Versatile left-backs are becoming an ever-more important position in football.
From veterans Jordi Alba to Marcelo to newcomers Alphonso Davies and Ben Chilwell, let’s take a look at the best left-backs in the world right now.
10. Juan Bernat (Paris Saint-Germain)
A versatile left-back, Juan Bernat scored PSG’s last goal in Champions League before the Coronavirus stopped all play.
Shot out of a cannon from Bayern Munich, the 27-year-old has replaced Layvan Kurzawa in PSG’s lineup and continues to thrive under the flexible play of boss Thomas Tuchel.
9. Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
Portugal‘s undisputed left-back, Raphael Guerreiro has also emerged as a rising star at Borussia Dortmund.
Ever versatile with elite passing ability and technicality, the 26-year-old is currently transforming from left-back into a world-class left midfielder.
8. Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
Ben Chilwell is enjoying an outstanding 2019/20 season at Leicester City. Arguably England’s best left-back at the young age of 23, he’s become a prime transfer target for Chelsea this summer.
7. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies has burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga as the league’s breakout star during the 2019/20 season.
One of the best young footballers in the world right now, it’s no wonder the Bavarian giants convinced the 19-year-old to sign a two-year contract extension until 2025.
6. David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
The Austrian left-back David Alaba played a vital role in the team that won the treble in 2013 when he was also considered the best left-back in the world.
With over 300 matches under his belt for the Bavarian giants, Alaba has won a remarkable 17 major honors. Now, he’s helping a 19-year-old Alphonso Davies become his potential successor.
5. Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Possibly the greatest left-back ever since Roberto Carlos, 31-year-old Marcelo is still a shoo-in on this list.
Known for his exquisite first touch, the Brazilian left-back Marcelo has spent the past 13 seasons at the Bernabeu.
A four-time Champions League winner and La Liga champion, the ever-dependable Brazilian has also won two Copa Del Rey as well as a FIFA Confederations Cup.
4. Alex Sandro (Juventus)
29-year-old Brazilian Alex Sandro has become one of the most reliable left-back in Europe since joining Juventus in 2015. A four-time La Liga champion, he’s helped the club to three Coppa Italia and runner-up in the 2016/17 Champions League.
3. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Signed to fill the boots of an aging Marcelo, Ferland Mendy has done just that in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He’s taken the starting left-spot spot from Marcelo, having proved his worth a rock to Zidane in the back.
2. Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Released by Celtic as a teenager and demoted to amateur leagues, left-back Andy Robertson has come a long way to superstar stardom.
The Scotsman served a linchpin of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League last season and is pushing for its long-awaited Premier League trophy this year.
The 26-year-old can defend, trackback, and send in dynamite crosses like his counterpart on the right flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
1. Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
A quick attacking left-back, Jordi Alba has become a linchpin of the Barcelona defense and one of the greatest Spanish LBs ever.
A five-time La Liga winner, and four-time Copa del Rey champion, the Spaniard also helped the club achieve the treble during the 2014-15 season.
