The left-back – a position which has greatly evolved in the modern game to play a key role for many, a team. With the added responsibilities of providing an extra attacking dimension, while also playing a key role in the back defending pacey, flank players, a left-back is one of the more rather, exciting pieces of a team. We’ve seen the likes of Ashley Cole, Roberto Carlos, Phillipe Lahm and many more over the past few years but let’s take a look at five promising young left-backs for the future:
[warning: these are just 5 left-backs who have a bright future, it does not mean they are the only left-backs with a bright future.]
Name: Fabio Da Silva
Team: Manchester United
Age: 21
Fabio Da Silva, twin brother of Rafael Da Silva (who plays at RB) is one of the most exciting left-backs in the world at the moment. Not only being able to play at LB but in midfield as well as RB, Fabio is known for his attacking strengths and energetic style of play, being praised as an “excellent footballer” by his coach, Sir Alex Ferguson. He is without doubt the long term successor to Patrice Evra at Man United and Brazil’s answer to Roberto Carlos, having made two caps already, and very much has a bright future ahead of him as long as he can keep off the injury table.
Name: Timothee Kolodziejczak
Team: Olympique Lyonnais
Age: 20
Kolodziejczak with Lyon.
Part of the France team that won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, Kolodziejczak is one of the brightest French youth talents in Europe. Able to alternate as a winger as well, the Avion youth product who currently plays for Lyon is definitely one to watch out for. With natural attacking instincts and in his own words, “being born to run”, Kolodziejczak will very well play a key role for both France and Lyon in the near future with rumours of an Aly Cissokho departure.
Name: Kieran Gibbs
Team: Arsenal
Age: 22
Kieran Gibbs.
A product of the Arsenal youth academy, Gibbs was hailed as the long term successor to not only Gael Clichy of Arsenal, but for Ashley Cole of England. Along with his ability to play as fullback, he can also play in central midfield as well as a left winger. However, while Gibbs has shown signs of great promise, he has also shown signs of being highly injury prone. But, when he has been fit, he has shown that not only can he provide an attacking threat going forward with his smooth dribbling and pin point crossing ability, but he can also be a calm and sound defender. And with two England caps to his name already, Gibbs is destined for great things.
Name: Jordi Alba
Team: Valencia
Age: 22
Jordi Alba.
Originally a winger, Jordi Alba is your typical attack minded left-back – a product of La Masia, he currently plies his trade with Valencia where he has recently gained the spotlight not only at club level but at international level as well with the retirement of Joan Capdevilla from national football, having made three appearances for Spain as of now. Composed, good on the ball, a speed merchant, and with stunning technique, it’s no surprise that this 22 year old has already cemented his place in the Valencia and Spain lineup and who knows? He may return to Barcelona one day to replace the aging Abidal.
Name: Jack Robinson
Team: Liverpool
Age: 18
Robinson in action.
Currently, Liverpool’s youngest ever player to play competitively at 16 years and 250 days, Jack Robinson has showed why Rafa Benitez put so much faith in him at that age. Calm, assured and with very high concentration levels, Robinson is your typical old fashioned English defender, not afraid to make a tackle while also being very good at one on one situations. Slowly being blooded into the Liverpool team, it’ll only be a matter of time before he takes over Enrique in the pecking order as he has all the makings of a top left-back.
