The Top 10 Left-Backs in the 20/21 season
The Top 10 Left-Backs in the 20/21 season
Last season some of the most exciting footballers were left backs or left-wing backs. World XI sought to find out who is the best left sided defender based on attacking and defensive statistics. Here's the 10 best from Europes top 5 leagues:
10. Borna Sosa
The Croatian-German might have mistakenly ditched his country of birth for Germany just a month before Euro 2020 following the hot pursuit by then German head coach Joachim Lowe. Unfortunately, he watched the tournament on the TV screen like many of us as the move didn't materialise due to FIFA protocal deeming him ineligible. His calmn and composed style with a sweet left foot has given Bundesliga fans a David Beckham nostalgia. The 23 year-old wing-back was a key weapon for VFB Stuttgarts impressive return to the Bundesliga with a cool 9 assists only one defender registered more assist than him.
Top Stats
9 Assists
154 Crosses
40% Successful Tackles vs Dribbles
34% Successful Pressures
68% Successful Dribbles
9. Leonardo Spinazzola
He dribbles with the right and delivers with the left. After years of under-achieving, the ambidextrous wing-back finally fulfilled his potential under Paulo Fonsesca. One of the most exciting players to watch in Europe, the dribbling wizard turned defender contributed massively to Romas' inconsistent season. The 28 year-old Italian capped an eye catching season in Europe by clinching Euro2020 with the Azzurri and being named in the team of the tournament.
Top Stats
8 Assists and 2 Goals
78% Pass completion
134 Attempted Dribbles
79 Dribbles Past Opponent (and 10 nutmegs)
60 Carries into Penalty Area
8. Angelino
The diminutive Spaniard has yet again proved that he is a top left back. Playing as a wing-back in Negelsmanne thrilling RB Lipsig side, the 23 year old contributed 8 goals and 9 assists. Ultra offensive, Angelino regularly made marauding central runs in transition, including box entries which saw him score 3 with his head.
Top Stats
8 Goals and 9 Assists
182 Crosses
79 Passes into Penalty Area
34 Crosses into Penalty Area
35% Successful Pressures
7. Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw resurrected his career in the 2020/21 season and helped his team and country reach major finals. The 26 year old looked inspired last season with consistent strong performances for Manchester United helping the side reach the Europa League final. If we were primarily looking at defensive statistics in this list, then the England's number 1 left-back back would definitely be in the top 2.
Top Stats
82% Pass Completion (82 Key Passes)
65% Successful Dribbles
135 Shot Creating Actions
327 Recoveries
56% Tackles vs Dribbles (37% Successful Pressures)
6. Ben Chilwell
A debute season par excellence. In 'Chilly' the blues finally found a balanced and matured yet offensively sound left sided full back. Although 7 assists and 4 goals is no small feat, it is his defensive statistics that put him miles ahead of the pack. The 23 year-old has crowned his impressive debute season with a Champions League gold medal.
Top Stats
4 Goals and 7 Assist
42% Shots on Target
91 Blocks
42% Tackles vs Dribbles
55% Aerial Duels
5. Filip Kostic
The high flying Serbian is making the German Bundesliga his playing ground. Wearing jersey number 10, only the reguvinated Thomas Muller had more assists then the Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back. Effective and decisive in the final third, plus a deadly combination with an on fire Andre Silva, the 28 year-old is truly becoming a world-class wing-back.
Top Stats
4 Goals and 14 Assists
90 Key Passes
120 Shot Creating Actions
24 Goal Creating Actions
51 Crosses to Penalty Area (230 Crosses)
4. Robin Gosens
A one season wonder? not a chance! The German international has yet again produced another remarkable performance. The lanky wing-back is now a key member of Gian Pier Giasperrinis riveting Atalanta side which, again, qualified for this season's Champions League.
Top Stats
11 Goals and 9 Assists
65 Shots
136 Touches in Opponent Penalty Area
66 Interceptions
62% Aerial Duels Won
3. Theo Hernandez
Welcome to Serie As' power house! Graduating from Real Madrid's Castilla 5 seasons ago the 23 year old has simply exploded in Milan. This epic French beast is a marvel to watch, his trademark marauding dribbles from his own half takes you back to prime time Gareth Bale.
Top Stats
9 Goals and 8 Assists
81 Tackles
52% Tackles vs Dribbles
63% Successful Dribbles (83 Dribbles Past Opponents)
65% Aerial Duels Won
2. Raphael Guerrero
The diminutive Portuguese International is a footballing genius. A consummate technician there seems to be nothing this guy can't do with the ball. Offensive potency and a bag full of tricks, the Borrussia Dortmund's wingback is exciting to watch. He enjoyed his best season in the German Bundesliga racking an impressive 6 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Top Stats
6 Goals and 12 Assists
40% Shots on Target
87% Pass Completion
278 Progressive Passes
61% Successful Dribbles
1. Jordi Alba
Alba is now an accomplished senior international on his way to legendary status and he's not slowing down after delivering yet another solid season with Barca. His defensive game has massively improved over the years, and last season his attacking game was elevated by his devastating partnership with Messi which saw him bag a whopping 13 assist and 5 goals in all competitions.
Top Stats
5 Goals and 13 Assists
101 Passes into Opponent Penalty Area
105 Shot Creating Actions
147 Touches in Opponent Penalty Area
339 Recoveries
Join the conversation. Tell us what you think about this list? any player missing out? The list is based on offensive and defensive statistics retrieved from fbref.
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