Edward Borden Who is the best left-back in the world?
The evolution of football means that various roles in the squad have drastically changed. The introduction of inverted fullbacks, for example, has made the right and left backs do more than just defend.
Today, when you watch the Premier League or Bundesliga or any other European game for that matter, you see these patterns in play. Right backs and left backs move up and down the wings and contribute to the teams’ attacking threat just as much, whilst at the same time, retaining their shape, particularly on defence.
Hence, admirable left-backs are judged on their defensive and offensive abilities. As such, we list the top 10 left-backs in the world in 2022.
11 Filipe Luis
We start with a bonus. Former Atletico Madrid player Filipe Luis might not be the glamorous player that has the status of some of the best-left backs in the world but he sure does his work properly.
He returned to Brazil and plays for Flamengo but that doesn’t mean he’s not a quality left-back. He was very much part of Diego Simeone’s machine. His ability to challenge offensive players and set off his own side’s attack, pick out players from deep and provide crosses from the left is a combination that Atletico Madrid benefited from.
10 Ben Chilwell
There’s no doubt that injuries have slowed the English international. His impact on Chelsea was almost immediate. Chilwell works the channels like a charm and while he glides forwards gleefully, he never forgets his defensive duties.
He provides cover in his position properly and times his tackling so well that at times, he’s able to engineer attacks from deep midfield and even get to the end of them. His move to Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 saw him become of the most expensive left-backs in the world at a fee of €50.2 million.
9 Alex Sandro
The Brazilian has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world. His role at Juventus has been crucial over the years and he’s been present for them in 27 games so far this season.
He is also preferred in the Champions League and has made seven starts for Maximilliano Allegri’s side. The Brazilian has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford but it seems like he’s very much part of Allegri’s plans.
8 Alphonso Davis
The world fell in love with the Canadian international after his outstanding breakout season in the 2020/21 season. He is now considered to be one of the best left-backs in the world. His pace, vision and ability to cover the left flank marked him out as one of the future superstars of the game.
He fit in well with the tactics of then Bayern Munich coach and now German national team head coach Hansi Flick. Even after his departure, he’s become a key man in Julian Nagelsman’s squad having played 22 matches this season/
7 Theo Hernandez
His time at Real Madrid did not produce the goods but he has since put that in the past and established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world at AC Milan. The Frenchman embodies the qualities of a modern fullback – good at passing, and scoring, plus the defensive abilities.
Since he arrived at Paolo Maldini’s AC Milan, he’s netted 18 goals and is an ever-present threat to opposition teams. His ability to progress the ball into the final third is not something to sniff at. FBRef rates this at 3.99 with a progressive carry of 6.38 which only demonstrates his effectiveness moving forward.
Europe has been watching and the Frechman might be one of the big names on the transfer list this summer. Already, some reports suggest that Manchester City might make a move on him. His deal at AC Milan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
6 Marcelo
Perhaps yours truly is being nostalgic here but please hear me out. Marcelo has been a faithful servant for Los Blancos and undoubtedly one of the best left-backs in world football. His time at the Bernabeu might have come to an end with Madrid weighing their option on whether to offer him an extension.
Nonetheless, Marcelo has proven time and again that he can deliver in high-pressure situations. He has at times been exposed for his defensive lapses but when he’s on it, Marcelo he is unplayable.
He carries the ball so well from deep, inspires attacks, knows how to pick a pass and is also aggressive in defence. According to FBRef, Marcelo’s progressive passing rate is at the 99th percentile. His passing statistics are overall impressive.
He lifted another La Liga trophy this season and is now the most decorated Real Madrid player of all time with 24 trophies.
5 Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese national might have arrived at the Etihad as a right-back in 2019 from Juventus but Pep Guardiola deployed him on the left and has now become one of the best left-backs in the world. He’s played 35 matches this season and has been a stalwart in a defensive unit that’s been plagued with injury.
With Manchester City’s style of play in mind, Jaoa Cancelo has impressive numbers as far as his attacking influence on the team is concerned. His defensive output is also great with 2.17 interceptions per match and 2.26 tackles per 90, stats that underline his solidity at the back.
4 Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba has been at Barcelona for so long and he continues to be one of the most dependable players on the side. He has also claimed a spot as one of the best left-backs in the world. His link-up play with attacking players gives Barcelona an additional attacker going forwards.
He has started 29 games for Barcelona this season, scored two goals and given 10 assists. This is his most productive season in terms of assists since joining Barcelona as he’s recorded double digits for the first time in ten seasons at the Camp Nou.
3 Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has been a victim of circumstance and thus at times, his potential has been limited. For example, during Jose Mourinho’s time at Manchester United, he was starved of game time but whenever called upon, many fans were left wondering why he doesn’t play regularly.
Post Mourinho’s time, the England international has received a lot of game time. This season alone, Shaw has played 20 matches, scored zero goals and assisted three goals. Internationally, Shaw is a key member of Gareth Southgates’ team having starred at the Euro 2021.
2 Kieran Tierney
The Scottish international has emerged as a strong leader at Arsenal and one of the best left-backs in the world in 2022. His educated runs on the Gunners’ left-wing, his link up with other players around him and his ability to finish have made him a fan favourite. Arsenal has had little to smile about but Tierney constantly demonstrates his fighting spirit that gets the fans going.
His campaign was cut short by a knee injury but the Scotsman has since been operated on and hopes to return to full fitness ahead of the new premier league season as well as the world cup later on in the year.
1 Andrew Robertson
Who is the current best left-back in the world? Andrew ‘Andy’ Robertson is our pick for the best left-back in the world. He’s become an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp’s side as he offers everything that the German coach demands of his players.
His work rate and energy levels are just some of the qualities that define his play. Andy Robertson has also proven his ability to deliver crosses and provide a supporting role in the attack. He has offered 10 assists and scored two goals.
Defensively, he doesn’t let the foot off the gas either. This season, he has registered a 61% tackling success rate, made 176 recoveries, and provided 23 interceptions which show why Liverpool has conceded the fewest amount of goals this season along with rivals Manchester City.