10 Greatest Full-Backs in Premier League History Ranked by Shearer and Richards.
For as long as anyone can recall, there’s been a saying: “nobody wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville.” This timeworn adage underscores the often-underappreciated role of a dependable full-back, portraying it as a thankless job in the football world. But, like a swing in the pendulum, that perception has begun to change in recent years.
The humble full-back, once relegated to the shadows behind the attacking stars, is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker have proven that when the tide rises, all boats are lifted. This shift in perception is exactly what the Match of the Day panel—comprising Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, and Alan Shearer—highlighted in 2021 when they ranked their 10 greatest full-backs in Premier League history.
As Lineker pointed out, the role has evolved dramatically over the years, and their list reflects that transformation, from the old-school, hard-nosed defensive warriors to today’s high-flying, high-energy wing-backs. Take a look below to see who made their cut:
Micah Richards’ Top 10 Greatest Premier League Full-Backs
He ranked himself 10th and Trent Alexander-Arnold already among the top three
Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool
As a former full-back, Richards knows exactly what it takes to be one of the best. Having played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s 2010-11 FA Cup victory and their first Premier League title the following season, his opinions come with a wealth of experience. But with injuries often sidelining him, Richards had no hesitation in placing himself at the bottom of his list, coming in 10th.
“If I’d stayed fit, I’d back myself against anyone on this list,” he confidently said, before ranking Lee Dixon 9th. Signed for a bargain £375,000 from Stoke, Dixon quickly became a key figure in Arsenal’s iconic back four under George Graham and Arsene Wenger, alongside Winterburn, Adams, and Bould. With four top-flight titles, including two Premier League wins, and 305 Premier League appearances, his place in history is well-earned.
Richards then named Stuart Pearce and Denis Irwin in 8th and 7th, two players his colleague had ranked much higher. In 6th place was Andrew Robertson, another steal in Premier League history (signed for just £8m from Hull City). His electrifying runs down the left wing helped Liverpool secure their first league title in 30 years during the 2019/20 season.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker, a six-time Premier League winner, earned 5th place. Richards lauded the former Tottenham man for his lightning speed and consistency, though age has begun to catch up with him, and it seems he’s approaching the twilight of his top-flight career, as he recently asked to leave Man City.
Patrice Evra earns his spot in 4th, as Richards said: “Evra was class. He started badly, though. He played in a Manchester derby early in his career and had an absolute stinker. But the way he turned it around! He had so much energy. He could play in any era.” This notion is then shared in his pick at third for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Despite a torrid afternoon against Anthony Martial on his debut, there has proven to be nobody better on the ball than the Liverpudlian man. Richards said:
“He has transformed the role. You talk about Dani Alves over the past decade. Before then it was Cafu. Maicon had that little period. But I have never seen anything like what he provides in terms of quality into the box consistently.”
Rounding out his top three, there were no arguments between Richards and Shearer on their picks for Ashley Cole in first and Alexander-Arnold in 3rd. But one big disparity was Richards’ pick for Gary Neville at second. Shearer had him all the way down in fifth, but his longevity, passion, and haul of eight Premier League titles is difficult for Richards to overlook.
