Blog

In this post, we will check out the top 10 best left backs in the world in 2023.

The modern game of football places a great deal of emphasis on the role of fullbacks, with their attacking prowess and defensive solidity being crucial in shaping a team’s success.

As we venture into 2023, a new generation of left-backs has risen to the forefront, showcasing exceptional skill, versatility, and game-changing performances. In this list, we present the crème de la crème of left-backs, who have consistently dazzled fans and pundits alike with their extraordinary abilities on the pitch.

These remarkable athletes have mastered the art of overlapping runs, pinpoint crosses, and timely defensive interventions, making them indispensable assets for their respective clubs and national teams.

The ten individuals who have earned their place on this prestigious list have set new standards in the position, demonstrating unmatched talent, dedication, and a deep understanding of the game.

From established veterans who continue to shine to rising stars making their mark, this collection of left-backs represents the pinnacle of excellence in their craft. Whether it’s their incredible work rate, tactical intelligence, or ability to influence the game in multiple facets, these players epitomize the essence of a modern-day left back.

As we explore the rankings, it is essential to note that this list is subjective, considering both individual performances and team achievements, as well as the impact made in major competitions.

So, without further ado, let us delve into the captivating world of the top 10 best left-backs in the world in 2023, where the finest talents of the beautiful game come to life.

Top 10 Best Left Backs In The World 2023

10 Jose Gaya

In the ever-evolving world of football, certain players manage to stand out and establish themselves as the best in their positions. Among the elite left-backs in the world, Jose Gaya has undoubtedly solidified his place among the top ten in 2023.

With his exceptional skills, versatility, and consistent performances, Gaya has earned recognition as one of the top-ranked 10 best left backs worldwide in 2023.

Gaya’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. Born on May 25, 1995, in Pedreguer, Spain, Gaya began his football journey at a young age. He joined Valencia CF’s youth academy and gradually progressed through the ranks, showcasing immense potential and determination.

One of Gaya’s standout qualities is his defensive prowess. He possesses excellent positioning, reading of the game, and tactical awareness, allowing him to excel in both one-on-one situations and when defending against quick and skillful attackers.

His overlapping runs, pinpoint crosses, and ability to link up with teammates in the attacking third make him a constant source of danger for opposition defenses. Gaya’s offensive contributions often result in goals and assist, adding a dynamic dimension to his game.

Furthermore, Gaya’s versatility is a key asset that sets him apart from his peers. While predominantly a left-back, he is comfortable operating in a more advanced role as a wing-back or even as a left-sided midfielder.

In conclusion, Jose Gaya has rightfully earned his place among the top ten best left-backs in the world in 2023. His defensive solidity, attacking prowess, versatility, and consistent performances make him a standout player in his position.

9 Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team. He is often regarded as one of the best full-backs of his generation.

Alba has been a key player for Barcelona since his arrival from Valencia in 2012. He has won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, and one UEFA Champions League title with the club. He has also been named to the UEFA Team of the Year three times.

Alba is known for his attacking prowess and his ability to create chances for his teammates. He is also a strong defender and is capable of contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.

He is also a regular in the Spain national team and has won the UEFA European Championship twice and the FIFA World Cup once. Jordi Alba is number 9 in our list of the top 10 greatest left backs worldwide.

8 Ivan Perisic

Ivan Perisic, known for his versatility on the pitch, has certainly made a name for himself as one of the best left backs ranked in the world. While primarily recognized as a winger throughout his career, Perisic has seamlessly transitioned into a left-back role, showcasing his adaptability and defensive prowess.

Perisic’s performances have been nothing short of exceptional, making him a key player for both his club and country. His exceptional work rate and tireless running make him a constant threat down the left flank, providing attacking options while maintaining defensive solidity.

With his excellent stamina and physicality, Perisic is adept at overlapping runs, delivering pinpoint crosses, and even venturing forward to contribute to crucial goals.

What sets Perisic apart is his astute reading of the game and tactical intelligence. His ability to anticipate opposition moves and intercept passes is remarkable, often disrupting the flow of the opposition’s attack.

Additionally, Perisic possesses impressive ball control and technical skills, allowing him to dribble past opponents with ease and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Moreover, Perisic’s experience and leadership qualities bring an added dimension to his game. Having played at the highest level for both club and country, he brings a wealth of knowledge and composure to the left-back position.

Perisic’s ability to seamlessly transition into the left-back role while maintaining his exceptional performances speaks volumes about his adaptability and footballing prowess. As he continues to excel on the field, Ivan Perisic solidifies his status as one of the finest left-backs of his generation.

7 Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team. He is known for his pace, dribbling, and crossing ability.

Mendes began his career at Sporting CP, making his senior debut in 2019. He quickly established himself as one of the best young left-backs in the world, and in 2021 he was signed by Paris Saint-Germain for a club-record fee for a teenager.

In his first season at PSG, Mendes made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing 7 assists. Mendes has also been a regular for Portugal at international level. He made his senior debut in 2021, and he has since won 12 caps. He was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.

Mendes is still only 19 years old, and he has the potential to be one of the best left-backs in the world for many years to come. He is already a regular for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he has also won a major international trophy. If he continues to develop at his current rate, he will be one of the most sought-after players in the world in the years to come.

6 Alejandro Balde

In 2023, Alejandro Balde has firmly established himself as one of the top 10 best left backs in the world. Born on January 18, 2003, in Guinea-Bissau, Balde’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable.

At a young age, he showcased immense talent and caught the attention of scouts from some of the biggest football clubs in Europe. His natural athleticism, technical skills, and defensive prowess set him apart from his peers and paved the way for a bright future in the sport.

Balde began his professional career at FC Barcelona, where he joined the renowned La Masia youth academy. Under the tutelage of experienced coaches and surrounded by talented players, he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game.

Blessed with blistering pace and exceptional crossing ability, Balde quickly progressed through the ranks and earned a place in Barcelona’s first team.

Since making his senior debut, Balde has consistently impressed fans and pundits alike with his performances. His defensive awareness and positioning make him a reliable presence at the back, while his lightning-fast sprints down the left flank pose a constant threat to opposing defenses.

His willingness to track back and provide defensive cover, coupled with his attacking contributions, makes him an invaluable asset to his team’s overall balance and success.

In conclusion, Alejandro Balde’s emergence as one of the top 10 best left-backs in the world in 2023 is well-deserved. His combination of physical attributes, technical skills, defensive prowess, and attacking contributions make him a formidable force on the field.

5 Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko is one of the best left-backs in the world in 2023. He has been in excellent form for Arsenal this season, and his performances have helped the Gunners to challenge for the Premier League title.

Zinchenko is a versatile player who can play as a left-back, left-wing-back, or central midfielder. He is strong in both attack and defense, and he is a good passer and dribbler. He is also a hard worker and he is always willing to put in a shift for his team.

Zinchenko has been a key player for Arsenal this season. He has been a major factor in the Gunners’ defensive solidity. He has also been praised for his leadership qualities, and he has been a positive influence on the young players in the Arsenal squad.

Zinchenko is a rising star in world football, and he has the potential to be one of the best left-backs in the world in the years to come. He is a complete player who is capable of excelling in both attack and defense, and he is a valuable asset to any team.

4 Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw’s remarkable journey has been filled with ups and downs, but his dedication and hard work have paid off, making him a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

Shaw’s exceptional performances for both club and country have caught the attention of football fans and experts worldwide. His defensive capabilities are outstanding, combining strength, agility, and tactical awareness to shut down opponents and nullify their attacks. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has made him an invaluable asset for his team.

However, it’s not just Shaw’s defensive skills that have elevated him to the elite ranks of left-backs. His attacking prowess and contribution to the team’s attacking play cannot be overlooked. Shaw possesses excellent dribbling skills and an incredible ability to create chances from the left flank.

What sets Luke Shaw apart from other left-backs is his exceptional work rate and stamina. He possesses incredible endurance, allowing him to bomb up and down the left flank tirelessly throughout the match. Shaw’s tireless running, combined with his technical abilities, provides a constant threat to opposing defenses and allows him to make overlapping runs to stretch the opposition.

At the international level, Shaw has been a standout performer for the England national team. His performances in major tournaments have been nothing short of outstanding, providing solidity in defense and a potent attacking threat.

As he continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that Luke Shaw will remain a prominent figure in the world of football for years to come.

3 Andrew Robertson

Andrew Robertson is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world. He has been a key member of the Liverpool team since joining the club in 2017 and has won the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and EFL Cup.

Robertson is known for his incredible work ethic, his crossing ability, and his ability to get forward and support the attack. He is also a solid defender and is rarely caught out of position.

In the 2022-23 season, Robertson provided 11 assists in the Premier League, which was the most of any player in the league. He also scored 3 goals.

Robertson is a key player for both Liverpool and Scotland. He is a leader on the field and is always willing to put in a shift for his team. He is a role model for young players and is an inspiration to anyone who loves the game of football.

2 Alphonso Davies

Alphonso Davies has firmly established himself as one of the top 10 best left backs in the world. The Canadian sensation burst onto the scene with his incredible speed, versatility, and technical abilities, captivating fans and experts alike.

His rise to prominence began with his breakthrough season at Bayern Munich, where he showcased his immense potential and quickly became a key figure in their success.

Davies’ blistering pace is undoubtedly one of his most remarkable attributes. He possesses an electrifying burst of speed that allows him to effortlessly leave opponents in his wake.

Whether it’s tracking back to defend or making lung-busting runs down the left flank, his acceleration and agility are simply unparalleled. This incredible speed not only makes him a potent attacking threat but also an exceptional defender, capable of recovering quickly and thwarting counterattacks effectively.

Aside from his physical attributes, Davies also possesses exceptional technical skills. His close ball control, precise passing, and dribbling ability make him a constant threat going forward.

He often combines his speed with intricate footwork to beat defenders, creating opportunities for his teammates or even finding the back of the net himself. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively is a testament to his well-rounded skill set.

Furthermore, Davies’ versatility sets him apart from many other left-backs in the world. While primarily known for his performances in defense, he has also demonstrated his ability to play further up the field as a winger.

His adaptability allows him to seamlessly switch positions and contribute effectively to different tactical approaches. This flexibility not only benefits his club but also makes him a valuable asset for the Canadian national team, where he has made a significant impact.

Beyond his individual attributes, Davies has consistently performed at the highest level for both club and country. He has been a key figure in Bayern Munich’s continued success, playing an integral role in their dominance in domestic and European competitions.

His performances have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in Canada’s resurgence on the international stage, helping them qualify for major tournaments and raising the profile of Canadian football.

His exceptional speed, technical prowess, versatility, and consistent performances make him a force to be reckoned with on the field. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, there is no doubt that he will remain a standout player and continue to captivate football fans worldwide. Alphonso Davies is number 2 in our list of the top 10 best left backs in the world in 2023.

1 Theo Hernandez

Theo Hernandez is one of the best left-backs in the world in 2023. He has been in incredible form over the last few years, and he has been a key player for AC Milan and France.

Hernandez is a very attacking-minded left-back. He loves to get forward and create chances for his teammates. He is also very good at dribbling past defenders. In the 2022-23 season, he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists in Serie A.

Hernandez is also a very good defender. He is strong in the air and he is good at tackling. He is also very good at reading the game and anticipating danger.

Hernandez is a complete left-back. He is good at both attacking and defending. He is a key player for AC Milan and France, and he is one of the best left-backs in the world in 2023.