5 best right-backs in the world right now

With football under a constant state of evolution, there have been drastic changes in the demands of each position.

Full-backs are now expected to burst forward whenever possible to help in the attack while also not neglecting their defensive duties. The best full-backs in the world are among the fittest football players due to the demands of the position.

They are expected to be technically strong and comfortable on the ball, and in certain cases, they are the most important players in a side.

On that note, we look at the 5 best right-backs in the world right now.

#5 Juan Cuadrado | Juventus

Juventus were extremely disappointing last season, with very few players emerging as positives.

Juan Cuadrado was one of them. The Colombia international has been a consistent performer for the Old Lady since joining the club from Chelsea in 2015. Having made his name as a winger, Cuadrado has been utilized as a right-back at Juventus, and he has excelled.

The 33-year-old is a technically gifted operator who maintains width and produces good crosses. Cuadrado has made 222 appearances in all competitions for Juventus, scoring 19 goals and providing 54 assists.

It has been reported that Juventus are interested in extending his contract.

#4 Kyle Walker | Manchester City

Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League

Kyle Walker did not make much noise last season for Manchester City, performing his tasks quietly. However, the Euros were a timely reminder of the quality he possesses.

Walker made his name at Tottenham Hotspur, earning a £47.4 million move to Manchester City in 2017. The England international is incredibly quick on the ball with good technical skills and has played a crucial role in Manchester City's success under Pep Guardiola.

The 31-year-old has made 184 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring five goals and providing 15 assists. For England, Walker has often been utilized as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man backline.

Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Neymar's role in Lionel Messi's transfer to PSG, Chelsea's transfer plans and more

#3 Reece James | Chelsea

England's right-back choices are the envy of the world, with some of the best players in the world in his position currently representing the Three Lions.

Reece James is a product of Chelsea's famed academy. After an excellent loan spell with Wigan Athletic in the Championship, James returned to Chelsea and became an important member of the senior squad, producing good performances regularly.

Under Thomas Tuchel, James has improved. A physically gifted and intelligent player, the 21-year-old can still develop. With Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier now in their 30s, James and Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely fight it out for the right-back squad for England in the near future.

#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg Two

Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a quiet 2020/21 season by his lofty standards but still managed to produce good numbers.

One of the best right-backs in the world, Alexander-Arnold is touted by many to be a generational talent. World-class offensively, the England international is an excellent creative player who has been appreciated for his passing and deadball expertise.

The 22-year-old was not part of the England squad for the Euros due to an injury. Alexander-Arnold has made 179 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, scoring 10 goals and providing 44 assists.

#1 Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain

Udinese Calcio v FC Internazionale - Serie A

Achraf Hakimi has been in incredible form for some time and is the best right-back in the world right now.

A product of Real Madrid's academy, Hakimi moved to Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan, where he showcased his potential. A highly creative, attack-minded player, the Moroccan can play on the wings or as a left-back if needed.

Hakimi joined Inter Milan last summer and helped them win the Serie A. Inter Milan, due to their financial conditions, reluctantly sold him to Paris Saint-Germain recently for a fee of £54 million. The 22-year-old scored on his league debut for the Ligue 1 giants and is set to be a key player for them this season.

Also Read: PSG's possible line up for tomorrow's match against Strasbourg

About the author

Abhinav is a journalist who covers football at Sportskeeda. An avid football fan and long-suffering supporter of Manchester United, he currently writes previews, covering football leagues across the world. Armed with a good understanding of SEO and journalism guidelines, Abhinav possesses a strong knowledge of football and footballers. He loves a good transfer rumor and loves discussing the sport with his friends and family.

He's also pursuing a Master's Degree in International Relations.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian