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The Premier League has invested a lot of money on fullbacks and given the dearth of quality options in the area, it is not very surprising. Kyle Walker cost a mammoth £45m initial fee and Bellerin was linked with a move back to Barcelona. Over the years, the role of a fullback has grown.
Back in the day, your right-back or left-back was expected to defend first. But in the modern day game, the players are required to maraud on the flanks and contribute to the team's attacking forays.
Here we look at the top five right-backs plying their trade in the Premier League.
5. Nathaniel Clyne
The Crystal Palace academy product impressed at Southampton in the Premier League before earning a move to Liverpool and slotting in to make the right-back spot his own. He has had his critics of his time in Merseyside but Clyne has ensured that he is an England regular apart from being a consistent player.
Clyne's injury at the back end of last season left a huge gap to fill on the right because he was one of the first names on the team sheet at Liverpool. The defensive unit of Liverpool has faced much criticism but Clyne has silently gone about his business over the last two seasons. When he returns to action he will remain among the best in his position in the league.
4. Hector Bellerin
Among the fastest players in the league, Bellerin was the subject of intense speculation about a potential move back to his former club, Barcelona.
Bellerin is great on the ball and possesses a good crossing ability. He has scored four times for Arsenal as well. His pace on the flank means he can stretch defences and he's a key player in the attacking third.
His impressive performances over the last three seasons have handed him three senior Spain caps.
Bellerin is still only 22 years old meaning he still has potential to become even better. Exciting times indeed for the Arsenal fans, if they can keep him at the Emirates that is.
3. Seamus Coleman
The Irish international has grown from an unknown signing from Sligo Rovers in Ireland to one of the most important players for the Toffees and being named the captain of the Ireland national team. He peaked in Roberto Martinez's first season at the club, managing 6 goals and 3 assists in a team that finished fifth in the league.
Even when not at his scintillating best, the right-back has a knack for bagging important goals and running down the right, giving an extra option in attack. His commitment on the pitch means that most players are unable to outrun him.
Pacy with an eye for goal and an appetite for a fight, his absence has been felt at Everton after a broken leg ruled him out for the rest of the year.
2. Kyle Walker
While many baulked at the huge transfer fee involved in drawing Kyle Walker to Manchester City, there is a reason City spent so much to land the right-back from title-chasing Spurs. While Tottenham seem to have an infinite supply of fullbacks, City paid a premium for their best one who has already gotten two assists in his first six league games for the Blues of Manchester.
Walker has managed 22 assists so far in his career and has been named in the PFA Team of the Year once and is also a recipient of the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Walker's strength is in the fact that he is solid in the air and great moving forward providing width to his side on the right flank.
1. Antonio Valencia
It takes some character to be written off, played out of position and make it back onto the first team and muster even greater influence in the dressing room. For doing this alone, Valencia has gone on to become among the best in his position. Being a natural winger, his crossing and running cause many problems for the opposition and his screamer against Everton displayed the threat he carries with the ball.
Where he truly excels, however, is without the ball. The sheer tirelessness of Valencia is amazing. First tried as a makeshift right-back after Louis van Gaal was unhappy with his other options, Valencia has taken to the position like a duck to water and become the first choice in the team.
He has aged like fine wine; his work rate, end product and discipline have earned rave reviews from fans and pundits alike.
