5 best left backs in the world

The modern left-back’s role continues to be expanding. Though many of the labelled revolutionaries showcase their skills on the right side of the field, the full-back revolution hasn’t just happened there.

Being used as a left-back used to be considered insulting; if you went down to your local playing fields on a Sunday morning, you might probably see the team’s worst player trying to make an impression there. It was an unpopular position to occupy.

But in the twenty-first century, as the game developed quickly, the left-back position became more and more desirable. It’s an extremely demanding profession, and contemporary tactical obsessives will stop at nothing to make their work as difficult as possible. Regards, Pep.

However, their efforts have produced a new breed of left-back, and we are now fortunate to have an abundance of talented players in that position.

Although it’s not an easy feat, here is our attempt to rank the top 5 left-backs in the world.

ALSO READ: Top 5 right-backs in world football

5. Federico Dimarco | Inter Milan | Italy

Federico Dimarco has swiftly emerged as a standout left-back for Inter, prompting the club to favour him over their previous acquisition, Robin Gosens.

His remarkable speed and adeptness with his left foot make him an indispensable asset, particularly in offensive plays. Dimarco’s contributions were pivotal in Inter’s journey to the 2023 Champions League final, solidifying his status as one of Serie A’s top talents in his position.

Here are Federico Dimarco’s honours:

• Coppa Italia winner with Inter Milan in 2021–22 and 2022–23.
• Supercoppa Italiana winner with Inter Milan in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• UEFA Champions League runner-up with Inter Milan in 2022–23.
• UEFA European Under-17 Championship runner-up with Italy U17 in 2013.
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up with Italy U19 in 2016.
• FIFA U-20 World Cup bronze medal with Italy U20 in 2017.
• UEFA Nations League third place with Italy in 2020–21 and 2022–23.

4. Andy Robertson | Liverpool | Scotland

The best left back soccer player Andy Robertson, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success, has demonstrated remarkable consistency amidst the fluctuations of his peers.

Since his acquisition from Hull in 2017 for a nominal fee, Robertson has risen to prominence as a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s triumphs, including both Premier League and Champions League victories in recent years.

His role is integral to Liverpool’s ability to assert dominance over opponents, with his return from injury eagerly anticipated as Jurgen Klopp aims to steer the team towards another title charge in the 2023/24 season.

Here are Andy Robertson’s honours:

• Football League Championship play-offs winner with Hull City in 2016.
• Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2019–20.
• FA Cup winner with Liverpool in 2021–22.
• EFL Cup winner with Liverpool in 2021–22 and 2023–24.
• FA Community Shield winner with Liverpool in 2022.
• UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2018–19; runner-up in 2017–18 and 2021–22.
• UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool in 2019.
• FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool in 2019.

3. Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich | Canada

Alphonso Davies, a standout during Bayern Munich’s 2020 European triumph, was widely hailed as the premier best left back in the world at that time.

His versatility is evident across various statistical metrics, consistently making impactful contributions in the attacking third while bolstering Bayern’s left flank defensively.

Davies is not only physically imposing but also boasts exceptional speed, making his recovery runs a spectacle to watch. Despite a stellar start to the 2023/24 season, his form has dipped in recent months, sparking rumours of a potential move to Real Madrid.

Here are Alphonso Davies’ honours:

• Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich in 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23.
• DFB-Pokal winner with Bayern Munich in 2018–19 and 2019–20.
• DFL-Supercup winner with Bayern Munich in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
• UEFA Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2019–20.
• UEFA Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich in 2020.
• FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich in 2020.

2. Alex Grimaldo | Bayer Leverkusen | Spain

In Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit to overthrow Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, the wing-backs, under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, have emerged as pivotal figures in their success story.

Among them, Alex Grimaldo shines brightly, orchestrating play with finesse along the left flank. Despite his modest stature, the Spaniard manoeuvres skillfully down the touchline, showcasing exceptional synergy with his teammates in close quarters.

This season has seen Grimaldo unexpectedly rise to prominence, becoming one of Bayer Leverkusen’s primary contributors in the final third. Such a remarkable individual campaign solidifies his position among the elite left-backs in the global arena.

Here are Alex Grimaldo’s honours:

• Primeira Liga champion with Benfica in 2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19, and 2022–23.
• Taça de Portugal winner with Benfica in 2016–17.
• Taça da Liga winner with Benfica in 2015–16.
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira winner with Benfica in 2016, 2017, and 2019.
• Bundesliga champion with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023–24.
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship winner with Spain in 2012.

1. Theo Hernandez | AC Milan | France

Theo Hernandez, standing tall at 6 feet and built like a powerhouse, has evolved into a near-superstar figure at AC Milan.

Known for his penchant to surge forward from the defensive line, Hernandez undeniably ranks as the most adept ball-carrier among his peers worldwide. His partnership with Rafael Leao down AC Milan’s left flank has proven to be a lethal combination, pivotal to the club’s title triumph in the 2021/22 season.

Hernandez’s attacking prowess extends both inside and outside, utilizing his sheer strength to overpower opponents with remarkable effectiveness.

Here are Theo Hernandez’s honours:

• Copa del Rey runner-up with Alavés in 2016–17.
• Supercopa de España, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup winner with Real Madrid in 2017.
• Serie A winner with AC Milan in 2021–22.
• UEFA Nations League winner with France in 2020–21.
• FIFA World Cup runner-up with France in 2022.
• Individual accolades include multiple appearances in the Serie A Team of the Year, Serie A Goal of the Month and Season, as well as inclusion in the ESM Team of the Season.

FAQs

Q. Who is the best left-back in world football?

A. Theo Hernandez is currently the best right back.