5 most valuable wingers in the world right now (2021)

If you glance through the list of the game's best-ever players, more often than not, it will be dominated by forwards. Strikers obviously make up for much of the share, but not too far behind are wingers, whose job is arguably tougher.

In addition to scoring goals, they also have to create chances, and provide width down the flanks to open up defences. Many of them are expert set-piece takers as well. In other words, a winger's job is often a thankless one.

However, given the evolving nature of the sport, their value to the squad has increased a great deal. Every title-winning teams now have a few highly talented wide players.

The conversation for the best winger in the world can be a subjective one. But when it comes to market value, these five are above everyone else:

Note: All stats and data are as per Transfermarkt.

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#5 Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) - £81 million

Sterling has had a difficult 2021-22 campaign, but remains valuable to City

At Liverpool, he was raw, exciting and had flair. But under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Raheem Sterling has flourished into a world-class player. With 115 goals and 89 assists in 305 games, his attacking output has gone through the roof, but his overall play, too, has evolved immensely.

The English winger can take on defenders in a breathtaking fashion, and his link-ups are as deadly as they get. At 27, he's currently in the prime of his career, and he can improve further.

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#4 Jadon Sancho (Manchester United) - £81 million

Sancho is yet to play to his full potential with Manchester United.

Jadon Sancho's rise at Borussia Dortmund was meteoric. That helped him get a dream move to Manchester United in the summer, although he's yet to impress.

In 11 appearances so far, the 21-year-old hasn't racked up a single goal or assist. He has been going through the motions in a stuttering Red Devils side.

Nevertheless, Sancho's talent is undeniable. With his speed, trickery, close control and balance, the Englishman has all the hallmarks of a classic winger. His goalscoring abilities can put established strikers to shame. Once he clicks into gear and starts firing, Sancho could make a mark in the Premier League too.

#3 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) - £90 million

Watching Neymar is a treat to the eyes.

Kylian Mbappe may have stolen the thunder off Neymar as PSG's chief goalscorer, but the box-office Brazilian remains a highly influential figure in their squad.

He's so often the driving force, thanks to his exceptional creativity and uncanny leadership qualities. Neymar also consistently provides a goalscoring outlet with his intelligent positioning.

With 88 goals and 54 assists in 124 games for the Parisians, Neymar averages over one goal-contribution per game. There are few sights more exciting in football than Neymar's dribbles while getting past his marker.

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#2 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - £90 million

Salah is currently in the form of his life.

There's no one better in current form than Mohamed Salah, who's simply in a league of his own right now. He has scored 15 goals and five assists in the 2021-22 season already, having also scored in each of his last ten games across competitions.

Pacy, clinical and dynamic, the Egyptian star provides pressing and work rate, which makes an integral player in Jurgen Klopp's gegenpressing style of play. Salah is currently powering the side's title charge in the Premier League.

Among his more recent accomplishments include becoming the first-ever visiting player to score a hat-trick at Old Trafford. In the process, he once again demonstrated his ability to step up to the plate in big games.

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#1 Jack Grealish (Manchester City) - £90 million

Jack Grealish has contributed five goals in 13 games for Manchester City so far.

From starring in an average Aston Villa squad to becoming the most expensive British player in history, Jack Grealish has come a long way in the last few years.

He's caught our collective imagination with his flair for creating chances and proficient skills on the ball. It's difficult to dispossess him when in possession, and he can turn the tide of games with an amazing through-ball.

Grealish, who starred in England's run to the Euro 2020 final, is still adjusting to life in the blue half of Manchester. But under Pep Guardiola, he'll fancy his chances of flourishing into a world-class prospect in the coming years, if he is not one already.