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The role of the left-back has changed significantly over the last decade or so
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Picking the best left backs in the world must consider attacking and defensive impact
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Read below for the 10 top left-backs in world football
Not so long ago, left backs were a non-factor in Premier League betting odds. They might have pushed up occasionally, but they were mainly renowned for their one-on-one defensive ability.
As tactical trends have changed, though, left-backs are now some of the most important players for the best teams in the world.
The availability of Marcelo or Jordi Alba could alter football bets when the Clasico rivalry was in its pomp a few years ago. As the 2021/22 season begins, other left-backs around world football have a similar status.
No longer in the shadow of their teammates, the top left-backs in world football can rival the best Premier League midfielders of all-time for their impact. The demands are greater, and so are the rewards.
Let’s take a look at the best left-backs in the world ahead of the 2021/22 campaign…
Andy Robertson
Naming Andy Robertson as the best left-back in the world is uncontroversial at this point. He’s twice been named to the Premier League Team of the Season, and was in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2019.
Robertson’s production from full-back is remarkable. He’s broken countless assist records, and his importance to Liverpool cannot be overstated. Jurgen Klopp’s entire system is dependent on Robertson’s energy and creativity.
Still only 27, Robertson has years left at the top of the game.
Alphonso Davies
Originally a winger, Alphonso Davies has excelled at left-back for Bayern Munich. His roadrunner pace makes him an impossible challenge for opposing defences. No winger wants to have to chase Davies down the touchline.
Davies has played his way onto this list before his 21st birthday. It would be unfair not to mention his all-round skill which makes his raw pace so dangerous.
He still has the close control and delivery of a winger, and the speed allows him to recover even when caught out of position at the back.
Luke Shaw
Once marginalised at Old Trafford, Luke Shaw is back at the centre of Premier League predictions. First choice for club and country, Shaw has begun to realise his undoubted potential, and he’s got a long time left at the top.
While it seems like he’s been around forever, the former Saint is still only in his mid-twenties.
Shaw has made massive strides defensively. He’s no longer an easy target. At the other end, he’s got the energy to provide the overlap and has always been an accomplished crosser.
While not the flashiest among these left-backs, Shaw’s place in the top 10 is undebatable.
Theo Hernandez
Standing at 6 feet tall and with exceptional pace, Theo Hernandez has the frame to be an exceptional left-back. He’s not reached his ceiling just yet, but there are signs of the player he can become.
A willing dribbler and with an eye for a pass, Hernandez is a good outlet down the left. He’s made good progress defensively, but at times he’s still a bit rash.
Ferland Mendy
Succeeding Marcelo is an unenviable task. Ferland Mendy is charged with doing so for Real Madrid. Mendy made 24 La Liga starts for Los Blancos last term, completing 1.7 dribbles per game.
The nature of Real Madrid’s play means Mendy isn’t as important as some others here. He’s supplementary rather than foundational in attack.
Defensively, though, Mendy has been a real star for Madrid and excelled in head-to-head matchups with many of the world’s best wingers.
Raphael Guerreiro
Whether in a back four, at wing-back or sliding into midfield, Raphael Guerreiro delivers for Borussia Dortmund. With 50 caps for Portugal, Guerreiro has been among the most consistent left-back performers over the last five years.
Injuries have limited his minutes at times, which perhaps contributes to him being slightly underrated, but Guerreiro was an easy pick for our top 10.
Lucas Digne
Underwhelming stints with PSG, Roma and Barcelona made it look like Lucas Digne was never going to live up to the promise he showed at Lille.
He’s found a home at Everton, though, and despite the limited success of the Toffees, he’s locked himself in as one of the three best left-backs in the Premier League.
The set pieces make the highlights, but Digne offers so much more. In Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin he has two great targets from open play, too.
Angeliño
Finally completing his permanent move to Leipzig earlier this year, Angeliño flourished under Julian Nagelsmann, completing two crosses and two key passes per game in the Bundesliga in 2020/21.
Attack is always the priority for the Spaniard, but he possesses the stamina and pace to provide defensive cover. He’s a good reader of the game, and his close control allows him to breeze past opponents.
Leonardo Spinazzola
Leonardo Spinazzola was on course to win Player of the Tournament at the Euros before he ruptured his Achilles. The injury was gutting for neutrals, such was the verve that Spinazzola injected into Italy’s matches.
His blistering runs down the left were as effective as they were fearless. It’s not just off the ball either, with the Roma left-back averaging 2.2 completed dribbles per game in Serie A last season.
Spinazzola is box office when given the freedom to attack as he did in the Euros.
Ben Chilwell
Partnered by two of the best right backs in the world, Ben Chilwell might have been second choice for England at the Euros, but he’s destined for a long and decorated career in west London.
Chilwell isn’t the most versatile attacking threat among these 10. What he does have, though, is exceptional defensive discipline and the ability to stick with even the trickiest of wingers in one-on-one situations.
Whether as a full-back or wing-back, Chilwell is a complete player, and he doesn’t turn 25 until December 2021.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Michael Sohn / AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 8th August 2021
