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The majority of footballers in the world are right-footed. That's why there is a certain sense of novelty attached with left-footed players. Despite being fewer in numbers, two of the greatest footballers of all time, Diego Maradona and Messi, are left-footed players.
They add a sense of balance to their sides and if a team has that kind of dynamism, they'll be more efficient at moving the ball around.
For example, a left-footer can manipulate balls from acute angles where a right-footed player will struggle to do anything at all. Left-footed midfielders are even more of a rarity than left-footed forwards.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best left-footed midfielders in the game right now.
#5 Martin Odegaard (Norway/Arsenal)
Former Real Madrid man Martin Odegaard could very well be Arsenal's next Mesut Ozil. The Norwegian international most certainly has that level of quality but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to produce it on a consistent basis.
Odegaard has been impressive for the Gunners since joining the club in January 2021 on an initial loan deal. Arsenal made the move permanent in the summer for a sum in the ballpark of €40 million.
The 23-year-old has done a decent job so far and seems to be getting used to the pace of the Premier League. He has scored four goals and provided an assist in 13 Premier League appearances for the Gunners so far this season.
He is a creative attacking midfielder who has a great eye for a pass. Odegaard is also pretty decent from set-pieces.
#4 Paulo Dybala (Argentina/Juventus)
Paulo Dybala became a peripheral figure at Juventus during the 2020-21 season under Andrea Pirlo. The former player did not rate Dybala very highly and the Argentina international was left frustrated a lack of game time.
However, Massimiliano Allegri's arrival has been a welcome change for Dybala. He played some of the best football of his career during Allegri's first stint as the manager of the Bianconeri.
Dybala is getting back to his best season. It has been an underwhelming start to the season for Juventus. But Dybala's early-season form has been a positive for them. The 28-year-old has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances across the Serie A and Champions League so far this term.
Dybala is a great dribbler and is a wonderful technician. He showcases great vision and has the passing range to match it. The Argentina international is also capable of finding the back of the net from range and is a brilliant set-piece taker as well.
#3 Fabian Ruiz (Spain/Napoli)
Fabian Ruiz has been absolutely sensational for Napoli in the 2021-22 season so far. The 25-year-old Spanish international is an incredible technician who plays a deep role in midfield but is capable of wreaking havoc in the final third as well.
Ruiz's ability to find the back of the net from range is truly world-class. He is also an excellent passer of the ball. Ruiz looks determined to earn a call-up to the national side for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ruiz has scored five goals and provided two assists in 15 Serie A appearances so far this season. He has been one of the best midfielders in the Italian top-flight this season and is definitely a player to watch out for the rest of the campaign.
#2 Phil Foden (England/Manchester City)
Phil Foden is inarguably one of the best players to have come out of Manchester City's youth system in recent times. The Englishman has immense potential and is already a top quality player who can terrorize defenders with his immaculate technical ability.
It is almost impossible to shake Phil Foden off the ball. He is yet another player who can play anywhere across the frontline and midfield. The 21-year-old has scored six goals and provided six assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City this term.
He is a pacy customer who is excellent with the ball at his feet. Foden's decision-making in and around the final third makes him a credible threat every time he gets possession of the ball in dangerous areas.
#1 Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva has been in great form for Manchester City this season. Due to Manchester City's excessive attacking wealth, there was a bit of concern regarding Silva's future at the club last season. He failed to match the levels expected of him and was even linked with an exit.
But he has come back with a vengeance this season. Silva has played in central midfield and even as a false nine several times so far this term to great effect. The Portuguese international has also been among the goals this campaign, scoring netting seven times in 16 Premier League appearances.
The 27-year-old is proving to be a worthy successor to the legendary David Silva. Bernardo Silva showcases great ball retention abilities and is a very intelligent footballer and is an excellent passer of the ball as well. He is undoubtedly one of the best left-footed midfielders in the game right now.
