'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Perhaps there is no position in football that is as underappreciated as the right-back. Obviously, defenders are less heralded than their midfield or attacking counterparts. Yet, even among defenders, right-backs are the most ignored. Centre-backs are seen as the heart of a team, providing grit and aggression.
Left-backs are typically associated with awe-inspiring artistry down the left flank, think Roberto Carlos or Marcelo. Are that any right-backs that are remembered as fondly? Didn’t think so.
Yet, right-back is still one of the most important positions in football. They are not only responsible for defending some of the world’s best players on the opposition’s left flank (the likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo) but also for providing width to their team’s attack.
An excellent right-back can make a real difference in the world cup. This was evident in 2014 when Phillip Lahm played the position for Germany and was arguably their most important player.
Note: For the purposes of these rankings, the positional designation of a player depends on a mix of where they played during the past club season and where they are likely to play for their country in the World Cup. Also, right wing-backs in formations with three central defenders have also been included as right-backs for the purposes of these rankings.
Honorable Mentions:
The quality of players in a World Cup is simply remarkable, which is why not all excellent right-backs can be included on a list like this. The following players were close to making the list but were eventually bypassed.
Stephen Lichsteiner
Four years ago, Lichsteiner would have ranked near the top of this list. Unfortunately for the 34-year-old Arsenal signing, his prime has long passed him. His performances over the past two seasons have been rather average for Juventus as he averaged career lows in blocks and clearances. In fact, the younger and more sprightly Matteo De Sciglio was preferred to him in big games especially in the Champions League.
Santiago Arias
Colombia are considered one of the dark horses to win the tournament. For that to occur, PSV Eindhoven right-back Santiago Arias’s performances will be crucial. Arias was a constant attacking threat for the Eredivisie winners, as he scored three goals and provided six assists.
He also made 1.8 key passes per game (second in the league for a defender) and had the 24th highest player rating in the league. Arias misses out on this list due to his rather average defensive performance, something he will need to rectify if Colombia are to fulfill their potential.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
A Scouser through and through, Trent Alexander-Arnold has established himself as one of the premier right-backs in England, if not the world. His statistics over the past season were outstanding as the teenager was 3rd in key passes among defenders in the Premier League.
He was even better in the Champions League, where he ranked 8th among English players in WhoScored’s player rating. Unfortunately, this may be one tournament too early for the 19 year-old as he is likely to be third-choice right-back in the English squad behind Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier.
Follow Sportskeeda for 2018 World Cup Scores, Latest News & Updates, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more.
#10 Danilo
Perhaps the biggest victim of Kyle Walker’s excellence, Danilo only got to make three starts (and 10 substitute appearances) for Manchester City in the Premier League last season. Even in such limited playing time, the Brazilian excelled as he scored three goals and provided two assists throughout the season.
Defensively, the Brazilian was also stellar, averaging 1.9 tackles per game (only Fabian Delph averaged more for City). The best part about that number? It was the lowest of his career. Indeed, to truly see Danilo’s value, one has to look back to 2016-17 season where the right-back was excellent for Real Madrid.
That season, Danilo’s player rating ranked 8th in La Liga (minimum of 17 games). He also made 3 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game, excellent numbers for a right-back. Brazil will be hoping that Danilo can replicate such excellence, especially considering the injury to Dani Alves.
#9 Cesar Azpilicueta
It almost feels wrong to characterize Azpilicueta as a right-back. To be perfectly honest, the Spaniard has played every single defensive position for Chelsea over the years- something that has kept him in the good graces of both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho. While he has played in the centre for Chelsea over the past two seasons, he is a right-back by trade and is likely to play that position for Spain (although he will likely not have a starting role).
Despite Chelsea’s struggles last season, the 28-year-old had a great season last year. According to WhoScored’s player ratings, he was the third best Chelsea player in the Premier League. Azpilicueta’s defensive play was characteristically excellent as he averaged 2.2 tackles per game, 24th in the league.
Moreover, the Spaniard has also improved his attacking play, finishing the seasons with six assists (all to Alvaro Morata). The 28-year-old also has a propensity to launch long balls having averaged 3.4 per game in the Premier League, thus providing a change-up option to Spain’s traditional tiki-taka play. What prevents Azpilicueta from being ranked higher in this list is the fact that he is a jack of all trades who hasn’t really mastered any specific skill or attribute. This is perhaps why the Chelsea defender is unlikely to start for La Roja in the World Cup.
#8 Thomas Meunier
The last two major international tournaments have been incredibly disappointing for Belgium’s “Golden Generation”. In 2014, a run to the quarter-finals was cut short by a feeble 1-0 loss to Argentina. The 2016 Euros were even worse, as the Red Devils lost to underdogs Wales. If they are to get over the hump and finally win a trophy, then the likes of Thomas Meunier will need to impress.
In Roberto Martinez’s 3-4-3, Meunier will likely feature as a right-wing back, thus adding extra attacking responsibility on the 26-year-old. Luckily for Belgium, Meunier is excellent going forward, having provided four goals and four assists in just eight starts for PSG in Ligue 1 last year. Such attacking play will be crucial for Belgium as Meunier will need to provide support to attacking quartet of Dries Mertens, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. While Meunier’s playing time was limited for the French giants, he was competent whenever he got a chance as he ranked 51st in WhoScored’s player rating.
His pass success percentage was an excellent 84.8%, a mark usually reserved for central midfielders. Meunier was average defensively, averaging 1.6 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game. Yet, these numbers do not do justice to the 28-year-old’s performances for Belgium. Meunier is a different player when playing for the Red Devils, as evidenced by his production during the qualification campaign where he scored five goals and assisted seven more. Belgium will be hoping that he can continue this form.
#7 Kieran Trippier
The diminutive Englishman was one of the revelations of last season’s Premier League, as he excelled for Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side. Trippier was one of the best-attacking right-backs in the Premier League as he provided five assists in 21 games. Even more impressively, Trippier made 1.7 key passes per game- 18th in the Premier League and the most by any defender. Most of these were crosses (he averaged one per game) aimed at the head of Harry Kane.
Surprisingly, the 27-year-old was just as good in the Champions League- providing three assists in three games. It is such attacking play that will be vital for England if Trippier is to feature as a right-wing back in Gareth Southgate’s selected formation (likely a 3-4-3). Trippier was also decent defensively, averaging 2.2 tackles and 0.8 interceptions. Nonetheless, he will be looking to improve on that side of his game if England are to overcome years of disappointment and reach the latter stages of the World Cup.
Trippier’s defensive play will be especially crucial in England’s last group game against Meunier’s Belgium where Trippier will most likely need to mark Hazard. Trippier’s place in England’s starting line-up is fraught considering that his former club teammate Kyle Walker (featuring later in these rankings) also plays the same position. Yet, such is Southgate’s faith in the Spurs right-back that he has shown an inclination to move Walker to central defence in order to accommodate Trippier. Trippier will be hoping to vindicate his manager.
#6 Sime Vrsalijko
The only player in these rankings not to play for a footballing giant, Vrsalijko has been an integral part of Atletico Madrid’s excellent defense. Perhaps, the Croatian’s greatest accomplishment last season was providing a credible challenge to Atletico legend Juanfran’s starting role at right-back (even starting the Europa League final).
Vrsalijko had an excellent player rating of 7.09, which (for comparison’s sake) was the same as Sergio Ramos. His defensive stats were particularly excellent over the past season as the Croatian averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game- collective numbers only matched or exceeded by nine players in La Liga last season. It is such defending that will be key for Croatia against Argentina and Nigeria in Group D.
Where Vrsalijko has certainly improved in is his attacking play, as the 26-year-old provided four assists for his Atletico teammates in La Liga last season. Nonetheless, his underlying attacking stats are still poor as he only provided 0.5 crosses and 0.6 key passes per game. These numbers will have to improve significantly in the World Cup, as he will need to provide width to Croatia’s rather narrow attack.
#5 Ricardo Pereira
Perhaps the most underrated player in these rankings, Ricardo Pereira was spectacular for FC Porto in the Portuguese league last season. In fact, the 24-year-old had the sixth highest player rating in Liga NOS (highest for any defender). Pereira (who also occasionally plays as a winger) was outstanding bombing down the right flank, as he provided two goals and five assists (along with 1.3 key passes per game).
One of his strongest suits is his dribbling, as he led all defenders with 1.8 dribbles per game in the Primera Liga. Yet what is even more impressive is that even at the rather young age of 24, Pereira has shown incredible maturity defensively. He is perhaps one of the best tacklers in the list, having averaged 3.7 per game (second in the Primera Liga) last season. At the same time, the Portuguese right-back is not as reckless as he was only dribbled past 0.6 times per game.
His other defensive stats are just as impressive, as the recent Leicester City signing averaged 1.7 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game. The only questions surrounding Pereira (and what prevent him from being even higher in these rankings) pertain to his ability to replicate this form against tougher competition. For those reasons, Pereira may not even start with Fernando Santos perhaps preferring the more experienced yet mediocre Cedric. Considering the above statistics, that may not be the right decision.
#4 Djibril Sidibe
One of the few stars from Monaco’s 2016-17 team that was not poached by a European giant, Sidibe has continued to be excellent for The Reds and Whites. In Leonardo Jardim’s attacking system, Sidibe has flourished as a creator- providing seven assists last season (tied for 10th in Ligue 1). His underlying attacking statistics were just as excellent, as Sidibe provided 1.2 key passes per game (ranked 3rd for defenders in Ligue 1).
Such creativity will be incredibly useful for France’s star-studded team. Perhaps the most important aspect of Sidibe’s play in the World Cup will be his chemistry with former teammate Kylian Mbappe- with Didier Deschamps showing an inclination to playing the latter as a right-winger. If that occurs, Sidibe and Mbappe could add some synergy on the right-wing to what has always seemed like a disjointed French team.
Defensively, Sidibe’s performances will become more important in the knockout stages, as France will face higher quality opponents. To understand his prowess on the less glamorous end, one can look at his performances for Lille in the 2015-16 season- the last time Sidibe played for a defensively oriented team. That season, the Frenchman averaged an incredible 3.3 tackles and 3.2 interceptions per game. He will replicate that form if France are to fulfill their potential.
#3 Dani Carvajal
While so much of the discussion after the Champions League final pertained to Mohammed Salah’s injury, an equally important injury befell Dani Carvajal which is likely to rule him out of Spain’s first two games against Portugal and Iran. The right-back is one of Spain’s most important players because of the solidity that he brings to their defence and the versatility that he brings to their attack.
Perhaps most importantly, Carvajal has always performed well at the biggest stage, being outstanding in Real Madrid’s Champions League three-peat. In fact, over the last three seasons, Carvajal has had player ratings of 7.29, 7.10 and 7.53 respectively in Europe’s premier competition. The last number is particularly impressive, as it was good enough for the Spaniard to rank as the 23rd best player in the Champions League last season. His defensive numbers were particularly impressive, averaging 2.9 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game.
That is the defensive performance that Spain will likely be missing in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup against Portugal and Carvajal’s club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. They will also probably Carvajal is also a decent source of attacking production down the right flank. In last season’s La Liga, the Spaniard averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.0 crosses per game. The latter will be important for Spain later in the tournament, to help provide a contrast to their usual tiki-taka short passing.
#2 Kyle Walker
Walker is perhaps Pep Guardiola’s most important transfer signing during the manager’s tenure at Manchester City. Having excelled for Tottenham Hotspur for a half-decade, Walker was even better under Guardiola’s tutelage as he excelled at right wing-back. The Englishman provided six assists during the Premier League season and was excellent going forward.
The 28-year-old averaged 0.9 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game. Perhaps the most improved aspect of his play was his passing (unsurprising for a Guardiola player) where he had an 87.7% passing success percentage. His defensive play was equally impressive, averaging 1.5 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game- both sterling numbers while playing for a Manchester City team that was so dominant that it barely played without the ball. In fact, the right-back averaged 2.6 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 3.2 clearances for Tottenham in 2015-16.
Those are the numbers that England will be expecting in the World Cup. What separates Walker from Carvajal (and others below him) is his adaptability to different positions and more pertinently, different styles of play. The 28-year-old has managed to succeed in both Mauricio Pochettino’s direct system and Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka.
He also has the potential to play in different positions, including left-back, centre-midfield and centre-back. The latter ability was why he almost left off this ranking, as it is expected that England manager Southgate will use him as a centre-back. Nonetheless, Walker’s natural position in on the right and thus he is ranked as such here.
#1 Joshua Kimmich
When Lahm retired from international football, one imagined that an unfillable hole had been created on the right side of Germany’s defence. Little did we know that a perfect replacement for Lahm was playing in 2. Bundesliga for RB Leipzig. One year later, Kimmich was signed by Lahm’s Bayern Munich and groomed as No.21’s successor.
Since then, Kimmich hasn’t looked back- becoming the best right-back in the world. Kimmich’s biggest strength (similarly to Lahm) is his passing excellence where he has a pass success percentage of 90.3% in the Bundesliga- good enough for 5th in the Bundesliga. Kimmich is also an extraordinary chance creator for a right-back, averaging 1.8 key passes per game (11th in the Bundesliga) and providing an exceptional 10 assists.
While he is mostly known for his short passing (having previously played centre midfield), he is also an excellent crosser- averaging 2.1 successful crosses per game (3rd in the Bundesliga). Playing for Jupp Heyncekes has also helped him improve his long passes, as the German now averages 5.1 per game (compared to 3.1 last year). Defensively, Kimmich’s statistics are not excellent as he only averages 1.1 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game. Yet, this is slightly misleading because of the fact that Bayern Munich rarely need to defend in the Bundesliga.
To really understand his defensive impact, one can look at his performance for the national team in the 2016 Euros where he averaged 2.3 tackles and 1 interception per game. This all-around excellence can be seen through his WhoScored player rating which was the 14th highest in the Bundesliga and 38th in the Champions League (highest right-back on both lists). If he can continue his form from the club season, it will be very difficult for any team to stop Germany from becoming defending champions.
