The Best Right Midfielders Ever To Play Soccer

Traditionally the position of right-sided midfielder is an offensively minded, technically-gifted footballer. Often, the right midfielder will neglect defensive duties in favour of showing skills and pace and attacking the opposition left back. Right midfielders can also be called right wingers or wide rights.

The main aim of the right midfielder is to beat the opponent and deliver crosses or through-balls to create goal-scoring opportunities. Some of the best in history have included Stanley Matthews, Jairzinho and Eddie McGoldrick. Their speed, skill and ability to create chances from nothing helped their teams to greatness.

In the past thirty years, the role of the right midfielder has changed as the game has evolved. Formations change and subsequently the midfielder's role within the team takes on more responsibility. However, the fundamental abilities required to be a great right midfielder remain the same, the ability to create goals.

The most famous soccer player in history, achieved his reputation being an excellent right midfielder for Manchester United and England. Primarily known now as part of the Beckhams with his wife Posh Spice and kids, David Beckham
signalled his arrival in professional football with a goal from his own half against Wimbledon in 1996.

Beckham lacked the brilliant pace of many right wingers but is largely credited as being the best dead-ball specialist in the world. Free-kicks and corners, as well as long range shots are just some of the reasons that Beckham has currently played over 100 times for England in a ten year career.

Beckham has won almost every major club honour with Manchester United and Real Madrid including six FA Premier League titles, two FA Cups, UEFA Champions Leagues and one La Liga title. Due to England's failure at every major tournament since 1966, Beckham looks set to miss out on any major international honours, a terrible shame for such a determined and committed professional.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira is one of the greatest living footballers, with skills that any player would envy. Ronaldinho has worn the famous Number 10 shirt of Brazil, as previously worn by Pele, and has never looked not worthy of such an honour.

With his ability to beat players, skills that seemingly defy physics and his perfect striking of the ball, Ronaldinho is a footballing magician. Winner of the FIFA World Cup, two Spanish League titles and a Champions League win show that Ronaldinho's skills push his team on to great things to accompany his individual awards. Ronaldinho has twice won FIFA World Player of the Year as well as numerous other individual awards.

Ronaldinho's club career has seen him play for some of the best teams in Europe including Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris St. Germain. A great free-kick taker, Ronaldinho's goal scoring record is excellent for a midfielder and would be more than respectable for a forward. This is the new role of the right winger, as they take on more responsibility of scoring goals as well as creating them.

The best modern winger, and best player in any position, in my opinion is the Portuguese and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. With pace, skill, aggression, determination and power, he is the ultimate footballer. Still only 23 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo has already won two FA Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

As part of the three-pronged Manchester United attack, Ronaldo has been a revelation scoring more than any other United player in their double-winning season. Ronaldo's ability to head the ball is unusual for a winger, shown by his headed goal in United's win over Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League Final.

Yet to win the FIFA Player of the Year, Ronaldo has won almost every major individual honour in the game. With so many years ahead in his career, there is no limit to what Cristiano Ronaldo can achieve for both club and country. He could go on to be the greatest player ever to play the game of soccer, although there could be some competition from the likes of Lionel Messi, Alexandre Pato and Victor Moses.