Any team with a good right-back is always one step ahead when it comes to getting the ball into the opponent’s 18-yard box. The duties of a right-back are diverse which makes them some of the most important players in a team. Right-backs should be fast in defending balls, crossing balls, and attacking from the right flank.
So who are the current best right-backs in the world and what is their market value? Based on a recent list released by Transfer Markt, we have compiled the top 10 best right-backs in the world. Check them out below.
1. Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool – €80M)
Trent Alexander Arnold is regarded as the best and most valuable right back in the world. He has been a fundamental player in the Liverpool squad since he joined them from the academy. The Englishman is a creative passer and very good at assisting goals. He’s a right-back who loves playing attacking football and still recovers quickly to defend at the back.
2. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain – €65M)
Moroccan star player Achraf Hakimi comes second on the list at a market value of €65M. Hakimi is one of those defenders still keeping the PSG defense in order. At just 23, he has already played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and PSG. He will be one of the right backs to watch out for at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
3. Joao Cancelo (Manchester City – €65M)
Even as a right-back the Portuguese is considered one of the most skillful players in Manchester City. Cancelo is the definition of a modern football right back with his excellent passing, dribbling, and attacking abilities. His style of play makes him look more like a forward than a defender. The 28-year-old also plays as a left-back.
4. Reece James (Chelsea – €60M)
Reece James is considered one of the best right-backs to join the Chelsea senior team from their academy. The Englishman is very good at attacking through the right flank and putting in accurate crosses for the strikers to deal with it. He has developed into one of the best options for Gareth Southgate to pick for the England national team.
5. Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich – €30M)
The Bayern Munich defender comes fifth on the list and his quality at the right-back position is second to none. Pavard had his breakthrough at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and went home as a World Cup winner. The 25-year-old has since maintained a high standard for both club and country.
6. Timothy Castagne (Leicester City – €28M)
Castagne is a natural right-back but could easily fill the left-back position. The Belgian always looks for the slightest opportunity to launch a rocket into the opposition side. He has been a fundamental player in the Leicester defense.
7. Tino Livramento (Southampton – €25M)
The youngest player on the list Tino Livramento joined Southampton last season from the Chelsea U23 team. Livramento’s qualities at the right-backs position are what have kept him in the Southampton senior team. He made a total of 28 appearances for the Saints, scoring 1 goal and assisting two times.
8. Pedro Porro (Sporting CP – €25M)
The Spanish right-back is currently on loan from Manchester but was among the players he helped Sporting CP to finish second in the Portuguese League. Porro is an inverted wing-back and is stronger with his right foot. His qualities have earned him a call-up to the national team.
9. Emerson Royal (Tottenham Hotspur – €25M)
Emerson played an important role in Conte’s squad last season. The 23-year-old joined the London club from Barcelona. However, the player is linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer. Emerson is a natural right-back but can fit into the right midfield position.
10. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal – €25M)
Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is one player who can play at right-back, center-back, and defensive midfield positions. The 23-year-old moved to Arsenal from Bologna. He has made 31 appearances for the club assisting just one goal.
