Once viewed as a position to blood youngsters, or switch across bruising centre-halves to afford them game-time, full-backs have become a pivotal part of the modern game, arguably as important as any other role.
These ten have elevated right-backing into an art-form.
10 - Matty Cash
An integral member of Unai Emery's Aston Villa, Matty Cash has been a reliable performer for the Villains in recent years. He started seven of their Champions League matches in 2024-25.
While effective on the overlap, Cash isn't the most attack-oriented among the best Premier League full-backs. He is, however, a very solid defensive player.
9 - Diogo Dalot
It was a toss-up whether Diogo Dalot should be classed as a left-back or right-back for this exercise. His time in 2024-25 has been split evenly between each side of Manchester United's defence, including prolonged spells at wing-back.
As an attack-first full-back, though, Dalot being right-footed means he is generally more comfortable on the right side. At his best, he fearlessly attacks down the wing and has the space to stretch opposing defences.
8 - Pedro Porro
Tottenham might have underwhelmed in 2024-25, but Pedro Porro has remained one of the league's better right-backs, even with the Lilywhites seeing their Premier League odds for relegation shorten significantly.
Porro possesses a particularly impressive statistical profile. His attacking metrics are unsurprisingly among the best in world football, but his energetic style of play also means he registers plenty of blocks and tackles.
7 - Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Discarded by Manchester United due to his limited attacking skillset, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has evolved into an effective forward-thinking right-back with West Ham.
The former Palace man is in the 97th percentile among all full-backs in successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
6 - Daniel Munoz
Only three Crystal Palace players have more Premier League goals than Daniel Munoz in 2024-25. The Colombian international has nailed down the right wing-back spot for the Eagles and registered the assist for the winning goal in the FA Cup final.
Boasting a great engine and speed, Munoz is always an option on the right flank, as illustrated by receiving 5.88 progressive passes per 90.
5 - Tino Livramento
Once an outsider in Premier League football betting outright markets, Newcastle's odds have shorten considerably over the years. Part of the reason for that change is shrewd signings like Tino Livramento.
Like Dalot, Livramento is comfortable on the left as well as the right. He has primarily been a right-back for the Magpies this season, however, providing impactful performances at both ends of the pitch. He's in the 82nd percentile in progressive passes and progressive carries, while playing a key role in a stout Newcastle back line.
4 - Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber battled through injury issues to play 43 matches across the Premier League and Champions League in 2024-25. The Dutchman is set to undergo offseason ankle surgery in the hope of being available for preseason.
Equally comfortable as a central defender, Timber isn't as attack-minded as many of his right-back peers. He's more likely to tuck into midfield than get to the byline, as reflected in his high pass completion and progressive passing numbers.
3 - Reece James
The oft-injured Chelsea star would be top of these rankings if he was available every week. Reece James is a Rolls Royce of a footballer, an immense athlete with supreme technical ability.
At times utilised in a back three or central midfield, James plays the majority of his minutes at right-back. He's capable of becalming the world's best forwards, while having the on-ball skills to pick apart an opposing defence.
2 - Ola Aina
A stalwart in Nottingham Forest's remarkable 2024-25 season, Ola Aina deserved to climb these rankings. Aina might not be the flashiest of right-backs in the Premier League, but he's solid defensively and provides an outlet in attack.
Forest wouldn't have been anywhere near as successful without Aina's reliability.
1 - Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has the most assists of any defender in Premier League history. He was so transformative in possession that Liverpool's attack has been built around a right-back as their main creative force, leading to an unparalleled partnership with Mohamed Salah.
The 2024-25 season ended in Alexander-Arnold's second title at his boyhood club and a free transfer to Real Madrid. His legacy at Anfield has been irreparably damaged, but that doesn't stop him being the best Premier League right-back.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
