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The role of right wingers has changed a lot over the years. No longer are the players only expected to just send in crosses from the right side. Instead, they have evolved to become more than just men who hug the right-hand side of the pitch.
Today's right wingers have a lot more responsibilities on the pitch. The change in tactics of the game has revolutionized football of late. Right wingers now are also a source of goals too. They attack, they defend and they also send in crosses, but not every team is blessed with one. Just ask Manchester United!
This season has seen some phenomenal talents burn up the right side of the pitch. Today, we sort the best among them and bring you the top 5 Right Wingers in the world this season. It is important to note that players like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been considered as strikers and as such, have not been included in this list.
#5 Federico Chiesa (Italy, Fiorentina)
The Italian winger is one of the emerging talents of Europe and has come under the attention of many big clubs due to his eye catching display this season. Chiesa joined Fiorentina in the summer of 2016 and has since grown into an important player for his club.
The 21-year-old has been quite effective for his club this season. Chiesa is predominantly a right winger, but can play as the main striker or through the left as well. This season, the Italian has shown great dribbling skills through the right and his final balls have also been perfect. Chiesa likes to have the ball at his feet and has a good turn of pace. He has the ability to go past people, which makes him very dependable down the right.
So far, the Italian has appeared 31 times for Fiorentina this season and has six goals and three assists to his name. Chiesa is currently the fifth best right winger in the world and could be set from a move away from Fiorentina in the summer.
#4 Suso (Spain, A. C. Milan)
Suso has mostly appeared in the forward right position for A.C. Milan this season but is equally capable of playing through the middle or as a right midfielder. The Spaniard’s versatility is one of his assets and Suso has been quite impressive through the right this season.
The Spaniard is blessed with good ball control and has a very creative outlook on the field. Suso can spot a pass and is known for his final balls. He has already registered seven assists so far this season. He also likes to shoot at goal, including attempting long rangers and has scored six goals from 32 appearances in all competitions.
The 25-year-old is a decent passer of the ball and is equally adept at sending in crosses from the right. He is a huge threat from counter attacks because he has the pace to burn. His speed and skills on the ball mean that he gets fouled often as defenders try to stop him. On current form, Suso is one of the best right wingers in the world.
#3 Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Costa, Lille)
The Ivorian is an exciting young player who can be a handful for the defenders. Pepe likes running at defences, is full of speed and has a cracking left foot. But what sets him apart is his skills on the ball, which range from nifty to downright outrageous.
Pepe has a great turn of pace and can leave defenders for dead in the counter. This season, he has been in inspirational form for Lille on the field. Pepe also has the ability to spot his team mates and set them up. He has already registered 11 assists this season
The 23-year-old has mostly appeared as a right winger for his club this season, but can also operate as a right midfielder. He likes to cut in from the right and shoot with his stronger right foot. He is extremely composed in front of goal and has already scored 19 goals from 33 games in all competitions.
#2 Thorgan Hazard (Belgium, Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Eden Hazard's younger brother is making a name for himself and for a good reason too. The younger Hazard operates on the opposite side of the field from his brother and can be just as menacing. Thorgan has perfect balance and is extremely good in tight spaces. His ball control is impressive, as is his turn of pace.
The Belgian likes running past defenders, using his dribbling skills and speed to get the better of them. He is also quite strong, refusing to cower under pressure from the opposition. Even though he is primarily a right winger, he is equally comfortable playing down the left. The 26-year-old has been used on both flanks this season and has excelled in each role.
Thorgan has been in exceptional form so far and his calmness in front of goal has been noteworthy. He has already registered 12 goals and 9 assists from 30 appearances this season. On current form, there's only one right-winger better than him in the world right now.
#1 Jadon Sancho (England, Borussia Dortmund)
The teenage sensation could start a bidding war this summer, even though Dortmund have reiterated that the right winger is not for sale. Sancho has broken into the scene this season and has looked every bit like a future superstar.
The Englishman is extremely fast and full of tricks. He likes to fool defenders with his fast feet and is very agile on the pitch. Sancho is extremely effective on the counter and has a footballing brain, which allows him to spot a pass and make good decisions in the final third. He is quite strong too, even though he does invite a lot of challenges because of his ability to beat his markers.
The 19-year-old likes operating down the right, even though he is capable enough to operate from the left as well. Sancho is fast becoming an expert at set pieces too and also knows his way to the goal.
This season, the English winger has already scored nine goals and 14 assists from 36 games this season. On current form, he is the best right winger in the world this season.
