Who would make it into the Team of the Year?
Following the announcement that Manchester City ace Pablo Zabaleta has signed a new four-year contract at Eastlands, fanatix takes a look at the best right-backs currently playing in the Premier League.
5. Kyle Walker – Tottenham Hotspur
Arguably needs to improve on the defender’s performances from last year, but at still just 23-years-old Walker is a real potential top-class player for Spurs and England.
The full-back was snapped up from Sheffield United back in 2009 and has since spent loan spells back at Bramall Lane and Aston Villa, before breaking into the first team at White Hart Lane in 2011.
4. Seamus Coleman – Everton
The Toffees’ man performance against Norwich City on Saturday – Coleman scored one and set up the other in a 2-2 draw – shows that the 24-year-old is finally reaching his potential.
The Irishman arrived at Goodison Park in 2009 from Sligo Rovers for just £60,000, but with Tony Hibbert out-of-favour and Phil Neville having retired, Coleman is now first choice at Everton.
3. Rafael – Manchester United
Unfortunately for both player and club Rafael suffered an injury in the Community Shield and will be sidelined for some time.
The Brazilian came of age last season, despite originally being considered the weaker of the two Da Silva twins behind brother Fabio, and now looks set for bigger and better things.
2. Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea
Although not strictly an out-and-out right-back, Ivanovic has developed his game to play on the flank and is now often deployed there.
The Serb is brilliant in the air and scores plenty of goals and is arguably the best defender the Blues have at their disposal now Ashley Cole seems to be losing form.
1. Pablo Zabaleta – Manchester City
The Argentine was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2012/13 and has developed into the most formidable right-back in the Premier League.
Zabaleta was part of the most consistent defence in the league last term and the 28-year-old is also a useful addition when City are attacking – the complete full-back.
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