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Left-footed players are a bit of a rarity in football. A majority of players are right-footed and therefore, left-footed players can prove to be a great asset for any side. A team that has a decent balance on that front will be more dynamic in possession than a side that doesn't.
Some of the greatest footballers of all-time have been left-footed
Despite left-footed players being fewer in numbers, two of the greatest footballers of all time are left-footers, namely Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. In fact, quite a lot of footballing legends preferred using their left foot over their right.
Ryan Giggs, Roberto Carlos, Gareth Bale and Paolo Maldini are all examples of world-class left-footed players who were absolutely unstoppable in their prime. Even today, there is no shortage of top quality left-footers.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best left-footed footballers in the world this season.
#5 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi has had an underwhelming start to life at PSG. He struggled to make much of an impact in his early days in Ligue 1 but seems to be growing into it now. The Argentinian international was a different beast in the Champions League though, scoring five goals in five appearances.
The 34-year-old's final product has been a little off but fans who've seen him play this season know that aside from the odd lackluster showing, he has had a good season so far. Messi has scored seven goals and has provided seven assists in 19 appearances across all competitions so far this term.
Those numbers are low only by his own lofty standards. Messi has created 6.59 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. This is second only to Dimitri Payet, who has 7.16 shot-creating actions per 90.
#4 Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich) and Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Leroy Sane has rediscovered his mojo this season and has already bettered his numbers from the 2020-21 campaign. He has been a menacing presence down the left side for Bayern Munich this term with his blistering pace and composure inside the final third.
In 44 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, Sane scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists. In just 29 appearances across all competitions this term, he already has netted 12 times while racking up 13 assists.
Sane is an old-fashioned winger. He is left-footed and unlike many of his peers who love to cut in from the right side, he is the type of player who loves to run to the byline and whip in crosses.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick has carried over his impressive form from Euro 2020 to the 2021-22 season. The 26-year-old is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe at present. He has scored 18 goals and provided three assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances so far this term.
Schick is one of the best left-footed players in the world right now.
#3 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
Manchester City have been utterly dominant in the Premier League this term. They have a nine-point lead at the top of the table and also have one game in hand over second-placed Liverpool. What's most impressive is that City have managed to be this bullish without having an out-and-out striker on their side.
But that's okay because all of their other forwards have chipped in generously. Chief among those players is Riyad Mahrez, who has been in sublime form for Manchester City this term.
The left-footed winger has scored in each of his last seven appearances for Pep Guardiola's men and has been nearly unstoppable of late.
The 30-year old-has scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for the Cityzens this season.
#2 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Haaland has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the game at the age of 21. The Borussia Dortmund striker is a phenomenal forward blessed with great athletic and technical ability.
The left-footed striker is an extremely talented marksman who has so often proven to be the difference maker for the Bundesliga outfit since joining them in January 2020. Haaland is tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund to join one of the European giants this summer.
The Norwegian international has scored at more than a goal per game this season. His goal tally stands at 23 from 20 appearances across all competitions this term. Haaland has also assisted six goals.
#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah has been absolutely brilliant for Liverpool since joining them in the summer of 2017. Just when everyone thought that he had maybe hit his ceiling, the Egyptian international has managed to take his game to another level.
Salah has doubled down on his strengths this season with his quick-feet, decision-making and shooting in the final third all being nothing short of world-class. He has already scored an array of wonderful goals this term.
His goalscoring exploits were crucial to Liverpool navigating the Champions League 'group of death' rather comfortably. Salah has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists in 27 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
