often involved in build-up play. His consistency and leadership on the pitch have made him an influential figure, serving as captain on numerous occasions.
Azpilicueta played a central role in Chelsea's triumphs in the Premier League and Cup competitions during the later period of Roman Abramovich's ownership. His adaptability and unwavering commitment make him a modern example of a dependable right-back.
Steve Finnan: A Steady Hand at the Back
Steve Finnan may not be the most celebrated right-back in the Premier League, but his consistency and reliability make him worthy of recognition. During his time at Fulham and later at Liverpool, Finnan was a steady presence in defence.
Finnan's defensive abilities were his greatest asset. He was rarely caught out of position and was dependable in one-on-one situations. His positioning and timing in tackles made him a reliable figure at the back. His ability to read the game and make interceptions often went unnoticed but was crucial in his team's defensive efforts.
Offensively, Finnan contributed by providing width on the right flank. While not known for flashy plays, he was efficient in his delivery of crosses and passes. He was a team player who understood his role and executed it diligently.
Finnan's journey in the Premier League included successful spells at Fulham and Liverpool. At Liverpool, he was part of the squad that famously won the UEFA Champions League in 2005, underlining his contribution to the club's rich history.
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