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Full-backs have grown into the key figures for clubs in the modern era of football. Their roles have remarkably evolved over the years. Every team that has achieved something noteworthy over the last half a decade and more has a sublime pair of full-backs — Marcelo/Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid, Andy Robertson/Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the like.
The act as auxiliary attacking outlets down the flanks, always bombing down the wings on the counter or even by providing width to allow attackers to drift in-field. While in some cases, such as that with Marcelo, for instance, they act as wide-playmakers, continually passing and receiving the ball in wide areas and looking for a final ball to find their teammates.
The demand for full-backs has noticeably grown in the recent past, with clubs such as Manchester City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid having invested in recruiting technically gifted wide defenders in numbers. With this growing demand, the expectations of full-backs have grown vastly as well, as players playing in those positions need a particular skillset to command their flank.
While many full-backs have displayed that skillset to play out wide, some stand above the rest due to their ability to dominate their side both offensively and defensively for the entirety of the 90 minutes.
Here, we take a look at the five best left-backs in world football at the moment.
#5 Jordi Alba | Barcelona
Barcelona veteran Jordi Alba has been one of the most dependable left-backs in the world since his move to the Nou Camp in 2012. The €14m man has grown into his role at Barcelona and contributes noticeably to both their offence and defence.
Alba has a unique understanding on the pitch with Lionel Messi, and the interplay between the two players is sublime to watch. Quick off the mark and one of the quickest players in his team, Alba boasts a commendable recovery pace as well, something which helps the Catalans when they're caught on the counter.
The 31-year-old is comfortable playing in a high line and is a reliable crosser as well, notching up two goals and five assists in LaLiga Santander this season. Alba averages a whopping 70 passes per game in the league from left-back, further highlighting how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet.
The all-conquering Spaniard will go down as one of the most respected left-backs over the last decade. Although his powers have begun to wane due to a few questionable performances in Europe, he still has a lot left in the tank to offer.
#4 Alex Telles | FC Porto
One of the most in-demand left-backs in the world at the moment, Alex Telles is fresh off a stunning season with FC Porto en route their domestic double. The 27-year-old took some time to settle into European football with a couple of short spells at Galatasaray and Inter Milan.
However, once he settled down in Portugal and made Porto his home, he's grown into one of the most well-rounded, all-action left-backs in the world. Whether it's in attack or while shutting an opponent is out, Telles has impressed profoundly with his plays in 2019/20. What sets him apart from many other full-backs is his expertise in dead-ball and set-piece scenarios, and an eye for goal.
Although he is Porto's designated penalty taker, his numbers are absolutely surreal, having racked up eight assists and 11 goals in 31 Liga NOS games. Key passes (1.8 p90), shots on goal (1.3 p90), crosses (2.3 p90), and tackles (1.1 p90) — Telles can do it all.
It comes as no surprise that the likes of PSG and Chelsea are hot on Telles' tracks and hope to snap him up ahead of the 2020/21 season. With his contract running out soon and the 27-year-old entering his prime, it won't be long before a top club come calling for him.
#3 Theo Hernandez | AC Milan
The younger brother of World Cup-winning defender Lucas Hernandez, Theo had a relatively rockier start to his professional career in Europe. It was reportedly his dream to play for Real Madrid who proceeded to activate the then-Atletico Madrid defender's €24m release clause.
However, after a loan spell at Real Sociedad, it was made clear to him that he had to he had no future at the Santiago Bernabeu and needed to find a new club. Paolo Maldini's AC Milan contacted him over a move, and since he moved to San Siro, there was no looking back for the Frenchman.
Theo has established himself as the best left-back in the Italian top-flight since his move, changing the way AC Milan attack down their left flank. The attack-minded full-back has scored six goals and recorded three assists in Serie A and has mesmerised with his surreal dribbling ability.
The 22-year-old started 32 of 38 league games for Milan, further highlighting his importance to the Rossoneri. The left-back averages 1.5 shots, 1.7 dribbles and 2.1 fouls won per 90. A France call-up could be on the horizon for the former Atletico Madrid defender.
#2 Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich
One of the breakout stories in European football over the last two years, Alphonso Davies has gone from strength to strength since his move to Bayern Munich. The Canadian international became the first player born in the 2000s to play for an MLS club and joined the Bavarians' youth set-up after an impressive breakthrough in the USA.
The former Vancouver Whitecaps player started as a winger but has been converted into a left-back, a move that has seen him flourish like very few have. Davies took to his new position with the utmost ease and has become the most terrifying full-back in the Bundesliga.
Davies is blessed with electrifying pace to burn down the left-hand side, and was crowned as the fastest player and rookie of the season in the Bundesliga for his excellent campaign. He isn't afraid to tackle either, averaging 2.4 of them a game along with 2.8 dribbles in the German top-flight. His dribbling ability is sumptuous, and the 19-year-old calls upon his own experience as a winger to help him outthink his opponent.
His recovery pace is simply marvellous, helping him shut down some of the quickest and most devastating wingers he's faced. At just 19, Davies has the world at his feet and could potentially go on to become even more of a complete full-back.
#1 Andrew Robertson | Liverpool
Widely regarded as the best left-back in world football, Andy Robertson has become one of the most integral cogs of Jurgen Klopp's unstoppable Liverpool side. The Reds' left-back, along with his Liverpool counterpart Trent Alexander-Arnold, have revolutionised the roles of full-backs in the modern era.
While the Englishman is undoubtedly the more talented of the two with his ability to function essentially as a wide playmaker, the Scot has an enviable engine that allows him to dominate his flank. Robertson tirelessly keeps running throughout the game to support his side in attack while also tracking back to sniff out any potential danger.
His 2019/20 Premier League tally of 12 assists is the second-highest figure ever recorded in the league, only behind his teammate Alexander-Arnold, and is his best-ever return. From being relegated with Hull City to winning the UEFA Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, Robertson unquestionably has come a long way over the last few years.
He also performs well as an outlet on the left when Liverpool are chasing a game, and combines commendably while linking up with Sadio Mane on the left. The duo have wreaked havoc on the flank and are essential to Klopp's set up. Be it his attacking prowess or defensive solidity, Robertson is arguably the most complete left-back in the world.
Also read: 5 realistic destinations for the Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago
