One thing which footballers constantly try to improve on is the use of their weaker foot. While you can still be more than effective being a one-footed player – Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria being prime examples – being two-footed adds a different dimension altogether.
Ambidextrous footballers are a rare breed. They are capable of passing, shooting and dribbling with either foot. It helps them get out of pressure situations and create more out of every opportunity possible. They are a nightmare for opposition defences as they can play on either side with equal vigour and effectiveness.
Also read: 8 players who never use their weaker foot
In modern football, it’s a requirement for every footballer to be adept with both feet. But there are only a certain few who can actually be lethal with their weaker foot. Here are five of the best.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the greatest players to ever bestow their magic on the football field is Cristiano Ronaldo. Considered by many to be one of the most complete attackers ever, the Portuguese captain can do everything. He can head the ball, finish with either foot and create chances for his teammates.
The 31-year-old might be losing pace but his goal scoring ability is second to none. Ronaldo has a tendency to perform in big games, which he showed this season by helping his team retain the Champions League.
Everyone knows that he prefers to cut in on his stronger foot but he has a mean left foot too. His half volley against Bayern Munich is a testament to the fact that he can finish well with his left foot.
This season, Ronaldo has scored 10 goals with his weaker foot across all competitions.
#4 Ousmane Dembele
The 20-year-old was signed by Borussia Dortmund for a fee of €15 million on the back of a good debut season for the Ligue 1 side, Rennes.
The young Frenchman is equally adept with both feet and this gives him the license to play on either wing. He is known for his speed, skill and shooting ability which make him a nightmare for full-backs. Such is the skill of the youngster that even he is uncertain which his preferred foot is. In an interview, he claimed that he is more of a left-footed player but prefers his right foot to take penalties.
Out of the six goals the winger has scored in the Bundesliga this season, three were with his “weaker” right foot.
#3 Thiago Alcantara
La Masia product Thiago Alcantara was signed by Bayern Munich in 2013.
After a rough first season under Pep Guardiola, the Spaniard has improved his performances to become a vital part of the Munich midfield. He featured in nine out of the 10 Champions League games played by his side this season.
Often used as a number 10, Thiago has often shown that his 'weaker' foot is as good as his right one while pulling strings and creating chances for Robert Lewandowski and the other Bayern attackers. Only 26 years of age, Thiago has had a glittering career so far and a trophy cabinet many would be envious of. He is also a regular in the Spanish national side.
The former Spanish Under 21 captain is known for his dribbling skills and vision and had nine assists across all competitions in 2016/17.
#2 Son Heung-min
One of the most influential players for Tottenham Hotspur this season has been Son. With 14 goals and six assists in 34 appearances, Son has been vital in the final third. Although he prefers his right foot, five of these 14 goals were scored with his weaker left foot.
Son has the tendency to score screamers. Be it long rangers or curlers from tight angles, Son has produced strikes that would take one’s breath away.
Along with Harry Kane and Dele Alli, Son is a part of a formidable attack that could do well in Europe next season.
#1 Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla has a unique talent of taking corners and free kicks with either foot and is arguably the best two-footed player in the Premier League at the moment. The Spaniard was signed by Arsenal from Malaga in 2012 in an attempt to keep Robin van Persie from leaving the club. They couldn’t stop van Persie from leaving but they did gain a playmaker with immense talent and vision.
Cazorla made only 11 appearances in the 2016/17 season but was involved in five goals. A report in 2016 suggested that he takes 49% of his shots with his left foot and 51% with his right implying that he truly does not possess a “weaker” foot.
