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The Premier League currently has several top-class left-backs.
Left-back is a position that has dramatically changed over the years. Where it was once considered one of the weakest and most insignificant areas on the pitch, it is now hugely important when both attacking and defending.
But who is the best left-back currently playing in the Premier League?
Premier League giants leading the way?
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has hit the big time for his defensive and attacking attributes. He helps keep things tight at the back for Jurgen Klopp. But he also gets forward as much as possible, chipping in with assists for the club’s deadly forwards.
His delivery into the box has massively improved over the years. The Scot enjoys a hugely positive relationship with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota. He can find them with low crosses or with expertly timed aerial deliveries.
But his partnership with Sadio Mane down the left flank is perhaps second to none. The pair know where each other are, and importantly where they will be. Their interchanging and quick passes have produced many goals for Klopp’s side.
Fellow Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas – who has impressed when given the chance – has the perfect guide to succeeding at full-back for the Reds.
Manchester City, likewise, have two fine left-backs at their disposal. Joao Cancelo, despite being a right-back, has played much of this campaign at left-back. He has been unstoppable down the left flank. His dribbles, clinical passes and decisive finishes into the back of the net have taken the league by storm.
His deputy Oleksandr Zinchenko is more than capable of filling the gap when required. It’s a similar situation to Chelsea’s. The Blues boast the currently injured Ben Chilwell and current starter Marcos Alonso.
Arsenal meanwhile certainly have one of the best at their disposal. Kieran Tierney, when fit, has proven just how effective he can be at both ends of the pitch.
Which other left-backs are in contention?
There are, of course, a handful of left-backs around the league who would consider themselves as not far off from the big guns. West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell may be in this category. He has been key to the Hammers and their impressive counter-attacking football.
Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon and Brighton’s Marc Cucurella have also been in fine form. Lucas Digne and Matt Targett are two more left-backs in the talented list. Both have hit the ground running at their new clubs.
At Manchester United, Luke Shaw and Alex Telles are seemingly having their own battle for that starting spot. Both have impressed in different stages of the season for the Red Devils, but perhaps they remain below the standards of the likes of Robertson and Cancelo.
Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters – a right-back by trade – is another to impress at left-back in the Premier League this season. Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell is another who has quietly gone about his successful business at left-back.
Young duo Luke Thomas and Rayan Ait-Nouri have also been producing top displays in the role for Leicester and Wolves respectively. Both just 20 years old, they have very bright futures ahead.
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