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#3 Alphonso Davies
Canadian left-back Alphonso Davis had another brilliant year with Bayern Munich. Still only 21, Davies won the 2020-21 Bundesliga title with the Bavarian giants, and is well on course for another one in five months.
“Phonsie” recorded eight assists for Bayern this year, and also got himself on the scoresheet once. His contributions for Canada have been more than noteworthy, though.
The North American nation jumped 32 places, and were the most improved side in international football. Thanks to Davies' exploits, they are on the cusp of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over three decades.
Although Davies has to be more of a team player for Bayern Munich, he has more freedom while playing for Canada. He is deployed in a more advanced role, which leads to him providing goals and assists for fun. He has scored five times in just 13 games for Canada this year.
#2 Ferland Mendy
Marcelo’s exploits at Real Madrid makes him seem irreplaceable, but Ferland Mendy has usurped the Brazilian this year. Mendy is nowhere near as good as Marcelo while moving forward, but he is far more capable than the Brazilian defensively.
The Frenchman has three goals and one assist this year. However, his work off the ball earns him a high place on this list. Mendy is one of the key architects of Real Madrid’s La Liga title charge.
The former Lyon man was good last season too. With the addition of David Alaba, coupled with Eder Militao’s form this season, Real Madrid have a strong defence to fall upon. Mendy’s two-footedness, stamina and work rate make him an immense option to have at left-back.
#1 Andrew Robertson
Andrew Robertson went about his business in usual fashion in 2021. The Liverpool left-back’s creative output may have dried up in comparison to Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, he still performed more consistently than any left-back in the world this year.
The Scotland captain registered eight assists this year. Liverpool went trophyless last season, and only managed to scamper their way to the Champions League spots. Robertson was one of the few players who made that possible.
Robertson’s attacking ability for Liverpool over the years has been well-documented. Although his defending is also good, it's seldom talked about. Brilliant at doing anything to help his team win, Robertson is the best left-back of 2021.
