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After struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League initially, Patrice Evra went onto become one of the finest left backs in the history of the League. The Frenchmans ability going forward, coupled with his strength in the air, made him an all-round threat and an archetypal modern-day fullback.Unfortunately, the past 18 months havent been too impressive as the Frenchman looks to have come to the end of his Manchester United career. So, here are five potential replacements for Evra.
#5 Juan Bernat
Taking over from Jordi Alba is easier said than done. But, on the evidence of his performances so far this season, Juan Bernat has taken to the position like a duck to water. Initially a winger, just like Alba, Bernat has transformed himself into a dependable and reliable defender who is more than capable of causing some havoc in the opposition half.
Still only 21, the Spaniard has all the attributes that stand him in good stead for the future. Blessed with outstanding pace, crossing and ball control, the left back is turning out to be a more than adequate replacement for Alba. And if continues his upward trajectory, he might well be one of the finest full backs in a few years’ time. For now, he is a player of immense potential and one that United could get their hands on relatively cheaply.
#4 Domenico Criscito
Probably the most-underrated player on this list. Zenit's Italian left back Domenico Criscito has been one of his side’s key players over the past few years which has seen them dominate the domestic landscape. Standing a tad over 6 feet, the Italian is good in the air and is well-known for his shot blocking ability.
The 27-year-old is the most experienced of all the left backs on this list and one that is in the prime of his career. With a penchant for accurate long balls and the awareness to not jump into tackles, the Italian possesses a rare combination of both defensive grit and attacking flair that would make him well-suited to the Premier League and the Red Devils in particular.
#3 Jetro Willems
Getting into the Dutch side is difficult as it is, but establishing yourself as a first choice full back aged just 18 is something else. That is precisely what PSV’s 20-year-old left back Jetro Willems managed to do. Ever since then, he has established himself as the first-choice for both club and country.
Athletic, agile and aggressive on both ends of the pitch, Jetro Willems has all the makings of a world-class full back. Whilst he isn’t the greatest crosser of the ball, his all-round offensive output far exceeds any other full back in Europe at the moment. Defensively, he is renowned for his tackling and interceptions and would be a perfect fit at Old Trafford.
#2 Ricardo Rodriguez
For a team that is chasing a Champions League spot in the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg’s best player this season has been the remarkable Ricardo Rodriguez. In fact the Swiss left back has been so good that Whoscored.com have ranked him as the second-best player in the Bundesliga this season.
The 21-year-old has appeared in every League game this season and has racked up five goals, six man of the match awards and seven assists. Rodriguez has quickly emerged into one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe thanks to his defensive stability and his attacking verve. A first-team regular for Switzerland, his price bound to rise, if he continues his performances into the World Cup. So, United better act fast, if they want their hands on this sensational Swiss defender, whose best years are in front of him.
#1 Luke Shaw
The last left back to come through the ranks at Southampton went onto become the most expensive player in the world. So, when word got out that another young starlet was making through the ranks, expectations were sky high. Over the course of the current season, Luke Shaw has, not only stood up to them, but also exceeded them more often than not.
Aged just 18, Shaw has already demonstrated considerable technical skill and athleticism, which was never really in doubt. Great going forward, with the ability to pick a cross and more than capable of holding his own in defense, Shaw is not only an asset for the future, but one that is highly valuable at the moment as well. With City and Chelsea hovering around the English fullback, it might be difficult for United to get him through, but should they do so, they will have the perfect replacement for Evra.
