Beckham, Ljungberg, McManaman, Waddle or Kanchelskis: Who has been the best right winger in the Premier League?
The Premier League is 20 years old this year and we're gatecrashing the party early to try and assemble the greatest set of players to have ever played in the top flight.
Today it's the turn of the right wingers. Steve Coulter has narrowed his search down to just five; David Beckham, Freddie Ljungberg, Steve McManaman, Chris Waddle and Andrei Kanchelskis. But who has been the best player to have graced the English game?
If you are struggling, Steve is going to try and refresh your memory, but if your vote goes for someone who is not on the list, let us know why you think they should be in the team.
DAVID BECKHAM
Beckham was destined for greatness at an early age. The Londoner was a member of Manchester United’s golden generation and part of United’s 1992 FA Youth Cup winning side. That legendary side also included Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. The quartet was soon forming the backbone of Fergie’s first team.
Becks was an unconventional wide man. He rarely dribbled past opponents before delivering crosses. He was no flying winger either. But there have been few better crossers of a football. Without hesitation a perfectly judged centre would be floating over. Free-kicks were another one of Beckham's party tricks. He was deadly from set pieces. Who can forget his strike against Greece which secured England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup?
That last-minute equaliser capped a tremendous individual performance, at times he seemed to playing the Greeks on his own. Showing another side to his game, the England captain showed a willingness to take on a well marshalled back line.
His performances were equally impressive at club level, culminating in the 1999 treble. Golden Balls is a true Manchester United legend.
FREDDIE LJUNGBERG
Ljungberg was one of the Premier Leagues most distinctive characters. His spiky hair style certainly set him out from the crowd. But there was more to the Swede than a flamboyant haircut. His pacey runs and combative approach made him a firm favourite in the capital. Like several of his Gunners team-mates he often reserved his best for the big occasion. He scored a beauty to clinch the 2002 FA Cup. A rampaging run was rounded off by a curling shot against Chelsea.
Ljungberg would often drift in field, his penetrating runs a hallmark of his game. This ability to find space was invaluable to Arsenal. Freddie didn’t disappoint when presented with goalscoring opportunities. He scored 72 goals in his Gunners career.
After making 328 appearances for Arsenal, Ljungberg briefly turned out for West Ham, but he will always be remembered for those glory days with Wenger.
STEVE MCMANAMAN
In an era when wingers were a dying bread, Macca was a throw back to the wide men of yesteryear. A true Scouser, McManaman grew up an Evetonian, but like Rush, Owen and Carragher, the wide man found fame at Anfield. The Kop soon became accustomed to his surging runs and powerful shooting.
Blessed with exceptional fitness, McManaman was even a threat in his own half. In 1997 the winger ran the length of Celtic Park before scoring. That famous goal helped settle a UEFA Cup in Liverpool’s favour.
He was adapt at cutting inside and letting fly. A thunderous shot would often leave goalkeepers grasping thin air. His excellent all round game attracted the attentions of Real Madrid and Steve enjoyed a profitable spell with the Spanish giants, winning two Champions Leagues. The fact that Real decided to pair him with the likes of Figo and Zidane says much for the talents of Steve McManaman.
CHRIS WADDLE
At the dawn of The Premier League, Sheffield Wednesday were punching their considerable weight. After years in the wilderness the famous blue and white stripes were once again a force to be reckoned with.
Chris Waddle was at forefront of the Owls' resurgence. At first glance the Waddler cut an unlikely hero. After 10 minutes on the pitch he looked shattered. You wondered if he would make half time let alone the final whistle. But with the ball at his feet opposition full backs were seeking the sanctuary of the Hillsbrough dressing rooms.
One drop of those distinctive shoulders would create space for an immaculate weighted cross. His excellent close control could also outfox defences. The FA Cup semi-final of 1993 was a highpoint in Waddle’s career. Wednessday were paired with Sheffield United in a Steel City derby. The all Yorkshire crowd had barely taken their seats when the winger rifled a free kick into the Blades' net. As the ball hit the target Waddle wheeled away, arms outstretched he appeared to be looking for Graham Taylor. The then England boss had decided to omit the Geordie from a three lions squad.
Wednesday prevailed in that semi-final, now only Arsenal stood between Waddle and glory. Sadly, Sheffield Wednesday fell at the final hurdle. George Graham’s men won the replay 2-1. To compound the misery the Gunners had also edged out the Owls in that season's League Cup Final. Many neutrals were disappointed to see the 1993 Footballer of the Year leaving Wembley empty handed.
ANDREI KANCHELSKIS
One of the most underated players of the 1990s, Andrei Kanchelskis often paid second fiddle to Ryan Giggs. The wing duo were a key component in the rise of Manchester United.
The Russian flyer was a tremendous player in his own right. His powerful physique harnessed a tremendous turn of pace. On occasions he appeared unstoppable, particularly when bearing down on goal. He wasn’t afraid to cut inside, as Oldham Athletic found to their cost in 1994. Picking the ball up on the right flank, Kanchelskis glided along the edge of the Latics' area before firing home from the left wing.
That Oldham team were managed by Joe Royle. A year later Royle brought the winger to Everton. Unlike many of his contemporaries Andrei enjoyed success after leaving United. He notched am impressive 16 goals during the 1995-86 season. Kanchelskis was a fantastic player, even Mancunians and Scouscers can agree on that.
So, you've read what Steve thinks, but who do you think has been the greatest right winger in the 20 years of the Premier League? Whatever your view we'd love to hear from you.
Next week we will be tackling the defensive midfield position.
