Best Left Backs In The World Right Now – Top 15
9. Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/France)
The Frenchman was considered excess to requirements at Goodison Park and made the move to Villa Park in January. His start to life at Aston Villa has been good. His performance has gathered a lot of attention and he has transformed into one of the best left-backs in the world right now.
On the field, Digne is a marauding full-back who is strong in defence and adventurous while venturing forward. He is quite comfortable with the ball at his feet and his crossing ability is one of his strongest points. Digne is also a good passer of the ball and has an eye for a through ball from the left. As a defender, he is proficient at blocking, intercepting opposition passes, and winning the ball back.
8. Jose Gaya (Valencia/Spain)
Jose Gaya is a product of Valencia’s academy and has broken through the ranks to captain the side at the age of 26. He made his senior debut in 2012 and went on to play in more than 250 competitive matches for the club. Jose Gaya averages 1.7 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game, which is among the world’s best. He is also very good going forward. Jose Gaya is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world right now.
7. Luke Shaw (Manchester United/England)
This season has not been up to the standard for Luke Shaw, but you can not deny his quality. He was excellent in the last season for Manchester United and England. He was one of the best English players at the Euro 2020. This season, he has managed 1.1 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, not bad for a player having a ‘horrible season’.
6. Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/Portugal)
Portugal are undeniably blessed when it comes to full-backs as they have no shortage of talented players to use in these positions, having some of the best left-backs in football in the world. Raphael Guerreiro is another solid option on the left-hand side of the defence and has been in excellent form for Borussia Dortmund.
Guerreiro has been deployed as a midfielder for a lot of his time at Signal Iduna Park, but now 28, he’s found a home for himself at left-back. He’s a confident passer of the ball, supports attacks well and has excellent stamina. Guerreiro is one of the most reliable members of the Dortmund side.
5. Jordi Alba (Barcelona/Spain)
Alba is technically brilliant, has great touches, range of passing, and a great nullifier of the opposition movements, attacks. He has the ability to intercept passes just at the right time. At 33, Alba’s coming to the end of his prime years fast, but his technical ability means he’ll still be capable of playing at the top level for a few seasons yet.
4. Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/France)
The standout left-back in Serie A last season, Hernandez contributed to nine league goals for AC Milan’s last campaign. This season, he has already surpassed that tally. is excellent performances in 2021 were rewarded with a call-up to France’s national team.
He is a great dribbler and has an eye for goal. His defensive statistics remain strong too and he played an important role as the Rossoneri returned to the Champions League in 2021 for the first time since 2013/14.