The 7 Best Right-Backs In World Football Right Now (2026)

The Long March and Its Modern Parallels

Overview of the Long March

• The Long March was a military retreat by the Chinese Red Army from October 1934 to October 1935 during the Chinese Civil War, allowing them to evade capture by nationalist forces.

• This event solidified Mao Zedong's leadership within the Communist Party and was crucial for the CCP's eventual rise to power in China.

The Concept of "Long March Through Institutions"

• The phrase "long march through the institutions" was coined by West German student activist Rudy Deutschka in the 1960s, advocating for socialists to infiltrate key cultural institutions rather than dismantling them externally.

Current Series on Footballers

• The speaker is revisiting a series on top footballers, starting with goalkeepers and now focusing on right-backs, emphasizing that historians will judge which "long march" is most significant.

• The criteria for selection are based solely on current ability rather than past achievements or recent form.

Top Right Backs in World Football

Introduction to Rankings

• A list of the seven best right-backs is presented, with honorable mentions at the end. Previous selections from seven years ago will also be reviewed.

Ranking: Seventh Place - Trent Alexander-Arnold

• Trent Alexander-Arnold is ranked seventh; his unique skill set makes him incomparable but defensively he has weaknesses compared to others.

• Despite being one of the top three players overall due to his creative abilities, he ranks lower as a right-back because of defensive shortcomings.

Age and Performance Context

• At age 27, Alexander-Arnold has had a mixed season in Madrid due to injuries but may flourish if given time and support as other players transition out.

Discussion on Other Players

Sixth Place - Conrad Lymer

• Conrad Lymer does not feature as a right-back this season since he primarily plays midfield; however, he remains one of the best when positioned correctly.

Versatility and Skill Set

• Lymer’s versatility allows him to play both midfield and fullback positions effectively. He has shown impressive performance despite some positional challenges.

Top Right Backs in World Football

Overview of the Best Right Backs

• The speaker discusses a player who has significantly improved this season, contributing three goals and nine assists for one of the top teams globally. They believe only five right backs surpass him currently.

• Denzel Dumpries is introduced as the fifth-best right back, noted for his experience and athleticism. He began his career at Sparta Rotterdam before moving to PSV and then Inter Milan.

• Dumpries is described as a tremendous athlete, standing 6'2" tall with exceptional speed and strength. His passion can lead to recklessness but also makes him influential on the field.

• Despite early criticisms regarding his technical skills, Dumpries has developed into a competent crosser and striker of the ball, excelling in aerial duels and making impactful runs into the final third.

• Although he has faced injuries this season that limited his playtime, Dumpries remains highly regarded for his potential fit in the Premier League due to his style of play.

Notable Players Ranked Higher

Fourth Place: Jules Koundé

• Jules Koundé is highlighted as fourth on the list. The speaker recalls their long-standing admiration for him since his days at Bordeaux and Sevilla.

• Koundé was signed by Barcelona for €55 million in 2022. Initially a center back, he has successfully transitioned to playing right back at one of football's biggest clubs.

• At just 27 years old, Koundé has made significant contributions at Barcelona but struggled with burnout early this season due to an intense role without adequate support from teammates.

• When healthy, Koundé is considered among the best fullbacks globally; however, he requires rest to maintain peak performance levels throughout demanding seasons.

Third Place: Jurrien Timber

• Jurrien Timber ranks third; despite missing much of his first season at Arsenal due to injury, he has emerged as a solid right back known for well-rounded defensive skills.

• Timber's background includes starting at Ajax where he excelled defensively while also being technically sound enough to contribute offensively with four goals and seven assists this season.

• His ability to defend effectively contrasts with many modern fullbacks who prioritize attacking roles over defensive responsibilities; Timber demonstrates excellent awareness and positioning on defense.

Observations on Dutch Talent

• The speaker notes that two out of five top right backs are Dutch players. This raises interesting points about talent distribution compared to larger countries like India or China lacking similar representation in elite football positions.

Top Right Backs in Football

Overview of Alfie Potama YouTube Channel

• The channel features uncensored content and obscure documentaries, appealing to viewers interested in long-form video essays.

Ree James: A Standout Player

• Chelsea's current performance is underwhelming, but Ree James remains a reliable player despite recent injuries.

• At age 26, this season has been one of James' best, solidifying his position as England's right back.

• He is versatile, capable of playing as a center back or midfielder, showcasing strength and speed on the field.

• As Chelsea's captain, he has contributed significantly with seven assists and two goals this season despite missing several games.

Honorable Mentions for Top Right Backs

• Several players were noted as honorable mentions including Matteas Nunez (Man City), Jeremy Friong (Liverpool), and others from various clubs like Arsenal and Napoli.

• Danny Carvajal was previously ranked first but is no longer considered among the top right backs due to performance decline post-injury.

Emerging Talents

• Michael Kyode from Brentford shows promise at just 21 years old; his skills could lead him to play for Italy soon.

Ashraf Hakimi: The Best Right Back

• Ashraf Hakimi takes the top spot among right backs despite facing legal issues; he joined PSG for €71 million in 2021.

• Representing Morocco, he has already earned 93 caps and played a crucial role in their World Cup semi-final run.

• Last season was particularly notable for Hakimi as he helped PSG win their first Champions League title while ranking high in Ballon d'Or voting among defenders.

• His all-around abilities make him stand out; he's fast, defensively sound, and can deliver quality crosses akin to top wingers.

Conclusion on Rankings

• The list of top right backs has changed significantly since seven years ago; none from that time made it onto this new list indicating evolving talent in football positions.

Player Transfers and Positions

Overview of Player Transfers

• The video discusses various football players and their current clubs, highlighting Aaron Wambasaka's transition from Crystal Palace to West Ham United.

• Santiago Arias is mentioned as having moved from Atletico Madrid to Independiente in Argentina.

• Nelson Semido's transfer from Barcelona to Turkish club Ferabache is noted, showcasing the movement of players across leagues.

Position Changes and Considerations

• Ano Canelo, previously with Juventus, is now on loan at FC Barcelona from Alhilal; his position change affects his consideration for future videos.

• Canelo has shifted primarily to a left-back role rather than playing as a right back, which will influence his inclusion in upcoming content focused on left backs.

Engagement and Community Interaction

• The speaker encourages viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section regarding the decisions made in the video.

• Viewers are prompted to subscribe and turn on notifications for both the main channel and personal channel (Alfie Potama), enhancing community engagement.

Support for Content Creation

• The speaker mentions options for supporting their work through channel membership or platforms like Buy Me a Coffee, emphasizing the importance of financial support for journalistic independence.

• This support will enable more ambitious projects and videos in the future, indicating a commitment to quality content creation.