Ranking the Top 5 English Right-Backs in the Premier League
Other than box-to-box midfielder, playing at full-back is probably the most physically demanding role in football.
While largely restricted to a single strip of the field, the full-back has to be adept both in attack and defence, supporting his forwards while never failing to re-organise defensively.
As expected, with the Premier League being arguably the toughest league in the world, it contains some of the best right-backs in the world—Pablo Zabaleta, Branislav Ivanovic, Bacary Sagna and Mathieu Debuchy to name a few.
But which are the cream of the English crop?
Here we count down the top five home-grown right-sided full-backs, while giving some also-rans a nod in the process.
Near-misses
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal)
Calum Chambers (Arsenal)
Joel Ward (Crystal Palace)
Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)
All stats are courtesy of transfermarkt.co.uk unless linked otherwise.
5: Matthew Lowton, Aston Villa
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After coming through the Sheffield United youth system Lowton took a while to push his way into the top flight, making his Premier League debut with Aston Villa at the beginning of 2012-13.
But as they say, quality shines through, and he notched three assists in each of the subsequent seasons, while adding a couple of goals for good measure.
The 24-year-old’s versatility is one of his strongest assets, while he is as adept in possession as he is at winning it back—he was one of the stand-out performers as the Villains narrowly avoided relegation last term.
While his manager Paul Lambert clearly has faith in him, a first international cap is nowhere in sight—a situation that is unlikely to change judging by some of the players occupying spots on this list.
Pros: One of the few full-backs whose defensive assets are on an even scale with their attacking prowess, while his value is increased by an ability to play across the back line.
Cons: A slightly heavy first touch in tight situations results in an inclination to attempt longer passes, which can sometimes be detrimental to his team.
4: Micah Richards, Manchester City
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When he first broke into the Manchester City team, Richards appeared to be the solution to the question of who should challenge Glen Johnson for the England right-back slot.
A tank of a man who despite his size possesses both pace and agility, the 26-year-old holds the honours of being the youngest defender to represent England and the youngest ever City first-team captain.
Richards’ development continued under Roberto Mancini and culminated in the 2011-12 Premier League title, a campaign in which he provided the most assists (five) of any defender in the league.
However, as with other notable English prospects, Richards’ starting place at City was lost to foreign talent and he did not even make enough appearances to register for a medal when the club won last year’s title.
In spite of this setback, his ability is still recognised and has been subject to reported interest from several top-flight clubs, including Newcastle United and Sunderland, per the Sunderland Echo.
Pros: Strong both on the ball and when challenging for it—aerially or at ground-level—Richards is adept at either end of the pitch, with added leadership qualities.
Cons: A lack of first-team action has dented his development and left him out of touch, while a propensity to occasionally lose his head has always been present.
3: Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
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One of the few star turns of last season who Southampton have managed—so far—to keep hold of, Clyne has improved dramatically since arriving at St. Mary’s in 2012.
A product of the Crystal Palace academy, Clyne scored his first senior goal aged 18 and secured his starting berth, later being named the Eagles’ player of the year for 2010-11.
Clyne’s direct approach and willingness to take on his man is ideal for the Premier League and a quality that surely means his full England debut is on the horizon.
Last season’s five league assists have put him on several clubs’ radar—his understudy Calum Chambers having already departed for Arsenal—and with his second Premier League goal coming against Liverpool at the weekend (pictured) the Saints will do well to rebuff any advance for his services.
Pros: Clyne’s speed and directness, abetted by excellent vision, leads to plenty of chances created, while his pass completion rate of 82 percent last season, per EPL Index, speaks for itself.
Cons: The London native’s tackling leaves much to be desired, while any potential suitors will have concerns over his crossing, though aged just 23 he has time to improve.
2: Glen Johnson, Liverpool
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Even with 282 top-flight appearances, the West Ham academy graduate’s veteran status was belied by a World Cup in which he lacked both form and confidence.
Regardless, Johnson remains one of the finest English right-backs—a billing he has held since leaving the Chelsea bench to become a Portsmouth starter in 2007.
An FA Cup winner’s medal and PFA Team of the Year award followed, and Johnson regained the England place he had lost in 2005 before joining Liverpool for a reported £18.04 million in 2009.
Aged 29, Johnson has recorded 407 senior appearances for club and country accompanied by 17 goals and 45 assists, and despite nearing the twilight of his career, he still has plenty to offer.
Pros: Boasting experience and an unerring level of commitment, Johnson is dangerous with either foot and has the drive to push his team through the final 15 minutes of a game, while his pass and tackle success rates remain outstanding according to EPL Index.
Cons: A consistent performer in his prime, as age catches up he is more susceptible to off-games and could soon be usurped by emerging youngster Jon Flanagan.
1: Kyle Walker, Tottenham Hotspur
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Had a pelvic injury not ruled him out of the final few months of 2013-14, Walker would have undoubtedly been on the plane to Brazil.
The 24-year-old’s game has steadily improved since he caught our attention in the run-up to Sheffield United’s Championship play-off final defeat in 2009.
That summer Walker moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and after several loan spells he cemented a first-team berth before being named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2012.
That trademark pace and power in attack have afforded him four goals and 12 assists in 117 Premier League appearances, while his relatively young age means the Yorkshireman’s future is looking bright.
Pros: An average top-speed of 20.89 miles per hour, per FourFourTwo, armed with a lethal right-foot shot make Walker highly-effective on the offensive.
Cons: Defensively he is not yet the finished article, though this is an area in which he is undoubtedly improving but a proneness to injury could prevent him from fulfilling his potential.
