The left-back position has evolved significantly over the past few years. In past decades, left-backs were primarily expected to defend, run, and defend again, that was their main role. However, in the modern era, left-backs excel in both attacking and defending. Many even play as wingers due to their dribbling and passing skills.
This improvement in the position is largely due to the brilliance of legendary left-backs like Jordi Alba and Marcelo. Without a doubt, they are two of the greatest left-backs of all time.
Let’s rank the top 10 left-backs in the world right now, based on their current form, team performance, and statistics.
10. Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur and Italy)
After a loan stint at Udinese last season, Udogie enjoyed a productive first season in the Tottenham line-up, as the 21-year-old emerged as one of the best young left-backs in the Premier League. Spurs’ system has granted him the license to push forward and assist the attacking players, while his defensive acumen ensures that he rarely gets caught out of position.
Although a hamstring injury denied the young defender a place at Euro 2024 with Italy, under coach Ange Postecoglou, he has shown further improvement this season.
9. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea and Spain)
The La Masia graduate had an incredible EURO 2024, with outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Despite the criticism he received from Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who said, “He’s not been convincing at Chelsea. He’s played a few games towards the end of the season, he’s aggressive, he’s tenacious, he’s a busy little full-back,” Neville remarked about Cucurella live on ITV.
“That price tag still, to be fair, astounds everybody I think to this day. The Spanish defence has got a lot of experience now but there’s something just missing from Spain that makes you feel like they’re going to go all the way.
“And I have to say, him [Cucurella] being at left-back probably is another example of why we think that.”
Cucurella didn’t forget Neville’s words. Shortly after full-time, with Spain having won the trophy and a gold medal around his neck, he exacted his revenge.
The Spaniard shared Neville’s quote to his Instagram story alongside a photo of him celebrating, with the caption: “We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support.”
8. Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan and Italy)
A key part of Inter Milan’s Serie A title-winning team last season, Dimarco scored six goals and provided eight assists. He is a reliable defender and a threat from set pieces. His goal from near the halfway line against Frosinone in November showcased his sharp instincts.
7. Alejandro Balde (Barcelona and Spain)
A hamstring injury in January denied Balde the chance to compete for a spot in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. Before his season-ending surgery, the 20-year-old had firmly established himself in Barcelona’s starting XI, and his future looks incredibly bright.
This season, under new coach Hansi Flick, Balde has returned to his outstanding 2022/23 form. A brilliant dribbler with solid defensive skills, he’s exactly the type of player the club will build around in the coming years.
6. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool and Scotland)
A reliable presence on Liverpool’s left flank for the past seven seasons, Robertson’s tireless runs into the opponent’s half have been instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic and European success. Alongside his relentless energy and ability to deliver crosses into the box, Robertson’s defensive skills place him among the best in his position.
He holds the record for the most assists by a left-back in Premier League history, solidifying his place as one of the best.
5. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid and France)
The 28-year-old is one of the most underrated players in the world. Mendy has won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues, among many other trophies with Real Madrid.
He brings energy and drive to Madrid’s left flank, and his comfort on the ball gives him all the key traits that a modern full-back needs.
4. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich and Canada)
One of North America’s finest European imports, Canada international Davies has used his lightning pace and dribbling ability to become one of the best left-backs in his six seasons at Bayern Munich.
At just 23, Davies has already won five Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League with Bayern. His performances have attracted interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea, as he enters the final year of his Bayern contract.
3. Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City and Croatia)
Manchester City made the 22-year-old the second-most expensive defender of all time when they paid €90 million for him, and by the end of last season, it looked like money well spent.
Defensively, Gvardiol is superb, combining physicality with excellent positional sense-traits he also displays when playing as a centre-back. His attacking talent came to the fore during the Premier League run-in, as he netted four goals and provided two assists in City’s last 15 games.
2. Theo Hernández (Milan and France)
Powerful and pacy, Theo Hernández often sets the attacking tone for Milan with his marauding runs down the left flank. After struggling to break into Real Madrid’s side, his 2019 move to Milan proved pivotal as he quickly matured into one of the best and most reliable left-backs in the world.
His versatility has even seen him play as a centre-back in Serie A this season, adding another dimension to his game.
1. Álex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen and Spain)
Grimaldo is currently the best-performing left-back in the world. The Spain international won Euro 2024, the Bundesliga unbeaten, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 29-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists last season, and he hasn’t slowed down this season, with two goals and three assists in just seven games.
His crossing ability, set-piece prowess, and finishing make him a serious threat in the opposition’s half, but without compromising his defensive solidity. Despite not having played senior football in Spain, Grimaldo’s move to Leverkusen after a successful stint at Benfica has cemented his place among the elite.
