For as long as anyone can remember, there’s been a saying: “Nobody grows up wanting to be a Gary Neville.” This familiar adage reflects the often-overlooked role of a dependable full-back, traditionally considered one of football’s thankless positions. However, that perception has shifted dramatically in recent years.
The full-back, once seen as a supporting cast member behind the attacking stars, is now celebrated for its vital contribution. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker have redefined the role, elevating its status. This evolution was the focus of the Match of the Day panel—featuring Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, and Alan Shearer—when they ranked the 10 greatest full-backs in Premier League history in 2021.
As Lineker noted, the position has transformed over time, with their rankings reflecting the shift from old-school defensive specialists to today’s dynamic, attacking wing-backs. Here’s a closer look at the rankings, starting with Micah Richards’ list.
Micah Richards’ Top 10 Premier League Full-Backs
Richards placed himself at 10th, acknowledging the injuries that hampered his career but still backing his abilities. “If I’d stayed fit, I’d back myself against anyone on this list,” he said. Above him at 9th was Arsenal legend Lee Dixon, a cornerstone of their iconic back four under George Graham and Arsène Wenger, boasting four top-flight titles and 305 Premier League appearances.
Richards ranked Stuart Pearce and Denis Irwin 8th and 7th, respectively, while Andrew Robertson came in at 6th. Signed for just £8 million from Hull City, Robertson’s relentless runs and creativity were pivotal in Liverpool’s 2019/20 league-winning campaign.
At 5th was Kyle Walker, a six-time Premier League champion lauded for his speed and consistency, though Richards noted his career might be nearing its twilight. In 4th, Patrice Evra earned praise for his energy and adaptability, despite a rocky start at Manchester United.
Richards placed Trent Alexander-Arnold 3rd, crediting him with revolutionizing the role. “He’s transformed what it means to be a full-back,” Richards said, comparing him to legendary figures like Dani Alves and Cafu.
Gary Neville was ranked 2nd, with Richards highlighting his longevity and eight Premier League titles. The top spot went to Ashley Cole, widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of all time, celebrated for his consistency at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Micah Richards’ Top 10 Full-Backs:
1. Ashley Cole (Arsenal, Chelsea)
2. Gary Neville (Manchester United)
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
4. Patrice Evra (Manchester United, West Ham)
5. Kyle Walker (Tottenham, Manchester City)
6. Andrew Robertson (Hull City, Liverpool)
7. Denis Irwin (Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers)
8. Stuart Pearce (Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, West Ham)
9. Lee Dixon (Arsenal)
10. Micah Richards (Manchester City, Aston Villa)
Alan Shearer’s Top 10 Full-Backs
Alan Shearer largely agreed with Richards’ list but sparked debate with his rankings. While Richards placed Evra 4th, Shearer ranked him as low as 9th, emphasizing the fierce competition in the position.
Shearer slotted Lee Dixon at 8th and Stuart Pearce at 7th, praising their toughness and reliability. However, his standout choice was Denis Irwin, who ranked 2nd on his list. Known for his versatility and consistency, Irwin’s eight Premier League titles with Manchester United solidified his legacy.
Shearer also placed Gary Neville 5th, highlighting his passion and contributions to Manchester United’s dominance, but he agreed with Richards and Lineker that Ashley Cole deserved the top spot.
The rankings underscore how the full-back role has evolved from a defensive afterthought to one of the most crucial and celebrated positions in modern football. The once-dismissive saying about full-backs is now firmly a thing of the past.
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