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Some of the world's best full-backs have plied their trade with various clubs in La Liga over the course of the division's 91-year history. Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is the first name that comes to mind when talking about the best left-backs in the history of the competition.
Though none of the left-backs in the Spanish top flight currently operate at the same level as the Brazilian icon, they can still be considered some of the best in the business in their position.
Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba and his counterpart at Real Madrid, Marcelo, had for long held the title of the best left-backs in La Liga. However, a younger crop of players has emerged this season and have largely outperformed the two veterans.
On that note, let us take a look at the top five left-backs in La Liga for the 2019-20 campaign.
Honourable mentions -
Marcelo (Real Madrid), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid) and Marc Cucurella (Getafe).
Top five La Liga left-backs in the 2019-20 season
#5 Jordi Alba - Barcelona
Jordi Alba's season was interrupted by three injury spells that saw him miss out 11 games in La Liga. Despite his struggles with injuries, he was a key figure for Barcelona, especially after the restart.
He featured in 10 of their 11 games since the restart, scoring a goal and providing four assists even as the Catalans failed to lift the league title. He linked up well with players like Ansu Fati, Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi on the left flank.
Despite his heavy involvement in the buildup, he was solid in the defence as he always effectively tracked back. He made one clearance on average per game while also averaging 1.4 successful tackles a game.
#4 Yuri Berchiche - Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao concluded the 2019-20 season with a modest 11th-placed finish, without impressing either with their goal-scoring exploits or with their defensive abilities. However, one of the players who stood out among his peers at the Basque club was defender Yuri Berchiche.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star proved his worth as a traditional left-back with his no-nonsense approach to the game. Though he did not contribute much to his side's attack, mainly due to the presence of an attack-minded Ander Capa at right-back, he did score a couple of goals and ended up with one assist in 32 starts.
He averaged 1.6 clearances and 1.5 successful tackles per game while he was dominant in the air, winning 1.6 aerial duels per game.
Also Read: 10 best defenders in European football this season
#3 Ferland Mendy - Real Madrid
32-year-old Marcelo does not feature in our list of top five La Liga left-backs, mainly due to his struggles with injuries, but the rise of Ferland Mendy this season also played its part in the decision.
The French defender enjoyed a great season with Los Blancos after spending a year on the sidelines and has largely impressed with his lightning-quick pace, dribbling skills and pin-point crossing.
Though he only had one goal and two assists this season, his involvement in Real Madrid's buildup play was top-notch. The young left-back is likely to play a key role in the Champions League fixtures, with Marcelo out for the rest of the season.
#2 Pervis Estupiñán - Osasuna
Pervis Estupiñán had a breakthrough season at Osasuna, where he is currently on loan from Watford.
The 22-year-old left-back was an absolute beast for the club that finished 10th in the league on their return to the top flight. He was a rock in the defence for Osasuna and posted some impressive stats, averaging 2.3 tackles a game, 1.6 interceptions and 1.3 clearances a game.
Despite being so busy in the defence, he was one of their key players going forward and created a lot of chances from the wide positions. He attempted 37 crossed into the penalty area, a stat only bettered by Jesus Navas, who has 40. He had 1.2 key passes every game and as a result, ended the season with five assists for the season.
His contract with the Spanish club expires next summer and with Watford now back in the Championship, it would be better for his development if he stays at Osasuna for the next campaign.
#1 Sergio Reguilón - Sevilla
Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon, who spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Sevilla, was one of the best defenders in the Spanish top flight this term and formed a formidable full-back partnership with Jesus Navas.
He displayed a lot of maturity in his performances, maintaining a delicate balance between pushing forward for a goal and staying back to defend against the incoming danger. His stats present a telling story as to how the young Spaniard proved himself equally comfortable on both ends of the pitch.
He won close to two tackles every game, made one crucial interception and 1.4 clearances a game on average. Interestingly, despite his modest physical stature, he was dominant in the air as well, winning 1.3 aerial duels per game.
The 23-year-old left-back contributed to six goals this season, scoring twice and setting up four goals for his teammates, while also averaging 1.3 key passes every game. His good reading of the game and impressive work-rate helped his side to the third-best defensive record in the league.
His loan spell at Sevilla will be over at the end of the season and with Mendy already filling in the shoes of Marcelo, it will be difficult for him to cement his place in the Real Madrid squad. Maybe another loan spell is in the works for him?
Also See: 2019-20 La Liga: 5 best Centre-backs
