Who Are The 10 Best Right-Wingers in the World?
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Who Are The 10 Best Right-Wingers in the World?

Who Are The 10 Best Right-Wingers in the World?

The right-wing position has been occupied by many greats over times gone by. From old-fashioned wing play seen by the likes of Garrincha, and George Best to a modernised inverted role performed by Arjen Robben and Gareth Bale.

It's a role that has seen great change in today’s game, generally suited to players who posses the upmost flair and creativity within a team and Football Park are going to look at the current best 10 players to play the position.

10. Lionel Messi, Inter Miami

Yes, we know that arguably the best to ever play the game is beyond his most exhilarating years, that left fans from all over the globe in disbelief. That hasn’t halted the little Magician’s ability to produce moments of pure genius with Inter Miami.

Let’s not forget just three summers ago the Argentine was ridiculing the likes of Champions league winner Josko Gvardiol with inimitable close control on route to winning his long sought after World Cup trophy.

And after linking up with old pals Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba the five-time Ballon d’OR winner continues to produce highlight reel moments on a regular basis for the MLS side.

After playing what seemed to be his final international game against Venezuela last week, Messi appeared to hint at a possible end to his career with his national side, confirming he hasn’t yet made a decision on whether to partake in next summers World Cup.

9. Phil Foden, Manchester City

With injury set back and a poor campaign last season, it may seem difficult to justify why Phil Foden makes this list. It shouldn’t be forgotten at still only 25, what Foden has provided to the Cityzens since breaking into the first team.

The England star can occupy a range of positions across the forward line behind the striker which has been less of a problem in Pep’s system opposed to Southgate’s use of the player. He’s scored plenty of goals coming off the right on to his favoured left foot for his boyhood club.

He was awarded Man City’s player of the year two seasons back. With the squad of players City have at their disposal it’s an achievement not to be undermined.

Looking to regain fitness and form the Stockport-born Foden will be hoping for regular game time soon, to begin showing his brilliance on the field once again.

8. Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United

Bryan Mbeumo has had a very different rise to the top compared to other players on this list. After relegation with Troyes in 2017/18 to the French second-tier, the new Manchester United star began to show glimpses of quality and a sign of things to come.

Making the move to Brentford, Mbeumo achieved promotion through the play-offs in his second season with The Bees. Fast forward to last season and the Cameroon international established himself as one of the leagues best, with 20 goals and 7 assists.

Mbeumo’s efforts earned him a move to Old Trafford. There were many qualities to admire about the wingers play, with his powerful bursts of pace and his know-how to lure a foul, but his end product most impressed the United hierarchy.

Despite a trophy cabinet that doesn’t eclipse any name on this list, Mbeumo will be hoping he can add to United’s league trophy hall, who's long wait continue's for a Premier League crown.

7. Désiré Doué, PSG

The Rennes academy product made his name on the biggest club stage of them all last season. The Champions League final is where Doué truly announced himself to the footballing world.

The young winger signed at The Parc De Princes last summer and didn’t come to prominence until the latter stage of the season. The 20-year-old’s brace in the Champions league final demonstrated the youngsters frightening quality.

In an interview last season, the rising star expressed his appreciation for Neymar, calling him his ‘idol’. He has received comparisons to the Brazilian since making the comment and there is reason to believe he could hit the heights of his predecessor.

A bright future awaits PSG’s number 14. Already a Super Cup winner this season, Doué will be hopeful of playing an integral part in the reigning European and domestic champions bid to retain both titles.

6. Rodrygo, Real Madrid

Rodrygo was often the un-sung hero during Ancelotti’s reign with Real Madrid. The Brazilian came up with some vital goals including his brace in the historic comeback against Man City where they won 3-1 on the night to reach the final of the competition. (6-5 agg)

With rumours circulating around the players future this summer, Rodrygo remained at Madrid despite Los Blancos seemingly open to his departure.

The winger is a product of the Santos academy where he spent two seasons before moving to the Spanish giants in 2019. A successful short stint with the sides reserve team, granted the step up to the first team squad.

After being a crucial part in Real Madrid’s last two Champions League triumphs, the talented Rodrygo will be hoping to regain his highest form and help bring back major trophies to the Bernabeu this season.

5. Michael Olise, Bayern Munich

In 2024 Michael Olise made the move to German champions Bayern Munich after shining in the English top flight with Crystal Palace. After an impressive debut season for the Frenchman , seeing him score 12 goals and contribute 15 assists, Olise picked up the Rookie player of the season.

He’s netted 3 times in 2 Bundesliga appearances this term and has produced on the national stage as well. A World Cup qualifying goal against Ukraine last week shows Olise has continued to shine whilst away on international duty.

Olise is known for his laidback style, especially in interviews, but he certainly does the talking on the pitch. He’s known for his box of tricks and can go past players with ease, as shown many times at the Allianz Arena.

It’s no secret playing for Bayern Munich brings an expectation to win the league every season, whilst European glory is a more desirable ambition, which Olise will be hoping to aim for in his second year with Die Roten.

4. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

Saka’s development has undergone rapid progression under manager Arteta and after three consecutives seasons finishing runners-up in the top flight, the Arsenal man will be hoping to go one better this time out.

The Gunner’s winger has become one of the very best in the world at one-on-one situations. His unpredictability makes him difficult to defend against, being able to cut inside or use his pace before crossing with his weaker right.

He’s matured undoubtedly as a footballer over recent times and has been one of the main stays in the team for a long while. His injury last season hampered Arsenal’s title charge and it was clear to see they were missing end product down the right flank.

Despite missing 13 league games through injury last term, Saka managed 16 goal contributions for his side. Already off the mark for the season, Saka will hope to fire the North Londoner’s to a major trophy over the next nine months.

3. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona

The teenage sensation rose to stardom at the Euros last summer. Following a first full season in senior football where Yamal demonstrated his high ceiling with Barcelona, call-ups to the national squad would follow, before the now 18-year-old truly announced himself to the world by winning the Euros with Spain.

It wasn’t just the fact they won the cup, it was the part that the Barcelona winger played in helping his side to glory. Featuring in all 7 of the games, Yamal would contribute 4 assists and a goal at his first major tournament with his country.

Reaction to his performances throughout the tournament was huge, with fans mesmerised by how a player so young was showing his class on the biggest stage. He translated the form for his country back to Barcelona scoring 13 league goals and 9 assists as they were crowned La Liga champions last season.

Despite Champions League disappointment, Yamal shone at the Camp Nou, picking up the man of the match award against Atalanta on Matchday 8. He’ll be looking to better their semi-final heartbreak against Inter Milan this term, as the Spanish club embark on another European campaign.

2. Ousmane Dembélé, PSG

Having played both from the right and in a false 9 role for PSG last season, Ousmane Dembélé had his best ever campaign in football, as PSG won a quadruple for the first time in their history.

The former Barcelona star relished the chance of being the main man last season, following the departure of Kylian Mbappé. He didn’t let the club down, finishing joint top scorer in the league and driving The Parisians to the first Champions League trophy in their history.

Following such a successful season, a debate has emerged as to whether the French star is the front runner for the Ballon d’OR award. He’s already scored two league goals this season and under boss Luis Enrique has been given the freedom to shine.

He’s bided his time during his career, with injury setbacks and lack of consistency, Dembélé now has put those days behind him as he continues to impress and looks happy back playing in his home-land.

1. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

The Egyptian King takes top spot as the best right-winger in world football. Signing for a reported £34.3m from Roma in 2017 the once Chelsea reject has etched his name firmly into the Liverpool history books.

Upon arriving to Merseyside, the winger was under immediate scrutiny after being labelled not good enough to be a star in the Premier League. A short spell at Stamford Bridge that didn't pan out as the star may have anticipated, resulted in a move to Italian side Roma. The largely forgotten winger was handed a second bite at the English top flight with Liverpool and to say he hasn't looked back would be an understatment.

Joining a Jurgen Klopp side that was visibly building something at the club since his arrival, Salah was amongst a forward line that included Mane and Firmino in a first season that saw him score a record 32 league goals in the Premier League. The next question was could he back it up for another season.

Since then Salah has not only gone on to win two Premier League titles, but has a Champions League winners medal and has won three PFA player of the year awards. He received one of those awards for his efforts last season with 29 goals and 18 assists as Liverpool were crowned champions in Arne Slot's first season in charge.

At the age of 33, Liverpool's superstar is still setting the Premier League alight with his nimble footwork and uncanny knack for finding the back of the net. It's clear that he is the current best right-winger in football.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Theo Nicholson

Writer

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