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Modern football places a lot of demands on full-backs. The 'defenders' in this truly versatile position need to maraud down the flanks in lung-bursting runs, provide crosses, link up with wingers and wide forwards and then get back into position to do their primary job of defending, as aspect of the game that is no different in the English Premier League as well.
Ever since its inception in 1992, the competition has seen the advent of many quality right-backs in the game, many of whom have played an instrumental role in their teams' successes.
The modern right-back's attacking duties often surpass their defensive responsibilities, with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold often given the license to stay high up the pitch to become a goal provider and even a goalscorer at times.
5 best right-backs in Premier League history:
In this article, we will run down the list of the five best right-backs in Premier League history. There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to this position in the English game, and whittling it down to five was an arduous task, but we have tried our best. Without further ado, let's get started.
#5 Kyle Walker
At 30, Kyle Walker is yet to lose any of the blistering pace that has made him one of the best in his position.
Walker, once called the best right-back in the world by his Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, first made his name at Tottenham Hotspur. He then moved to City to become a part of arguably one of the greatest Premier League sides as he won two consecutive league titles.
Though Walker doesn't score a lot of goals, his ability to seamlessly merge with City's beautiful attacking play has led to him picking up 14 assists during his time at the Etihad. He has sometimes been made a part of a back three by Pep Guardiola, and the England right-back generally met with all the challenges the game has thrown up at him, literally and figuratively.
#4 Trent Alexander-Arnold
It is hard to believe that Trent Alexander-Arnold is only 22. The Liverpool right-back has been at the centre of the resurgence of the club under Jurgen Klopp, having already won the Premier League, the Club World Cup and the Champions League titles with the Reds.
Brilliant with his deliveries, impressive at tracking back and amazing at passing the ball, Trent Alexander-Arnold is also one of the best active free-kick takers in the Premier League.
His devastating partnership with Andy Robertson on the other wing has been instrumental in the magical football that Liverpool have played in recent times, especially in the Premier League. Their linkup with the Liverpool front-three continues to grow stronger with time.
#3 Lee Dixon
In this list, we have given great value on longevity and honours - both team and individual. Hence, some big names may be conspicuous by their absence (more on that later).
Arsenal legend, Lee Dixon tops on both counts. Beginning his spell with the Gunners in 1988, Dixon stayed with the club till 2002 and won both the old First Division and Premier League titles twice apiece.
A solid right-back, Dixon is more defensive-minded than most on this list. He played 459 times for the club and was good on the overlap as well, scoring 17 times and notching up nine assists during a trophy-laden spell.
#2 Branislav Ivanovic
Now 36, Branislav Ivanovic is still playing in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion. But his greatest exploits in the league came with Chelsea where he was a defensive mainstay for nine years and won three EPL titles beside a host of other European and domestic trophies after joining the club in 2009.
Tall, physically imposing and strong, Ivanovic was also a great finisher and netted many important goals for the club. Arguably the most fearsome defender in this list, he is capable of playing across a variety of positions at the back. For many, he was the best signing made by Chelsea during their era of success.
#1 Gary Neville
Is he the most talented and skilful player in this list? No. Is he the one with the greatest legacy? Definitely.
One of the most consistent members of Manchester United's legendary Class of 92, Gary Neville was a constant presence at right-back in the Red Devils team that created a hegemony in the Premier League and also enjoyed great success in Europe.
Neville was nippy, hard-working and tenacious as a full-back and formed a great partnership down the right channel with David Beckham as the two linked up to provide great attacking thrust down that side for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
A United captain, a member of the PFA Team of the Century and one of the greatest servants of the club, Neville won an astounding 20 trophies during a glittering club career.
Honourable mentions
Lauren- Part of the Invincibles, he was brilliant during his stint at right-back for Arsenal. However, he has not been included here because of his period of influence in the Premier League was too brief.
Bacary Sagna- There was no doubt about his talent, but Bacary Sagna was a bit unlucky during his spells with two of England's top clubs: Arsenal and City. That was because he did not win near enough silverware as he would have hoped to.
