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A Pulse Sports comprehensive roundup of the best right-backs in world football in 2023.
Football is currently blessed with some of the best right-backs ever. We have some supremely talented right-backs following in the footsteps of the legendary Brazilian stars Cafu, Dani Alves, and the iconic German, Phillip Lahm.
Here are our top right-backs in the world in 2023.
10) Malo Gusto (Lyon)
Coming in at 10 on our list of best right-backs in the world is Olympic Lyon right-back, Malo Gusto. Technically gifted and rapid, Gusto is the modern day right-back.
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The Frenchman is defensively adept, great going forward and has the ability to play at right-back or higher up as a right wing-back.
9) Ben White (Arsenal)
Ben White has been superb for Arsenal at right-back this season, providing balance to an ultra-attacking side. His passing range is expansive and he excels in 1v1 battles.
He has also added another layer to his game with his overlapping runs which provide Bukayo Saka the opportunity to stay as high as possible, keeping Arsenal’s game unpredictable in the final third.
8) Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Jules Kounde is 8th on our list of best right-backs in the world in 2023. The Barcelona man has been one of the pillars of Blaugrana’s successful league campaign. Barcelona have conceded a total of just eight goals in 24 La Liga games. That's one conceded every three matches.
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Kounde is faultless in possession, extremely quick and very strong in the tackle. He has played so well at right-back, it is easy to forget he is a centre-back by trade.
7) Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
Giovanni Di Lorenzo is 7th on our list of best right-backs in the world in 2023. Napoli have surprised everyone this season, playing exceptionally well and creating chances at will. The likes of Victor Osimhen will take the plaudits but the Italian side have been solid at the back as well.
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After being named captain at the start of the season, Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been a rock in Napoli’s backline. He reads the game perfectly and balances his attacking responsibilities with his defensive game. The consistency and overall play makes Di Lorenzo one of the best right-backs in the world in 2023.
6) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold was definitely in the top 3 right-backs in the world a year ago but he has fallen off this season. Trent’s defensive limitations have hampered Liverpool on several occasions and he is not the same offensive force he has shown he can be.
However, he is still one of the best playmakers in world football and he will surely find his best form again. Liverpool fans are counting on it.
On his day, there are very few right-backs that can measure up to Trent, in terms of creativity and passing. He may not be one of the best defenders but his upside is priceless for a team like Liverpool who dominate most opponents.
5) Kyle Walker ( Manchester City)
Kyle Walker gets into our top 5 for best right-backs in the world in 2023. He may not be a stellar attacking force but he is one of the best on the defensive end. His recovery speed enables him to make up for errors and he gives Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side the right platform to launch attacks
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Nearly 33, he’s now the elder statesman of his defence, using that electric recovery acceleration to become an old-school full-back more content with pocketing wingers than doing laps up to the byline and back.
4) Joao Cancelo ( Bayern Munich)
Joao Cancelo is one of the few players to be world class in two different positions. He is just as good at left-back as he is at right-back. Exceptional with the ball at his feet, intelligent, fast and a fine passer.
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He may have fallen out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola, which caused him to move to Bayern Munich on loan but he remains an excellent player.
Cancelo is a dynamic threat on the right as he keeps the width of the pitch and delivers accurate crosses into the box, creating goalscoring opportunities. He is one of the best right-backs in the world in 2023.
3) Kieran Trippier ( Newcastle)
Eddie Howe’s decision to make Kieran Trippier his first signing was an absolute masterstoke and it has paid dividends.
The former Atletico, Tottenham and Burnley man has offered leadership and an understanding of the game few others possess.
Trippier’s crossing ability is far and away his greatest strength and one of the best in Europe. He is outrageously gifted from dead-ball situations, making the opposition wary about giving Newcastle freekicks in and around the box.
Trippier is not just an offensive weapon, his stint in La Liga has transformed him into one of the most rounded defenders in world football.
2) Reece James (Chelsea)
Coming in second in our list of best right-backs in the world in 2023 is Chelsea star Reece James.
Reece James's all-round game is probably the most refined and most impressive in world football at the moment. He is electrifying, solid in defence, and aggressive in the tackle.
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His ability to cross from just about anywhere on the right side makes him a supreme threat to opposing defenses. Gareth Southgate’s England squad is significantly weaker without him and Chelsea seem lost when he is unavailable.
At just 23, it is scary to think about just how good James can become. He legitimately has the potential to be the best right back in the last decade. Reece James is the second best right-back in the world in 2023.
1) Achraf Hakimi (PSG)- Best right-back in the world 2023
Achraf Hakimi is the best right-back in the world in 2023. The Moroccan has hit new heights this season and combines his electrifying pace with superb crossing ability that surpasses everyone else.
The PSG star is the ultimate right-back for a possesion based side looking to stay on the front foot.
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His presence on the right side for PSG allows Lionel Messi to ply more centrally as he occupies the entire flank while whipping in one dangerous cross after another.
Incredibly Hakimi is only 23 and there is definitely more to come from the Moroccan superstar.
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