Find out about the top 20 best current Premier League (EPL) right backs 2025/2026 right now.
The English Premier League has continued to house some of the best right backs in world football, which has been the reason for its competitiveness when it comes to ranking the best leagues globally.
From some of the Premier League greats like Pablo Zabaleta, Branislav Ivanovic andGary Neville, the league now sees the rise of names like Jurrien Timber, Noussair Mazraoui, Pedro Porro and Reece James.
We all know the importance of right backs with their offering of defensive solidity and clean sheets as well as goals and assists.
Aaron Hickey (Brentford FC)
Aaron Hickey is another reliable player at right back. The Scottish footballer is one of the key players for Brentford.
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
Diogo Dalot has been a game-changer since his arrival at Manchester United. In the absence of Luke Shaw, he's shown to be a key man in the defence for the team.
Dalot is very good with both feet and can start at left or right back for Man United. The Portuguese defender looks set to solidify his position in the team.
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker was one of the backbones of the Manchester City setup that once dominated the English Premier League in the last four to five seasons.
Walker has been recognised to be a complete defender following his role that helped in maintaining the defensive capability of Man City, especially with his pace and strength.
He moved to Man City permanently in 2017 from Tottenham Hotspur. Now at Burnley FC, his role would be adding experience after achieving a considerable level of success in the Premier League.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
Rico Lewis has been a standout player for Manchester City, especially during the later stages of the 2024/25 campaign when he was mostly deployed in the right-back position.
The English footballer has been subject to interest from Premier League clubs following his valuable contributions to the team in the last campaign. He's one of the players determined to seize an opportunity to impress.
Most of his appearances have come at right-back, but he's gradually getting a shot in midfield following his deployment by Pep Guardiola during the UCL clash with Villarreal CF.
Matty Cash (Aston Villa FC)
Matty Cash has so far proven to be a quality addition to the Aston Villa defence. The Polish footballer has had a blistering start to the new campaign, which he has continued to maintain over the last couple of seasons.
"To be honest, I've always had a good shot; I've just never really shown it in games.
Cash has been crucial for Unai Emery and Aston Villa in their Premier League and European ambitions. Having penned a new contract, the Eastern European is expected to contribute to the team's quest for a high level of competitiveness.
Conor Bradley (Liverpool FC)
Conor Bradley is the next name on the list, regarded as one of the fastest rising players in the English league, especially in his position. He has gradually maintained his position in the first team even though the competition continues to heat up.
Conor Bradley is a young talent that would be a good solution for Liverpool in the long run.
Malo Gusto (Chelsea FC)
Malo Gusto arrived at Chelsea after making his mark at Lyon in the French league. He was taught to be the understudy of the club captain, Reece James. However, he's taken the opportunity beyond expectations and is currently one of the most preferred players in the position by Enzo Marseca.
Malo Gusto is quite an effective defender known for his top-notch decision-making. He has been applauded for his consistency and commitment to improvinghis game while filling in the game without much concern for the team.
Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
Noussair Mazraoui sits as one of the key players for Manchester United. The Moroccan has been dubbed one of the most significant in years at the club alongside Bruno Fernandes due to his versatility and dedication to improving his game.
He was a product of AFC Ajax in the Dutch league before making the big move to Bayern Munich and has been in good form, especially during the games he's been introduced to.
Noussair Mazraoui has been applauded for his versatility, as he maintains a role of playing on either side of the back line. The Moroccan is simply a robust defender whose qualities in the attack cannot go unnoticed.
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
Kieran Trippier is the next player on the list of the best right backs in the English Premier League. He's been one of the best defenders in the league over the years.
Trippier joined the club in 2022 from Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee of €14.00m and has since been an active member of the first team.
Although not an elite full-back, his offensive and defensive duties have continued to be top-notch. He ensured the presence of even more quality at the backline while delivering his best.
Despite being one of the oldest players, Trippier has been far above average with his attacking skills and approach to every game.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Porro is in the form of his life at Tottenham Hotspur. He played an outstanding role that led Tottenham Hotspur to claim the UEFA Europa League title.
The Spaniard moved to Spurs in the summer of 23/24 and has established himself as a key player in the team. His move to the club was initially on loan from Sporting CP before a permanent contract was agreed later on.
While some right backs go on and off, he has continued to get better year in, year out. He has grown from just an assist provider to a stronger presence with much influence in the team.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka moved to West Ham and became one of the fearless players in the right-back position. He was previously not in the commanding role for a starting berth at Manchester United, which eventually led to his exit from the club.
The Englishman took the opportunity to explore his career elsewhere, which has paid off. At the London stadium, he has transitioned into a reliable full-back both offensively and defensively.
Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
Tino Livramento is one of the fastest rising English right-backs currently in the books of Newcastle United. He had a good season during the 2024/25 campaign.
When it comes to earning a place in the Newcastle United first team, the English star has the advantage due to his speed and energy.
Tino Livramento could be one of the long-term solutions for the Newcastle United defence, which has been outstanding over the last couple of seasons.
Reece James (Chelsea FC)
Reece James was an academy product at Chelsea and progressed through the various age groups and eventually earned a place in the first team. The English defender has been rated one of the best in his position.
Reece James had only managed a few games each season over the last few years due to injuries. But this shouldn't be ruling out the fact that he is a modern defender.
The fact remains that Reece James is a reliable defender known for his skills, which include stopping attackers from easily accessing the defence.
Kenny Tete (Fulham FC)
It continues to be a bright future for Fulham FC with the presence of key players like Kenny Tete. The right back has been a key player in the team even as they continued to maintain their position in the top flight since gaining promotion.
Since switching from French league club Lyon to Fulham in 2020, Kenny Tete has been an important player for the club. Since then, he's been part of the club's success as they make it consecutive seasons in the top flight and have potential European football qualification.
This season, the Dutch footballer has also maintained his solid form in Fulham's defence, especially at right back.
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
Daniel Munoz has been in the sights of not just the Premier League heavyweights but also some of the biggest European football clubs due to his top form in the league.
The journey to the top of global football started in Colombia, where he was in the books of Rionegro Aguilas before switching to Atletico Nacional and later making the big move to Belgian side Genk.
Daniel Munoz made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Crystal Palace in January 2024. The stats have continued to speak for him even as top European teams continue to watch his performance.
Ben White (Arsenal FC)
Ben White is one of the best right-footed players in the league right now and has shown to be capable of holding the back four while operating at the base of the midfield. The England international is known for his aggressive style of play, which has been effective in preventing passes within his position.
Ben White is a versatile footballer who's been one of the backbones of Arsenal's defence. The English star joined the North London club in 2020 from Brighton for around €58.50m. The Gunners have enjoyed a good run due to some individual brilliance as well as team effort.
Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
Djed Spence is the next player on the list. The England star emerged as one of the best players at Tottenham Hotspur. The Englishman struggled to find his footing and commanded a regular role in the team during his first year at the club. But has now successfully claimed his position in the team.
Perhaps, he has been handed more roles under Thomas Frank, who appears to have taken the team on a different path.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Ola Aina has been an impressive player and has remained a key member of the Forest defence. The Nigerian has been a revelation for the Reds since his arrival at the club from Torino FC.
Ola Aina is not just a big name at the heart of the Nottingham Forest defence; he has been a big influence off the pitch as the fans show their support. He would be a crucial player for the club in the quest to maintain a consistent appearance in European football competitions.
Jurrien Timber (Arsenal FC)
Jurrien Timber ranks in the top 10 best right-back defenders in the Premier League with his form at Arsenal. The Dutchman had a difficult first season at the club; he's since adapted to the system.
Timber adds some stability and flexibility to the team's defence. He is also applauded for his solidity and consistency in the team amid injury setbacks.
In case you don't know, he's one of the greatest right backs
Gary Neville (Manchester United)
Gary Neville remains one of the biggest names in this position. He won up to eight Premier League titles.
Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Burnley FC)
Kyle Walker won five Premier League titles with Man City. The English footballer is known for his pace and defensive versatility.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably one of the best players in this position. He is a modern full-back who redefined the role with his passing range, creativity, and attacking output.
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City, West Ham)
Pablo Zabaleta was another standout performer. He won two league titles and was known for his leadership and consistency.
Branislav Ivanović (Chelsea)
Branislav Ivanović would always remain one of the greats in this position. He won two Premier League titles and is known for being aggressive and a goal threat from set pieces.
