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La Liga is one of the best leagues in the world and often presents viewers with a unique blend of tactical brilliance and excitement. Spanish teams are generally considered to be the most technically astute teams in the world and the most successful teams in La Liga generally have quality all over the pitch.
The role of the full-back has evolved tremendously over the past decade. The likes of Dani Alves and Marcelo led the transition in La Liga and changed the way the world viewed the modern full-back. Today, full-backs in La Liga and elsewhere in Europe are tasked with both offensive and defensive responsibilities and the right-backs in La Liga personify the changing landscapes of football.
La Liga has its fair share of talented right-backs
La Liga teams have dominated Europe for a large part of the decade and while the tide may be changing yet again, the past few years have seen some sensational teams prove their mettle with plenty of silverware.
While some defenders have further solidified their credentials this season, some others have made massive breakthroughs in their respective La Liga teams and are set to dominate the league for years to come. Here is a list of the top five right-backs in La Liga this season.
#5 Ander Capa (Athletic Bilbao)
Athletic Bilbao has not enjoyed the best of La Liga seasons and has suffered an underwhelming campaign of near-misses and disappointing defeats. Ander Capa, however, has been one of the standout players for the Basque outfit in La Liga and is one of the few players in the squad who can hold his head up high ahead of the next season.
The 28-year-old right-back has made the right-back position his own at Athletic Bilbao and has scored some important goals for his side in La Liga. Ander Capa possesses plenty of pace and exceptional dribbling skills and is one of the most skilful defenders in the league.
The Basque full-back has scored 3 goals and has also bagged 4 assists this season in La Liga. Ander Capa was one of the few shining lights in an otherwise negative season for Athletic Bilbao and will look to build on his performances this year.
#4 Nelson Semedo (Barcelona)
Given Barcelona's humiliating defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions, Nelson Semedo may not particularly be deserving of glowing praise at the moment. The Portuguese full-back has had a decent La Liga season, however, and has improved significantly under Quique Setien.
Semedo did not have the best of starts to the La Liga season but has emerged as Barcelona's first-choice right-back under Quique Setien. The Portuguese right-back has often proved to be the only wide option on the right flank for Barcelona and has picked up four assists this season.
The Barcelona full-backs also scored his first goal of the La Liga season in the final game of the campaign against Eibar. With Barcelona planning a squad overhaul, Nelson Semedo may well move away from La Liga in the upcoming transfer window.
Also Read: 5 ideal replacements for Quique Setien at Barcelona
#3 Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Kieran Trippier is not the flashiest player on this list and his lack of goals can be attributed to the fact that he plays for Diego Simeone's robust and no-nonsense Atletico Madrid side. There were questions raised when the Englishman decided to move to La Liga but his performances under Diego Simeone have largely silenced his critics.
The former Tottenham right-back has edged Santiago Arias to a place in Atletico Madrid's regular starting eleven and is one of the most defensively astute right-backs in La Liga. Trippier managed 4 assists in La Liga this season and his presence has been crucial to Atletico Madrid's impressive defensive record.
Atletico Madrid faced intense competition from Sevilla to secure the third place in La Liga this season and managed to finish above the Andalusian side owing to a better head-to-head record. Trippier has shown improvement under Diego Simeone and can grow into an excellent defender in the future.
#2 Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
Jesus Navas has experienced something of a renaissance in La Liga this season. The Sevilla captain has excelled in his new-found defensive role and is one of the best right-backs in La Liga. Navas possesses an extraordinary turn of pace and his intelligence on the ball makes him one of the most dangerous wing-backs in Europe.
The 34-year-old Spanish veteran has dominated the flanks for Sevilla this season and his overlapping runs have been a nightmare to deal with. Jesus Navas has managed 7 assists this season and has created several chances for his teammates throughout the La Liga season.
The former Manchester City defender also possesses excellent leadership skills and has marshalled his troops brilliantly. Sevilla has exceeded expectations under Julen Lopetegui and Jesus Navas has played a massive role in his side's inclusion in the Champions League next season.
#1 Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Dani Carvajal may not have the most impressive statistics in this list but his presence in the Real Madrid back-line has become a precious and irreplaceable necessity. Unlike many other modern right-backs in La Liga, Carvajal is rarely caught out of his position and uses his understanding of the game to nip the opposition's attacks in the bud.
Carvajal is astute at handling one-on-one situations and has played a crucial role in Real Madrid's successful La Liga campaign. Zinedine Zidane has turned the La Liga champions into one of the best defensive outfits in Europe and Dani Carvajal's defensive contributions to his side have been immense this season.
The Spanish right-back has been an unsung hero in Real Madrid's excellent domestic season and has also managed five assists and a goal for the La Liga giants. With Dani Carvajal in its defensive line, Real Madrid is perfectly poised to win more silverware next season.
Also Read: 10 Greatest Football Managers of all time
