Top 5 Premier League right backs. Full-backs, one of the most physically taxing positions in modern football, have their work cut out for them. Some of the many duties placed on these men’s shoulders include bombarding runs down the flank, precise one-twos with a fellow forward, and last-ditch tackles.
Some people crumble under pressure, while a select few excel and achieve success. Over the years, the Premier League has been home to some excellent right-backs.
Here are the top five right-backs in Premier League history:
#5 Lauren:
The Cameroonian international, another Gunner on our list, was a member of the illustrious “Invincibles” squad. Lauren, a natural midfielder, was transformed at North London into an attacking right-back. The defender made the most of his opportunities despite a career marred by injuries and became one of the greatest right-backs in the history of the Premier League.
In his 159 games for Arsenal, Lauren scored seven goals, including a spectacular goal against Liverpool in just his second game for the team. He won two league championships, three FA Cups, and two Community Shields during his time in England.
In 2007, he moved to Portsmouth, where Harry Redknapp used him as a vital player. After retiring, Lauren took up punditry and excels at it on Sky Sports.
#4 Lee Dixon:
After 14 years with Arsenal, Lee Dixon announced his retirement from the team. Lee Dixon, a full-back who gave the uttermost dedication to his team, played for Arsenal for 14 productive seasons. The right-back from Manchester began his ascent to the top with Stoke City, when he and Steve Bould created a potent defensive duo. They were offered a contract by the North London club after several standout performances for the Potters.
However, it was the former who took use of his opportunities and went on to secure his place at the club for an additional ten years. Dixon was a threat up forward, scoring from only half-chances. He scored 25 goals for Arsenal, and his temperament shone out, making him one of the best right-backs of all time by serving as a soothing force for his fellow defenders.
Dixon is accustomed to receiving awards and honors, unlike contemporary Arsenal players. Eight times he experienced success, winning four league championships and three FA Cups. At the age of 37, he announced his retirement in 2002.
#3 Branislav Ivanovic:
Ivanovic is one of the league’s top goal-scorers among defenders. In recent years, Chelsea has relied heavily on the Serbian international. It is inspiring to see his unwavering dedication to the game and never-say-die attitude. Ivanovic lacks the quickness that distinguishes most full-backs.
However, his composure in possession and incredible passing skills elevated him to the status of one of the greatest right-backs to play in the history of the Premier League. He consistently delivered the goods when it came to defending. During his prime, it was not uncommon to see crunching challenges down the right side followed by a nasty diagonal ball.
Despite being quite agile, Ivanovic has never been afraid to attack. He is highly recognized for his aerial prowess, which when coupled with his strength, has enabled him to score many goals throughout his career.
Many football supporters love him because of his ferocity on the field. According to Jose Mourinho, the Serbian defender is a “competitive animal with a big heart.” Ivanovic, who has played for Chelsea in 367 games so far, has earned a reputation as one of the best fullbacks in Premier League history.
#2 Bacary Sagna:
One of the most underappreciated and unlucky football players in history is the Frenchman. He has only won the FA Cup (once, with Arsenal in 2014) and the League Cup (once, with City last season), which are the only trophies that have eluded a player of his stature.
The Frenchman is at the top of the list in terms of talent. Sagna’s speed would allow him to make raging runs down the right wing and wreak havoc on the opposition’s defenses. He has helped numerous goals during his time in England because of his excellent crossing skill.
Sagna was referred to as the best right back in the Premier League by Arsene Wenger in an interview from that year. He had a fantastic season and was a member of the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year in 2011 after being motivated by his boss’s remarks.
Sagna left North London after seven years and 284 games for Manchester City, where he is one of the top right-backs in the league and Pep Guardiola’s first choice.
#1 Gary Neville:
Gary Neville, aka “Mr. Reliable,” has played a significant role in Manchester United’s domination for the greater part of two decades. Despite his lack of talent, the Englishman gave every single game his all for the team.
Neville developed more self-assurance and established himself as one of the top right-backs in the EPL as his time at Old Trafford went on. He was a significant contributor to Manchester United’s historic treble in 1999.
The right-back was named club captain after Roy Keane left in 2005, an honor he deservedly received. After 602 appearances for the Red Devils, the England international (85 appearances for his country) decided to hang up his boots in February 2011.
He is one of the very few English football players with just one club. Neville was included in the PFA’s “Team of the Century” list in 2007, according to the organization. Throughout his career, he earned an astounding twenty prizes.
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