Over the years we have seen some fine players in Premier League and one things fans like seeing is a top quality full-backs. They are often underrated, but here I look at five of the best right-backs in Premier League history.
Rob Jones
Unfortunately for Rob Jones his career was cut short at just 27 years old before he could really go on and do greater things with both Liverpool and England. Nevertheless he made his name Crewe before later excelling at Liverpool.
His performances earned him many man of the match awards, although he never scored a goal, and team mate Steve McManaman said he was the ‘best defender he’d ever played with’. He was named in the PFA team of the year in 1995 but after a series of injuries from 1996 onwards he would never find his best form again and retired after an unsuccessful spell at West Ham. But nonetheless he was one of the best right-backs the Premiership had seen.
Gary Kelly
Gary Kelly is another one-club man who deserved more success than he got. 17 years at Leeds brought him no trophies but he did play in the semi-final of the champions league and made the PFA team of the year in 1994 and 2000. Another underrated defender like his teammate Ian Harte, he went along with his business in a tidily manner and was never flashy or arrogant, in essence a thorough professional and is deserving of a place on this list.
Stephen Carr
Stephen Carr was another underrated defender and made 377 appearances for the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Birmingham. Again a defender who deserved to win some medals, Carr was excellent going forward and made the PFA team of the year in 2001 and 2003 ahead of a certain Manchester United defender who will be mentioned later, proving his form was more than good enough to make this list.
Lee Dixon
Lee Dixon was part of the Arsenal back five who were so solid throughout the 90’s. With Winterburn, Keown, Adams and Seaman forming the fantastic five, Dixon was as adept going forward as he was defending. He was part of two title winning sides making 305 appearances for the Gunners before retiring just before the invincible campaign. However, he was a huge part of the resurgence of Arsenal Football Club in the Premier League and thus deserves a place on this list.
Gary Neville
Gary Neville was red through and through and over the years was easily one of the best right-backs to grace the Premier League. Seven titles and a place in the PFA team of the year six times, Neville has all the credentials to boast greatness in the Premier League. His partnership with first Beckham and then Ronaldo on the right hand side of United’s side, Neville’s appetite and hunger for victory shone through more than a few times, especially when kissing his badge right in front of the Anfield crowd after a United goal.
Neville not only for United but for England as well, has proven his ability over and over again and therefore the best right back the Premier League has seen.
Honourable mentions: Dan Petrescu