Fullbacks are sometimes overlooked, but they are becoming increasingly important in today’s game, particularly for elite teams that have possession of the ball and require additional width. They require that width to both free up space in the centre for the attackers and to provide additional opportunities for chance creation.
Because there are fewer left-footers, left backs are more scarce than right backs. Every top team’s ambition is to have a game-changing left back who can defend well while also producing a high volume of quality chances. And some clubs, such as Juventus and Real Madrid, have discovered that finding a suitable answer is challenging.
5. Andrew Robertson
For the time being, Robertson remains in the top five. His ferocity makes him a fiery competitor and someone no winger wants to face, especially if they know they will have to do a lot of defending. At right back, Robertson’s technical ability is overshadowed by the master that is Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the Scottish international is also one of the best crossers in the world.
Robertson has at least seven assists in five Premier League seasons, and his defensive effort has never been questioned. In 2023/24, a comeback campaign is in order.
4. Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies, formerly regarded as the finest left in the world, has slipped down the standings for two reasons. First and foremost, the guys ahead of him were indisputably excellent in the 2022/23 season. Second, Davies hasn’t made enough technical growth, leaving goals on the table for his team with bad finishes and crosses.
Despite his shortcomings, Davies remains a world-class left back. Because of his work rate, he is a solid defender, and that same intensity allows him to produce a large volume of chances despite his rather poor final ball. Last season, Davies averaged nearly two vital passes and well over two dribbles completed per game for Bayern.
3. Nuno Mendes
Mendes was probably even more spectacular than Hakimi in the 2022/23 season, shining brightly in games where his teammates struggled, such as the Champions League clashes against Bayern.
Mendes had five assists in total, averaging 2.7 dribbles finished and fouls drawn per match. Mendes, who is only 21 years old, demonstrates the consistency and all-around quality of a player in his prime. He’s still learning the game at the top level, but he’s a decisive player who consistently makes the correct judgements. Mendes runs a lot to help the attackers, but he has to limit his own attacking attempts to cover defensively for an insufficient group of centre backs and midfielders.
2. Alejandro Baldé
As outstanding as Nuno Mendes is at 21, Alejandro Baldé’s breakthrough season for LaLiga champions Barcelona at the age of 19 was one of the biggest tales in Spanish football last season. Baldé’s level as a teenager at left back was historically excellent.
In 2022/23, the quickly improving fullback shown no serious flaws for La Blaugrana, even playmaking in the attacking third with through balls behind the defence that would make any playmaker pleased. Baldé concluded the 2022/23 LaLiga season with six assists and 1.5 completed dribbles per game as a crucial progressive option who allowed the left winger to cut inside aggressively as practically a secondary striker to Robert Lewandowski.
1. Theo Hernández
Theo Hernández, the world’s No. 1 left back right now, has always been an exceptional player and one of the most dynamic offensive threats at the position due to his athleticism and technical ability. Hernández has the ability to score some of the most beautiful goals from the position, and his shots have tremendous range. He can hit long-range worldies and scorch the net, or he can move through an entire defence with a slaloming solo goal from deep in his own half.
Hernández took a major stride forward as a leader and defender at left back for AC Milan in 2022/23, and he needed to given the sudden instability of the defence around him.
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