Right backs are a tricky position to sign for in football, with so many skills needed to play there in the modern game. Pace and stamina are key as they bomb up and down the flank to support their winger. Defensive positioning, composure on the ball as well as useful delivery into the box all come into a full back’s toolbox, so you will have your work cut out as you look to sign one on Football Manager 2019.
RealSport looks at the best right backs and wing backs on this year’s game and you can decide which is best for you.
For a full list of ALL the best right backs and right wing backs in FM19, see the table at the bottom of the page.
Daniel Alves (CA 159 – PA 164)
Age: 35
Positions: D (R), WB (R), M (R)
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Country: Brazil
Best stats: 20 determination, 20 ambition, 20 pressure
Value: £4.2 million
Wage: £145,000 a week
Aged 35, Daniel Alves is still the world’s best right back (as shown by his selection in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the eighth time in 2010), but he has plenty of players on his tail. The Brazilian has done it all on the club scene, winning three Champions Leagues, two UEFA Cups, a Serie A and Ligue 1, and internationally he has claimed the Copa America and two Confederations Cups.
On FM 19, Alves has 20 determination, 20 ambition and 20 pressure to take him to a 159 CA, which is just five short of his 164 potential. Valued at £4.2 million he is a fantastic signing for a season or two, although with large wages of £145,000 a week.
Dani Carvajal (CA 159 – PA 162)
Age: 26
Positions: D (R), WB (R)
Club: Real Madrid
Country: Spain
Best stats: 19 professionalism, 19 work rate, 18 stamina
Value: £45.3 million
Wage: £143,000 a week
Dani Carvajal doesn’t grab many headlines, but that perhaps speaks volumes about how solid a right back he is. The 26-year-old can be seen supporting Gareth Bale on the right flank for Real Madrid, and was Spain’s first choice during the World Cup, no mean feat with competition from Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergi Roberto, Nacho Fernandez and new Real teammate Alvaro Odriozola.
Carvajal’s 159 CA is close to hitting his 162 potential, and he has useful abilities of 19 professionalism, 19 work rate and 18 stamina. Valued at £45.3 million with a £143,000 a week wage, he is probably just of reach in the transfer market.
Joshua Kimmich (CA 158 – PA 169)
Age: 23
Positions: D (R), WB (R), DM, M (C)
Club: Bayern Munich
Country: Germany
Best stats: 18 stamina, 18 ambition, 18 teamwork
Value: £36.1 million
Wage: £110,000 a week
The best right back in the world for many, Joshua Kimmich has transitioned superbly from a defensive midfielder, adding plenty of attacking threat for Bayern Munich. Last season, the 23-year-old bagged 17 assists for the German giants, as well as six goals – four of which came in the Champions League.
Kimmich can operate in various positions, so you should seriously consider the German international who is valued at £36.1 million with £110,000 a week wages. Abilities of 18 stamina, 18 ambition and 18 teamwork help him to a 158 CA, which still has plenty of time to grow to a 169 potential.
Kyle Walker (CA 155 – PA 157)
Age: 28
Positions: D (R), WB (R)
Club: Manchester City
Country: England
Best stats: 18 pace, 18 acceleration, 18 adaptability
Value: £36.1 million
Wage: £110,000 a week
Kyle Walker has aims of becoming the best right back in the world, and the Manchester City star isn’t far off. The 28-year-old finally landed silverware in the form of the Premier League and EFL Cup last season, putting to bed his barren spell with Tottenham. For England, Walker adapted to being asked to play in a defensive back three, helping his country reach the World Cup semi-finals for just the third time.
Walker’s 18 pace, 18 acceleration and 18 adaptability take his current ability to 155, which is just two shy off his 157 potential. Walker could come into your budget with a £36.1 million value and £110,000 a week wages.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CA 152 – PA 165)
Age: 28
Positions: D (RLC), WB (L)
Club: Chelsea
Country: Spain
Best stats: 18 professionalism, 18 work rate, 18 consistency
Value: £47.5 million
Wage: £90,000 a week
Versatility seems to be Cesar Azpilicueta’s middle name, with the Spaniard playing at right, back, centre and wing back during his time at Chelsea. The 28-year-old commitment has been rewarded with the captaincy whilst Gary Cahill is consigned to the bench, as the Spaniard looks to add to his two Premier Leagues, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League successes at the club.
Azpilicueta’s stats of 18 professionalism, 18 work rate and 18 consistency help him achieve a 152 CA, with a 165 potential. He is very valuable however, so his £47.5 million tag and £90,000 a week wages may rule out a move for him.
Joao Cancelo (CA 152 – PA 165)
Age: 24
Positions: D (R), WB (R), AM (R), M (R)
Club: Juventus
Country: Portugal
Best stats: 16 acceleration, 15 first touch, 15 crossing
Value: £28.8 million
Wage: £96,000 a week
Joao Cancelo can play anywhere down the right side, and could be the go-to option for managers who like to implement wing-backs in their team. The Portugal international has just signed for Juventus following encouraging spells at Valencia and Inter Milan, and with plenty of quality around him in Turin, he may ascend up this list in the future.
Cancelo has a 152 CA on the game, rising to a potential of 165. His abilities of 16 acceleration and 15 first touch and 15 crossing take his value to £28.8 million, with his wages £96,000 a week.
Alessandro Florenzi (CA 152 – PA 159)
Age: 27
Positions: D (R), WB (R), M (RC)
Club: Roma
Country: Italy
Best stats: 20 versatility, 16 determination, 16 natural fitness
Value: £25.8 million
Wage £89,000 a week
It’s a similar tale for Alessandro Florenzi, who is even capable of also playing in central midfield. Aged 27, the defender has amassed 233 appearances for Roma, netting a useful 26 goals as well as 31 assists. The Coppa Italia in 2013 is his only silverware to date, but 30 Italy caps shows he is firmly in his country’s plans.
Florenzi offers stats of 20 versatility, 16 determination and 16 natural fitness on the game, meaning he receives a 152 current ability rating. That can improve to a 159 PA, meaning he is valued at £25.8 million with £89,000 a week wages.
Hector Bellerin (CA 151 – PA 162)
Age: 23
Positions: D (R), WB (R)
Club: Arsenal
Country: Spain
Best stats: 20 acceleration, 19 pace, 16 natural fitness
Value: £31.4 million
Wage: £110,000 a week
Hector Bellerin is a frustrating figure, showing moments of class but surrounded by naivety in defence. Aged 23, the three-times capped Spanish international still has plenty of time left to improve in his career, with his scintillating pace able to get him out of holes defensively.
Bellerin’s 151 CA can improve considerably to a potential of 162, so his stats of 20 acceleration, 19 pace and 16 natural fitness will receive more support in the years ahead. Valued at £31.4 million with £110,000 a week wages, it may just be worth bringing in the defender.
Sime Vrsaljko (CA 151 – PA 155)
Age: 26
Positions: D (R), WB (R)
Club: Inter Milan (on loan from Atletico Madrid)
Country: Croatia
Best stats: 19 stamina, 18 versatility, 17 determination
Value: £16.6 million
Wage: £89,000 a week
A surprise to see Sime Vrsaljko leave Atletico Madrid on loan over the summer, having displaced Juanfran as first choice last season and helped take Croatia to the World Cup final. It was a fruitful season for the 26-year-old, who also achieved silverware in the form of the Europa League, but with Inter Milan a club on the up, the offer may have been too good to refuse.
Vrsaljko receives a 151 CA rating on FM 19, which can improve to 155. 19 stamina, 18 versatility and 17 determination are useful attributes, valuing him at £16.6 million and £89,000 a week wages.
Danilo (CA 151 – PA 152)
Age: 26
Positions: D (RL), WB (R)
Club: Manchester City
Country: Brazil
Best stats: 19 stamina, 18 versatility, 17 determination
Value: £22.5 million
Wage: £80,000 a week
A second Manchester City right back, Danilo could be much higher on this list had he had more game time at the Etihad. After playing back-up to Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid, he is suffering the same fate at Manchester City. Aged 26 with league titles in Portugal, Spain and England as well as two Champions Leagues, the Brazilian international may soon look for regular football.
19 stamina, 18 versatility and 17 determination take Danilo to a 151 CA, which is just short of his 152 potential. Valued at £22.5 million with £80,000 a week wages, the defender is a realistic signing.
Best Right Backs and Right Wing Backs in Football Manager 2019
Player | A | Pos | Club | Country | CA | PA | V | W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Daniel Alves | 35 | D (R) WB (R) M (R) | PSG | Brazil | 159 | 164 | £42m | £145k |
Dani Carvajal | 26 | D (R) WB (R) | R. Madrid | Spain | 159 | 162 | £45m | £143k |
Joshua Kimmich | 23 | D (R) WB (R) DM M (C) | Bayern | Germany | 158 | 169 | £40m | £138k |
Kyle Walker | 28 | D (R) WB (R) | Man City | England | 155 | 157 | £36m | £110k |
Cesar Azpilicueta | 28 | D (RLC) WB (L) | Chelsea | Spain | 152 | 165 | £47m | £90k |
Joao Cancelo | 24 | D (R) WB (R) AM (R) M (R) | Juventus | Portugal | 152 | 165 | £29m | £96k |
Alessandro Florenzi | 27 | D (R) WB (R) M (RC) | Roma | Italy | 152 | 159 | £26m | £89k |
Sime Vrsaljko | 26 | D (R) WB (R) M (R) | Inter* | Croatia | 151 | 155 | £17m | £89k |
Danilo | 26 | D (RL) WB (R) | Man City | Brazil | 151 | 152 | £23m | £80k |
Hector Bellerin | 23 | D (R) WB (R) | Arsenal | Spain | 151 | 162 | £31m | £110k |
Nelson Semedo | 24 | D (R) | Barcelona | Portugal | 149 | 164 | £12m | £60k |
Alvaro Odriozola | 22 | D (R) | R. Madrid | Spain | 149 | 163 | £13m | £60k |
Elseid Hysaj | 24 | D (RL) | Napoli | Albania | 149 | 157 | £20m | £51k |
Aleix Vidal | 28 | D (R) WB (R) AM (LR) M (R) | Sevilla | Spain | 148 | 153 | £14m | £61k |
Kieran Trippier | 27 | D (R) WB (R) | Spurs | England | 148 | 150 | £25m | £65k |
Mitchell Weiser | 24 | D (R) WB (R) | Bayer Leverkusen | Germany | 147 | 159 | £13m | £52k |
Mario Fernandes | 27 | D (R) WB (R) | CSKA Moscow | Russia | 147 | 151 | £16m | £38k |
Mario Gaspar | 27 | D (R) WB (R) | Villarreal | Spain | 147 | 153 | £12m | £42k |
Ricardo Pereira | 24 | D (R) WB (R) AM (R) | Leicester | Portugal | 147 | 160 | £29m | £70k |
Djibril Sidibe | 25 | D (RL) | Monaco | France | 147 | 150 | £19m | £55k |
Trent Alexander-Arnold | 19 | D (R) WB (R) DM M (RC) | Liverpool | England | 146 | 160 | £28m | £40k |
Gabriel Mercado | 31 | D (RC) | Sevilla | Argentina | 146 | 147 | £6m | £34k |
Hugo Mallo | 27 | D (RC) WB (R) | Celta Vigo | Spain | 146 | 157 | £11m | £35k |
Nathaniel Clyne | 27 | D (R) WB (R) | Liverpool | England | 145 | 152 | £30m | £75k |
Mattia De Sciglio | 25 | D (RL) WB (RL) | Juventus | Italy | 145 | 153 | £16m | £64k |
Rafinha | 32 | D (RL) WB (RL) | Bayern | Brazil | 145 | 151 | £14m | £86k |
Seamus Coleman | 29 | D (R) WB (R) M (R) | Everton | Rep. Ireland | 145 | 153 | £37m | £70k |
Jonny | 24 | D (RLC) WB (RL) | Wolves | Spain | 145 | 157 | £10m | £37k |
Oscar de Marcos | 29 | D (R) WB (R) AM (C) M (C) | Athletic Bilbao | Spain | 145 | 152 | £10m | £43k |
Thomas Meunier | 26 | D (R) WB (R), M (R) | PSG | Belgium | 145 | 151 | £16m | £54k |
Valentino Lazaro | 22 | D (R) WB (R) AM (R) M (R) | Hertha Berlin | Austria | 144 | 155 | £9m | £21k |
Stephan Lichtsteiner | 34 | D (R) WB (R) M (R) | Arsenal | Switz. | 144 | 159 | £6m | £75k |
Antonio Valencia | 32 | D (R) WB (R) | Man United | Ecuador | 144 | 158 | £15m | £85k |
Daniel Caligiuri | 29 | D (R) WB (R) AM (R) M (R) | Schalke | Germany | 144 | 144 | £16m | £43k |
Serge Aurier | 25 | D (R) WB (R) | Spurs | Ivory Coast | 143 | 146 | £23m | £70k |
Danilo D'Ambrosio | 29 | D (RLC) WB (RL) M (R) | Inter | Italy | 143 | 148 | £13m | £54k |
Fagner | 29 | D (R) WB (R) | Corinthians | Brazil | 143 | 145 | £8m | £11k |
Lukasz Piszczek | 33 | D (R) WB (R) | Borussia Dortmund | Poland | 142 | 156 | £5m | £50k |
Kevin Mbabu | 23 | D (R) | Young Boys | Switz. | 142 | 154 | £7m | £7k |
Adam Marusic | 25 | D (R) WB (R) M (R) | Lazio | Mont. | 142 | 149 | £13m | £26k |
Juanfran | 33 | D (R) WB (R) | A. Madrid | Spain | 142 | 153 | £3m | £112k |
Branislav Ivanovic | 34 | D (RC) | Zenit | Serbia | 141 | 155 | £4m | £62k |
Matteo Darmian | 28 | D (RL) WB (RL) | Man United | Italy | 140 | 150 | £14m | £45k |
Mariano | 32 | D (R) WB (R) | Galatasaray | Brazil | 140 | 152 | £5m | £47k |
Davide Zappacosta | 26 | D (R) WB (R) M (R) | Chelsea | Italy | 140 | 149 | £17m | £70k |
Joseba Zaldua | 26 | D (R) | Real San Sebastian (Sociedad) | Spain | 140 | 145 | £3m | £17k |
A = AgeCA = Current Ability ratingPA = Potential Ability rating
*Denotes player on loan