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The Premier League has had a blockbuster start this season, with numerous teams battling it out at the top of the table. Some unlikely candidates have made it into the top echelons while big guns like Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have suffered early setbacks.
Currently on top of the pile are Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur followed by big-spending Chelsea, who have settled down well into the Premier League this season after an indifferent start.
5 best left-backs in the Premier League this season (2020-21)
Though it may be early days in the new Premier League season, some left-backs have already caught the eye with their performances as full-backs continue to be an integral part of most teams' plans at both ends of the pitch.
Some teams such as Manchester United have invested in bringing in one more top-quality left-back in the form of Alex Telles while already having a first-choice starter - Luke Shaw - in the position.
Others such as Leicester City have battled to the top despite losing a pivotal player in the form of left-back Ben Chilwell, who has made an instant impact at new club Chelsea.
On that note, let us take a look at the five best left-backs, in ascending order, in the Premier League right now.
#5 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Signed as the most expensive right-back ever by Manchester City last year, the Portuguese talent has primarily slotted in at left-back this season, with the experienced Kyle Walker at right-back, in a 4-3-3.
Though City have made a bit of an indifferent start to the 2020-21 season, Joao Cancelo has made a steady start to his Premier League campaign and has shown his prowess going forward, notching up one assist in five games.
With City used to dominating the ball and pressing up, Cancelo and co. will have to work better at not getting caught on the break like they were to dramatic effect against Tottenham Hotspur. That will mean both more overlapping and tracking back for the Portuguese, who is also capable of playing as a wing-back.
#4 Lucas Digne (Everton)
Everton were the early pace-setters in the Premier League this season, but successive losses have pushed them back into the mix at seventh, with many teams around them.
However, one of their standout performers in these very early stages of the 2020-21 Premier League season has been French left-back Lucas Digne, whose coverage at the back as well as assist-making prowess up the field has helped The Toffees find balance and verve.
Lucas Digne is one of the most valued players in the team and harbours hopes of returning to the Champions League with the Liverpool-based club. He certainly has the calibre to shine on the European stage.
#3 Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham Hotspur)
Sergio Reguilon has been a revelation for Tottenham Hotspur in the 2020-21 Premier League ever since moving to the club from Spain.
In Spurs' win against Manchester City, the Tottenham backline was an unbreachable wall, and Reguilon was one of the bricks holding it together along with the other members of the back four.
With the North London club becoming a classic Jose Mourinho team reliant on defensive solidity and lightning-quick counter attacks, Reguilon's pace and skills down the left could become even more important as the season progresses.
The Spaniard has already notched up two assists in five appearances this season. As the club chases their first Premier League crown, Reguilon's form down the left channel and his putative partnership with Gareth Bale could be crucial to Spurs' plans.
#2 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Already a Premier League and Champions League winner at the age of 26, Andrew Robertson is not just one of the best left-backs in the EPL but in the world right now.
His partnership with Sadio Mane down the left for Liverpool has already become the stuff of legends and has been instrumental in ensuring the Reds play the kind of devastating football that has helped them win multiple laurels in a relatively short span of time.
In fact, Robertson and Trent-Alexander Arnold on the other flank comprise the most deadly full-back duo the game has seen in years. Their overlapping prowess and ability to go back consitute a vital component in gaffer Jurgen Klopp's strategy.
Robertson has begun the 2020-21 Premier League season in prime form as well, notching up a goal and two assists. He will look to keep contributing as Liverpool continue their quest to defend their Premier League crown.
#1 Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
Not even Frank Lampard could have imagined the kind of impact Ben Chilwell would have at Chelsea when he was pursuing the then-Leicester City left-back.
Chilwell was always meant for big things. Unsurprisingly, he has been a player who has acted as the touchstone that has revitalised the Blues after an indifferent start to the Premier League campaign; Chelsea have notched up victories on the trot to go second in the 2020-21 Premier League table.
Chilwell's ball-control, crossing and coverage have helped him score two goals and as many assists in just six games this season. and at 23, he could only get better and perhaps become one of the best in the business.
Honourable mention:
Luke Shaw: He has been consistent enough to start ahead of Manchester United's new recruit Alex Telles.
