2017 MLS Pre-Season Top 10 Right Backs

Feb. 24, 2017

Finishing up the defense here with the pre-season top 10 right backs. I believe that there is a long list of players who you could argue for players 7 through 14. I have received some feedback on my center back list and I couldn't be happier! Please tell me who I missed on this list, I would love to talk about it!

10. Harrison Afful, Columbus Crew

Don't let this guys last name fool you, he's far from awful. The Columbus Crew had a very weak defense in 2016 (and I don't expect that to change in 2017) but Afful was one player who impressed. At the age of 30 he is experienced and skilled at defending. His speed and foot work allows him to slow down attackers and win back the ball for the black and gold. Another part of his game that impresses me is his great passing. He is a smooth passer who is able to hook up with Ethan Finlay in the midfield.

9. Saad Abdul-Salaam, Sporting Kansas City

At the age of 25 Abdul-Salaam has many more years left at right back. He really broke out for me in 2016 playing in a total of 30 games and racking up 6 assists. Abdul-Salaam is able to push up the field with his speed and put in plenty of crosses into the box. His key passing and speed allowed him to succeed as a type of fullback in 2016. He has room to grow still and I expect to see another large jump from him in 2017.

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8. RJ Allen, New York City FC

Many people don't like RJ Allen based on his skill or how he plays the game. Allen will go in for a few cheap shots at an opposing team, he will try to get into an opposing teams head, and then strike when they aren't paying attention. He is intelligent with the ball at his feet, making smart passes, and knowing when to push or fall back.

7. Steven Beitashour, Toronto FC

The Toronto FC full back is a solid MLS veteran. Last season Beitashour started 29 games for the Eastern Conference Champions. His ability to play opposite of Justin Morrow and push up the field was key to their success. Though he isn't a factor on offense, Beitashour is an outstanding defender who has plenty of experience to help his play. After many years with the Whitecaps, TFC, and the Iranian National Team he is a steady defender across the league.

6. Tyrone Mears, Atlanta United

His fullback partner last season made my left back list and now Tyrone Mears appears on my right back list. 2017 will be the third season for the English defender in MLS. In all three seasons Mears has played in 30+ games in which he has greatly impressed. Mears has speed, even at the age of 34. Mears is greatly experienced and he will be a great MLS experienced player for the expansion club.

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5. Alvas Powell, Portland Timbers

Consistency is key for Powell. He is arguably the most consistent right back in Major League Soccer. At the exciting age of 22, Powell is ready to dominate for years. Powell is one if the key players for the Timbers, after looking past Valeri and Adi. Last season Powell only started 23 games due to some injury issues but he is easily a 30 games starter in MLS. Powell is the backbone to the Timbers defense and someone to watch for both club and country in 2017.

4. Jonathan Spector, Orlando City SC

I know.... I know.... Spector will most likely be playing center back for Orlando City but he is more of a natural right back to me. Spector has been all around Europe including Manchester United, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United and most recently, Birmingham City. Spector was the best signing for Orlando City this offseason because they added a versatile defender who can easily play anywhere across the backline. I am excited to see what he can do this season in MLS and see if he can improve the Lion's backline.

3. Chris Duvall, Montreal Impact

Duvall dealt with some injuries in the past few seasons. But looking past his injuries, Duvall is a reliable and quality starter in MLS. Duvall was my choice for the number one pick in the MLS Super Draft (he went second... I was so close). Duvall excelled with the Red Bulls for three seasons and now with the Impact I expect even better production. Playing in a backline of Oyongo, Ciman, and Cabrera, Duvall will play well with talent around him.

2. Keegan Rosenberry, Philadelphia Union

The runner up to last season's rookie of the year will excel in 2017. The 23 year old started all 34 games at right back for the Union. In his first professional season he was able to log over 3,000 impressive minutes. Rosenberry is a player I am very high on for next season, for further into the future, and possibly even for the USMNT. Watch out for Rosenberry to dominate in the Union backline.

1. Andrew Farrell, New England Revolution

Andrew Farrell has consistently played 32+ games in each MLS season since 2013. Farrell is a former right back that moved inside and continues to dominate on defense. Farrell is extremely fast and a very large man. He can out run the speediest forwards and body off the strongest forwards. I understand that Farrell is a right back but his talent level still leaves him as the best in the league.