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Quality fullbacks have now become an essential part of any big team as they are hard workers who play a key role in both attack and defense. The fullbacks could even have a more difficult task in defending than a center back and usually have better stats in terms of the number of tackles.
Many of them have been tasked to guard the world's best attackers such as Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi. Apart from their high defensive demands, they also should do well in attacks. The fullbacks often have to become a supplier who provides the key passes for the strikers as most of the wingers have become more of inside runners than crossers these days.
The left-back position has now seen a considerable increase in popularity due to Andy Robertson's soaring fame. Now as the season nears its end, let's take a look at 5 of the world's best left backs this season.
#5 Ferland Mendy
The Lyon defender has been pretty much one of Ligue 1's most in-demand players this season and, some media even label him as the Kylian Mbappe of left backs. He has become a key man for the French club's impressive run at both in the Champions and domestic leagues.
His market price has skyrocketed up to more than €30 million since he was bought by Lyon for just €5 million in 2017. An agile and pacey defender with pinpoint passes, Mendy bears a close resemblance to Barcelona's Jordi Alba in terms of style of play.
He has a high 84 percent average passing accuracy and has been directly involved in 3 goals from 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon. He has also been pretty impressive in nearly all of the defending aspects including tackle, aerial duel, interception, and clearance.
He was a standout performer for Lyon at his latest match against 2nd-placed Lille, becoming a player with the highest amount of successful tackles in the game and completed 91 percent of his passes.
#4 Alex Sandro
Sandro's place in the squad has been a bit threatened due to Massimiliano Allegri's preference for Leonardo Spinazolla on several occasions. He has also seen a considerable drop in productivity as he has just made 3 goal involvements for Juventus in all competitions this season.
Nevertheless, His impressive defensive performance has made Juventus the least conceding team in Serie A in this present campaign. He has registered an average of 2.2 tackles, 1.9 aerials won, and 1.2 interceptions combined in the Champions and the domestic league.
Apart from his all-around defensive works, Sandro is also a reliable passer and rarely makes an error at a match. His offensive capabilities also should not be underestimated as he has made at least 1 key pass in each game on an average despite his abysmal goal involvements.
#3 Lucas Digne
He might be the only name who does not come from Europe's top teams in this list but, his impressive stats in the Premier League would surely be too good to ignore. The Frenchman was a Barcelona outcast last season and played mostly as second fiddle to Jordi Alba.
However, he has successfully shown his enormous potential once again since Everton bought him for a considerable €20 million. He has been the most consistent performer in Marco Silva's squad and arguably only second-best behind Robertson in the Premier League at his position.
He has a very prominent presence at Everton's attack as he has registered 4 goals and provided as many numbers of assists throughout the season. He has also been ever-present at The Toffee's defense as he has recorded a solid 2 tackles, 1.8 intercepts, and won 2.6 aerial duels on average.
Many would surely have a hard time to find a left back with better stats than Digne this season.
#2 Jordi Alba
Barcelona finally sealed the Spanish defender's future after Alba penned a contract which would keep him at the club until 2024. The 30 years old became subject to numerous speculations in the past due to Barcelona's slow action in finishing his extension.
Alba has been one of Barcelona's most prominent stars and should be considered as one of the club's greatest alongside Lionel Messi, Gerrard Pique, and Sergio Busquets. A quick and agile defender with pinpoint passes, The Spaniard has continued to become the king of assist for Barcelona this season.
The former Valencia player has recorded an incredible 13 assists combined in the Champions League and La Liga. He has once again formed a deadly partnership with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi to terrorizes opposition's defense.
Despite he has been known for his offensive prowess, Alba is also defensively sound in his play. He has provided more than 1 clearance and 1 interception per game on average, helping Barcelona to become one of the least conceded teams in La Liga.
#1 Andrew Robertson
The Scottish left-back has been such a revelation for Jurgen Klopp since the player joined from Hull City in 2017. Bought for just €9 million by Liverpool, Robertson has quickly established himself as the best at his position in the Premier League while his international fame has also increased considerably.
A pacey, tireless defender who is equally excellent in both attack and defense, the 25 yearold has helped Liverpool a lot to reach the Champions League final and giving a very tough competition for Manchester City in the Premier League. He has recorded an amazing 13 assists combined in both Champions and domestic league.
He has also registered an average of 2.2 tackles per game combined in both competitions. His overall performance has arguably been on par with Jordi Alba this season. Jose Mourinho has even praised the Scottish superstar for the player's tremendous energy on the pitch.
This season Robertson has produced better Champions League results compared to his Barcelona counterpart after both players gone head to head in the semifinals. Hence, he deserves to be in the top spot of this list.
