For years now, the Premier League has been the residence of some of the most exciting attacking talents in football and few positions have offered as much excitement down the years as the right wing.
We’ve seen sleek dribblers that leave defenders in their dust and pinpoint crossers that rack up goal after goal, and right-wingers have been a central part of the league’s history.
Some were pure playmakers, occasionally threading a pass that cut through defences as though they were air; others were direct and devastating, scoring screamers and laying on service for Hall of Fame strikers.
Be it ravaging full-backs with searing pace, flashes of outrageous skill or rising to the occasion, these right-wingers wrote their names into the annals of Premier League history.
Here are the best right-wingers in Premier League history.
1. George Best (Northern Ireland)
The iconic George Best wasn’t just a right-winger; he transcended the position and the game itself, becoming one of the most celebrated players in football history.
As part of United’s ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, he mesmerized fans with his pace, dribbling, and audacity on the ball.
His brilliant ball control and ability to make thrilling runs kept fans on the edge of their seats, and his eye for goal in difficult matches cemented his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Arguably no winger in the Premier League, or perhaps world football, is as ruthless and reliable in front of goal as Mo Salah.
It’s incredible to think that a player once deemed a flop at Chelsea, struggling to break into the team in the early 2010s, is now writing his own legendary story in the Premier League with the Kop.
With his incredible speed, trickery, strength, and deadly left foot, Salah continues to terrorize defenders and is showing no signs of slowing down.
3. Stanley Matthews (England)
With a career spanning over four decades, the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews left an indelible mark on football.
He played for only three clubs Stoke City, Blackpool, and Toronto City, but his legacy is unparalleled.
Matthews was known for his dazzling array of tricks, his precise crossing ability, and his goal-scoring prowess, which made him one of the finest wingers in football history.
He will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats who mesmerized the Premier League with talent.
4. David Beckham (England)
Arguably the most fashionable player in football history, David Beckham’s style on and off the pitch made him a global icon.
Beyond his looks, Beckham was an extraordinary player, renowned for his precision as a traditional winger.
While he may not have had blistering pace or flashy tricks, his ability to deliver dangerous crosses and set-pieces made him a key player for both Manchester United and England.
His technique and vision made him one of the best in his position in his heyday.
5. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Riyad Mahrez, known for his magical footwork and elegance on the ball, made a significant impact in the Premier League, first with Leicester City and later with Manchester City.
At Leicester, Mahrez was instrumental in their shocking title-winning campaign, dazzling fans with his flair and creativity.
Though he may not have scored as many goals as other wingers, his performances in clutch moments and his graceful style make him one of the standout wingers in the league.
6. Freddie Ljungberg (Sweden)
Before Zlatan Ibrahimovic became Sweden’s footballing icon, the nation’s hopes on the world stage rested on the shoulders of Karl Fredrick Ljungberg.
The Swede didn’t take long to etch his name in Premier League history, having joined from Halmstads in the early 90s to play under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, the man who first saw him play against England in an international game.
As one of the finest wingers in the Premier League, recognized for his trademark red Mohican, Ljungberg’s legacy will forever be told by the many fans who witnessed him played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Invincible season.
7. David Ginola (France)
David Ginola was an enigmatic footballer who played with his heart on his sleeve during his prime, especially at Newcastle United, where his charisma and talent earned him legendary status at the club.
Over the years, many players have come and gone in the Premier League, but few can claim to have had such a significant impact on the game, with their style and flair getting fans off their seats in anticipation of their next move.
During his time in the league, Ginola was a powerful, elegant, and electrifying winger who terrorized defenders with his trickery, combining strength, speed, and style to his game.
8. Marc Overmars (Netherlands)
Marc Overmars, an esteemed champion, had the Premier League at his feet for many seasons after joining from Ajax Amsterdam, before injury sidelined him for a time.
The Dutchman consistently terrorized defenders with his pace and trickery from the right wing, charging at teams with his famous electric speed.
In the fierce rivalry between managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, Overmars was one of the tormentors in Arsenal’s Invincible season, forming a frightening attacking trio with Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anelka.
9. John Barnes (England)
The legendary John Barnes was to Liverpool’s faithful what Mo Salah is to them in the current era, despite being the man who helped break down a generation of racial barriers at Anfield.
As one of Liverpool’s greatest stars, Barnes terrorized English football with his pace, power, and trickery from the right wing.
His contributions to the club’s success have etched his name in Premier League history as the king of Anfield, and he is arguably the man who changed the perception of black players in English football for many generations.
10. Gareth Bale (Wales)
Gareth Bale, known for his time at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, is a true legend of the game.
His contributions to both club and country were immense, especially during his prime years at Spurs and later at Real Madrid, where he won numerous trophies, including multiple Champions League titles.
Bale’s blistering pace, powerful shots, and aerial ability made him one of the most dangerous wingers of his generation.
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