right-backs

For right-backs all over Europe, that is a frightening prospect.

Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale praised for display at Internazionale David Hytner 2010

Jones was overlooked at centre-back but forced his way into the back four through sheer force of talent, ahead of the two specialist right-backs, Kyle Walker and Micah Richards, who must be thoroughly fed up with Capello's cold-shoulderings.

Disorder and demons afflict Wayne Rooney on the international stage | Paul Hayward 2011

The winger hasn't played for the national side since 2008, but at the age of 38 he still turns out on the wing for Germinal Beerschot, and when he's not skinning the right-backs of the Jupiler League he's looking after those who've simply had a skinful.

Which footballers have produced their own food and drink? 2011

The ability to make such an impression for a side that had been 4-0 down while facing, in Maicon, one of the best right-backs in the world, gave Bale a new status.

Tottenham's Gareth Bale best in Premier League, says Fabio Capello 2011

A pair of Portuguese right-backs would eventually fare better against Bale but, while his adrenalin was pumping, Chelsea wilted.

Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea | Premier League match report 2011

He appreciates, too, that he can drag opponents away and so open a channel for overlapping right-backs.

Winger Adam Johnson battles to become England's right-hand man 2010

Contrast this with Inter right-back Maicon, who was the first of the three right-backs to face the Welsh winger during 10 days in October.

BBC Ouch! Blog BBC Sport 2011

There are three right-backs and circumstances have had the manager using them all rather than just sticking to a certain one.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph Telegraph Staff 2011

It depends, of course, on the definition of an icon but if we frame it in terms of becoming synonymous with the position for both club and country, perhaps even redefining it, there seems to be a curious anomaly for right-backs.

Evening Standard - Home 2011

Rich_owl you are right in saying that if right-backs facing Bale hold their positions it makes life easier, but what about when Bale is in the final third, or Spurs are breaking on the counter attack?

BBC Ouch! Blog BBC Sport 2011