The role of the right-back has seen a dramatic evolution over the years, going from a defensive-minded companion to the right centre-half to becoming an essential creative output in a modern-day team. With the likes of Liverpool's putting up assist numbers that have never been seen before, contrasting hugely with the warrior-like right-backs of old, it is clear to see the shift in styles. Regardless of the era or the expectations individual right-backs have had on them, they have always been an important part of any XI.
Across the lifespan of the beautiful game, many right-backs have stood out including Cafu and , making the position their own and putting their iconic stamps on it. With that in mind, here are the top 10 greatest right-backs in football history. The 10 best left-backs in football history have been ranked in order - Ashley Cole, Marcelo and Paolo Maldini all feature.
Signing from French outfit Monaco in 2006, Maicon joined Inter for a reported fee of €6.8 million. During his time at the San Siro, Maicon won four Serie A titles, three Italian Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup, three Italian Super Cups.
The most noticeable piece of silverware he won in Milan was the win in 2009-10, which he won under . During his years at Inter, Maicon was an entertainer with his darting runs taking spectators' breaths away. His samba flair earned him a place in the , where he earned 76 caps.
Maicon carried his entertaining style into his international appearances, scoring one of the.
