The best wing-backs in the world are capable of instantly improving both the defence and attack of the teams for which they play. More than any other position in the modern game, the wing back defines it.
Still, finding a suitable wing-back is not an easy task, regardless of a team’s fame or of their finances. These players must possess incredible stamina, terrifying positioning and the ability to cross the ball for the team’s strikers.
After tallying up the stats and looking at their potential in fantasy football, here are the best wing-backs in the world for last year.
Best Wing Backs in the World in 2023
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Andrew Robertson had a great run. And, while he is not exactly the player he was a couple of years ago, he still deserves a spot on our list.
Why? When healthy, he is still Jurgen Klopp‘s first choice as Liverpool’s left wing-back. Few players in his position are more aggressive offensively or competent defensively. Klopp is looking to go out with a bang, and Robertson might end his Liverpool career in much the same way.
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jeremie Frimpong is the right player at the ideal time for Xabi Alonso‘s Bayer Leverkusen, a team that, most likely, will end Bayern’s rule over the Bundesliga. The 23-year-old had a superb 2023. His speed, passing abilities, together with his excellent dribbling skills and defensive awareness, make him one of the exciting young prospects to watch and, without a doubt, one of the best wing-backs in the world.
Joao Cancelo (Bayern Munchen)
Joao Cancelo didn’t leave Manchester City because of poor abilities. In fact, his class was undisputed. It was a falling out with manager Pep Guardiola that brought the Portuguese wing-back to Bayern Munchen. The Bavarians’ fortunes have oscillated so far this season, but oftentimes during 2023, Cancelo showed why he is regarded as one of the very best full-backs in football.
Trent-Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
Like Andrew Robertson, Trent-Alexander Arnold helped define what a wing-back was supposed to do for a modern Premier League side. Few players cross the ball better, have a better long-range shot, or are more creative in the final third.
Sure, recent campaigns exposed some of Arnold’s relative naivety in defensive situations. But Jurgen Klopp has found ways to work around those issues, switching to a box midfield and working one of his favourite players in the system. It’s been a good choice.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
Winning the Scudetto was a dream come true for Napoli. And Giovanni Di Lorenzo proved to be the leader his team needed.
The wing-back has grown magnificently in recent years, both technically and in terms of experience. Di Lorenzo is a creative player and contributes to numerous of the Naples’ side attacks. And, while his defensive stats this year haven’t been ideal, usually, he benefits from his teammates’ respect enough to have them cover for him.
Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
Theo Hernandez is one of the great players of a truly great French generation. There’s plenty of competition here, including that of his brother, Lucas, another great wing-back.
Theo Hernandez has helped turn AC Milan’s fortunes around and has helped France remain one of the best teams in the world. When it comes to shot-creating actions and progressive carries, there aren’t many better wings-backs in the world than Hernandez.
Ben White (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta has spent a long time building his perfect version of the Arsenal side. Ben White turned out to be one of the ideal players for what has become a Premier League title-chasing team.
White has matured into one of the league’s top wing backs and one of his team’s undeniable rocks. White contributed assists and even goals, and if the Gunners finally managed to win the title, White would have been one of the most important players.
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munchen)
Alphonso Davies has been consistently one of the best wing-backs in the world since his teenage years. Few players are faster than the Canadian or more accustomed to playing at a higher level. If rumours are true, Davies may soon depart Bayern for a lucrative contract with the world’s most famous club, Real Madrid.
However, if and when he departs, Davies will be left with numerous trophies in his name and a reputation as one of the world’s premier wing-backs.
Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
Federico Dimarco has the making of a generational player. But, as a wingback, he’s flown under the radar for a good amount of time. Blame that, more than anything, on having to play with similarly skilled wing-backs like Denzel Dumfries.
Dimarco is a product of Internazionale Milano’s youth academy. Since his return to Inter in 2021, he has been consistently brilliant for the team, even playing in last season’s Champions League final. Dimarco ranks highly on the majority of attacking stats for this season, and he’s about to win the Scudetto with Inter after his team has dominated proceedings in Italy the entire season.
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
Kieran Trippier was one of the very best players in the world last season. Few would have expected this, but the England international has earned his current status through hard work and consistency. In fact, in FootballCoin fantasy football, no other player scored more points in fantasy football contests.
He’s still contributing greatly to Newcastle’s performances in the EPL, having provided 10 assists just this season. With these kinds of performances, Trippier is almost guaranteed a place in Gareth Southgate’s team for Euro 2024.
