Sometimes looked upon as the final bastion of defence, but always a useful outlet in terms of attack, modern football’s full-back is arguably one of the most demanding positions. Some players rose to the occasion and had successful careers while playing as a full-back while others have failed miserably. Regardless of the era, the following players have all been great influencers of elevating the left-back role to another level.
Here are the five best left-backs in Premier League history:
#1 Ashley Cole
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When we talk about the best ever English full-backs in the world, the name Ashley Cole resonates in everyone’s mind. Currently playing for Western Conference giants LA Galaxy, Cole created a legacy during his time at Arsenal and Chelsea. Having played for these top-tier clubs, one can probably guess the quality he possesses.
Playing as a left-back for club and country, Cole wore the number three jersey and was certainly a big money player, justifying his price tag met by Chelsea. With one of the best-attacking styles combined with rock solid defence, The Englishman was one of the only few people who dared to challenge the skills and trickery of Cristiano Ronaldo and succeeded.
Cole managed to win three Premier League titles, one Champions League winners medal, and four FA cups in his spell in England. All in all, Cole was probably the finest left back to surface for the country.
#2 Graeme Le Saux
Before the likes of John Terry and Robert Huth English full-back Graeme Le Saux was the big thing coming out of Chelsea’s youth system. He was a multi-faceted player, to say the least. As much as his ability to bomb forward and deliver dangerous crosses, Le Saux was a rock-solid defender and prevented many goals in his time.
A player once destined for greatness found himself on the ropes with the team manager Ian Porterfield and was sold to Blackburn Rovers during his prime. In that period, he lifted the Premier League trophy with Blackburn and established himself as one of the country’s top defenders.
In 1997, Chelsea re-signed him for seven times the cost of his initial departure fee. Graeme went on to lift the League Cup, UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup and the FA Cup with the Blues in the coming years. Le Saux’s initial sale was a mistake that proved costly for the club but he was a success for both Blackburn and Chelsea.
#3 Denis Irwin
Regarded as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s shrewdest signings, Irish full-back Denis Joseph Irwin made a move to Old Trafford after spending four fruitful seasons with Oldham Athletic. He cost the Red Devils a paltry £625,000, when he moved from Oldham, certainly not big money in today’s transfer world.
His brilliant attacking attributes combined with his solid defensive techniques made him a feared footballer. Irwin was an expert at free kicks and penalties, and even in his mid-thirties, Ferguson preferred the former taking the majority of the set pieces despite the presence of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
Irwin made 529 appearances in a twelve-year career at Old Trafford, a feat which has only been bested by seven other Manchester United players. He left for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2002 with Premier League titles, three FA cups, and a Champions League winner’s medal.
#4 Patrice Evra
Another great player who makes it into this list is Manchester United’s very own French gazelle- Patrice Evra. After a four-year long spell at Monaco, a £5.5 million move to English giants Manchester United was deemed a steal deal by fans, considering his outstanding performances prior to his arrival.
After cementing his role in the starting XI, the team could not see life without his presence. A very lively and energetic left-back made rival club supporters see stars during the day. Strong, energetic, athletic, physically strong and good in the air, what more is required for calling him one of the best?
A phenomenal left-back for club and country saw Evra win a chest full of trophies including five Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and a Serie A trophy with current club Juventus.
#5 Nigel Winterburn
A part of arguably the most famous back four in English football, Nigel Winterburn surprisingly began his Arsenal career as an emergency right-back. Under George Graham and to some extent Arsene Wenger, the full-back, along with Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Martin Keown formed the meanest defence in Europe.
Although he was shy in moving up the pitch, Winterburn will be remembered for some of the outstanding goals that have come off his boots. His screamer against Chelsea in 1997 will be fondly remembered by the Arsenal faithful. His dedication to the game was immense and carried on playing until the age of 39, a remarkable achievement for a full-back.
Winterburn made 440 appearances for Arsenal in the league, a testament to his fitness and ability to stay focused for a long period of time. However, it is sad to see that he didn’t receive much international recognition. He retired with just two caps for England under his belt.
