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Top-quality left-footed players are a rarity. With managers seeking to balance their team, left-footedness is a highly desirable attribute to have.
Various acute angles open up for left-footers, and talented players have the ability to take these chances. It is not easy to find such players though, especially midfielders.
Apart from creating different angles, such players are aesthetically pleasing to watch as well. Clubs are always in the market for such players. On that note, here's a look at the five best left-footed midfielders in the game at the moment.
#5 Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola had admitted during the summer transfer window that Bernardo Silva wanted to leave Manchester City.
The reasons were not clear why. But City will be thrilled to keep hold of the elegant midfielder for now. Silva has thrived since joining Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017 for £45 million. He has transformed from a skilled winger during his Ligue 1 days to a robust midfielder in the Premier League.
The Portugal international has been a consistent presence in the first XI for Manchester City, winning the Manchester City Player of the Year in the 2018-19 season. Silva reportedly wanted to go to Spain this summer, but a move to Atletico Madrid or Barcelona did not eventually materialise.
#4 Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Martin Odegaard has been under the spotlight from a very young age, making his name as a prodigious talent during his Stromsgodset days.
Many top European clubs wanted to sign the attacking midfielder, before Real Madrid won the race to sign him in 2015. The Norway international may not have played a lot for Madrid. But he has showcased his prowess during loan spells at Vitesse and Real Sociedad.
Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan in January, and impressed sufficiently for the club to sign him for £31.5 million this summer. The 22-year-old is an old-fashioned no.10, highly creative and technically gifted. Many regard Odegaard as the heir to Mesut Ozil at Arsenal.
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#3 Saul (Chelsea)
Saul Niguez was regarded as one of the best young players in the world some time ago. But he endured a subdued 2020-21 campaign with Atletico Madrid.
It was slightly surprising to see Atletico willing to let go of Niguez this summer. The Spain international was at the club since 2008, and often produced excellent performances in midfield. Last season, though, he was often utilised as a left wing-back.
The 26-year-old fell further down the pecking order with the arrival of Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese. Chelsea swooped in to sign him on a loan deal on transfer deadline day. With the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante as Chelsea's other midfield options, Saul Niguez has work to do to break into the first XI, though.
#2 Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
One of the best young players in the game currently, Eduardo Camavinga completed a £28 million move to Real Madrid from Rennes on transfer deadline day.
The 18-year-old was a key first-team player for Rennes, so it was not surprising to see Real Madrid sign him. Camavinga is a highly gifted player who excels in midfield. He was previously linked with the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain before Madrid snapped him up this summer.
The France international is a versatile midfielder who can operate in defensive midfield and as a box-to-box midfielder too. With both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in their 30s, Camavinga is Real Madrid's future.
#1 Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden is one of the best talents in the Premier League, and is seen as both the present and the future for Manchester City.
A product of the Manchester City academy, Foden has impressed critics and fans with his versatility, creativity and technical prowess. The England international has blossomed under Pep Guardiola, who deserves credit for grooming Foden.
The 21-year-old is now an established first-team player at City and for England as well. He was the second-highest scorer for Manchester City last season. Foden can operate in midfield and further forward. But it remains to be seen how his minutes are impacted with the arrival of Jack Grealish.
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