Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has been named the best right-back in the Premier League heading into the 2026/27 season, ahead of Chelsea captain Reece James and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro.
The Dutchman has been nothing short of sensational since transitioning into a full-back role at Arsenal, ranking among the best in the league for both defensive and offensive metrics throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Timber’s versatility and reliability at right-back were central to Arsenal’s success, with the defender also adding a Premier League title to Eredivisie wins from 2020/21 and 2021/22 to his honours list.
Reece James sits second in the rankings, and when fit, there are few better right-backs in world football than the Chelsea captain, who can dictate games or invert into midfield with equal effectiveness.
Injury troubles have limited James in recent seasons, but his ceiling when fully fit remains higher than almost any other right-back currently playing in English football’s top division.
Pedro Porro completes the top three after a remarkable 2026 World Cup campaign with Spain, scoring twice in the competition and earning a place in the team of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy.
The Tottenham full-back has accumulated 19 Premier League assists since joining the club in 2023, while Roberto De Zerbi described him as follows: “I think Pedro is the best right-back in the world.”
Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace takes fourth spot, having averaged more than 2.6 tackles per game across all three of his Premier League seasons while also boasting five international goals in over 50 caps for Colombia.
Aston Villa’s Matty Cash ranks fifth after contributing three goals and five assists across all competitions in 2025/26, adding a Europa League winner’s medal to his CV following Villa’s success in Istanbul.
Brentford’s Michael Kayode is sixth after averaging 1.8 tackles per game last season, with his unique long throw-in ability adding another dimension to his game that troubles Premier League defences.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento is seventh, having overcome injury setbacks to establish himself as one of the most highly-rated young right-backs in England, with new manager Matthias Jaissle expected to suit his style.
Chelsea’s Malo Gusto holds eighth place, continuing to develop as a dependable option whenever Reece James is either injured or deployed in midfield by his club.
Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele is ninth after impressing under Regis Le Bris in his debut Premier League campaign, picking up four man of the match awards and contributing seven direct goal involvements.
Le Bris paid tribute to the former RB Leipzig and PSG defender, saying: “Nordi shows this energy, this commitment, this level of creativity – even for a defender.”
Ben White rounds out the top ten, with the Arsenal utility man’s composure and reading of the game making him a low-risk, high-reward option at right-back despite injury setbacks limiting his impact.