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Who is the Premier League’s best right-back so far? Nicholas picks from Liverpool’s Clyne, Tottenham Hotspur’s Walker and Arsenal’s Bellerin

Charlie Nicholas - Arsenal (Reuters)
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The Sky Sports pundit considered the trio from Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Former Arsenal player Charlie Nicholas has named his Premier League team of the season so far for Sky Sports.

With the new campaign having produced one of the most exciting starts in years, it is perhaps understandable that Nicholas would struggle to separate one or two players in each position.

But as far as right-back is concerned, the 54-year-old has even more of a dilemma.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have each looked good bets for the title in the season’s embryonic stage and the right of defence is a position in which all three are particularly healthy.

But in the eyes of Nicholas, whose is better? Could it be Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne, Tottenham’s Kyle Walker or Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin?

England's Dele Alli, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana, Kyle Walker and Chris Smalling during trainingDele Alli, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana, Kyle Walker and Chris Smalling during England training

Hint: the clue is in ‘Charlie Nicholas’…

“Right-backs in the modern game are a real outlet and while Kyle Walker is also a big influence and Nathaniel Clyne has been excellent, Bellerin has the understanding as well as the pace,” writes the Sky Sports pundit.

Arsenal's Hector Bellerin applauds fans after the gameArsenal’s Hector Bellerin

“I think he’s improved a lot as a defender, which we saw when Chelsea visited the Emirates.”

But is Nicholas right?

To be fair, Bellerin does lead his Tottenham and Liverpool counterparts in four key areas based on the following Opta stats (interceptions, take-ons accurate crosses* and blocked crosses), with Walker the best in two (accurate crosses* and assists).

But as we well know, stats do not always tell the whole story…

TeamTackles wonInterceptions wonTake-onsAccurate crossesAssistsBlocked crossesAppearancesMinutes played
Héctor BellerínArsenal6211851410900
Nathaniel ClyneLiverpool1812541210900
Kyle WalkerTottenham16161152210838