Full-backs in today’s game are a crucial position of the pitch, with modern-day managers wanting to see them effect the game in attack, while also being solid defensively.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the best right-backs the Premier League has seen, but he has now left Liverpool for Real Madrid. But where does he rank in regards to best right-backs in Premier League history?
Ranking factors Appearances Longevity Titles Goals Clean sheets What others have said about them 20 best right-backs in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Dan Petrescu Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Bradford, Southampton
Starting the countdown is Romanian icon Dan Petrescu, who was an attacking full-back best known for his time at Chelsea.
Petrescu cost the Blues a then-club-record £2.3m from Sheffield Wednesday back in 1995, but he starred at Stamford Bridge across a five-year spell before also featuring for Bradford and Southampton in the top flight, contributing to more than 50 league goals along the way.
Games
215
Goals
23
Assists
33
Clean sheets
42
19 Antonio Valencia Wigan, Man Utd
Starting out as a winger when he moved to England with Wigan, Antonio Valencia was slowly moved back to an attacking right-back role under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He still had that attacking output and was called a player who “has got everything” by Ferguson, with the Ecuadorian winning two league titles at Old Trafford.
Games
325
Goals
24
Assists
46
Clean sheets
105
Titles
2
18 John O’Shea Man Utd, Sunderland
Versatile defender John O’Shea would turn out as a right-back on numerous occasions for Man Utd and was also used as a centre-back and left-back during his career.
The Irishman, called a “great professional” who “never complains” by Sir Alex Ferguson, was a reliable performer and made more than 250 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before going on to spend seven years with Sunderland.
Games
445
Goals
13
Assists
13
Clean sheets
115
Titles
5
17 Wes Brown Man Utd, Sunderland
Continuing the trend of right-backs to have played for Man Utd and Sunderland is Wes Brown, who won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils between 1997-2011.
Like O’Shea, Brown was used in a variety of defensive roles during his career and could excel at right-back. Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew his stuff, was also a big fan, calling Brown “the best natural defender in the country” back in 2009.
Games
308
Goals
4
Assists
9
Clean sheets
98
Titles
5
16 Seamus Coleman Everton
Arguably the best value-for-money signing in Premier League history, Seamus Coleman has been crucial for Everton since joining from Sligo Rovers in 2009.
Costing just £60,000, the Irishman has gone on to make more than 350 league appearances for the Toffees, coming in for praise from Frank Lampard who called Coleman “amazing”.
His longevity has been brilliant, and in his prime, Coleman has also been a real threat in the final third, contributing to 46 top flight goals.
Games
371
Goals
22
Assists
24
Clean sheets
96
15 Paulo Ferreira Chelsea
One of Jose Mourinho’s first signings at Chelsea back in 2004, Paulo Ferreira would enjoy a successful spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles.
The Portuguese defender sometimes went under the radar but played 29 times in the 2004/05 season which saw the Blues concede just 15 times in the league campaign.
Games
141
Assists
4
Clean sheets
56
Titles
3
14 Kieran Trippier Burnley, Tottenham, Newcastle
After coming through the Man City academy, Kieran Trippier made a name for himself in the Premier League with Burnley before spells with Tottenham and Newcastle.
A set-piece specialist from right-back, Trippier was dubbed as the perfect modern-day full-back by defensive icon Roberto Carlos and has scored and created numerous goals in the top flight.
Games
210
Goals
6
Assists
38
Clean sheets
52
13 Joao Cancelo Man City
Another brilliant attacking full-back, Joao Cancelo’s stay in the Premier League was relatively short, but he made a big impact at Man City under Pep Guardiola with his eye for a pass.
He won three titles in four seasons at the Etihad and was named in the PFA Team of the Year twice, while also being dubbed one of the best right-backs in the world by Nigel de Jong.
Games
98
Goals
5
Assists
11
Clean sheets
41
Titles
3
12 Gary Kelly Leeds
A one-club man with Leeds United, Irishman Gary Kelly was one of the best right-backs in the early years of the Premier League and made more than 300 top-flight appearances for the Whites.
Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, Kelly was defensively sound but would also get forward when he could, averaging an assist every 10 appearances at Elland Road.
Games
325
Goals
2
Assists
31
Clean sheets
103
11 Stephen Carr Tottenham, Newcastle, Birmingham
Another old-school right-back, Stephen Carr made an appearance in 15 separate Premier League campaigns but will best be remembered for his time at Tottenham, where he was included in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions.
Although he never got near to winning the title, Carr was extremely reliable and was a right-back who “had everything” according to Irish teammate Kenny Cunningham.
Games
377
Goals
8
Assists
17
Clean sheets
83