Premier League's Left-Footed XI

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Sportskeeda.

A majority of the players in the Premier League are right-footed, but the contributions of the left-footed players should not be forgotten because most of them are technically gifted and creative footballers.

So here’s a list of a Premier League XI of left-footed players. The players in the team have been selected on current form, and so there might be one or two surprise inclusions. The formation used is 4-2-3-1.

Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris and Tim Krul both have – for the most part – been in great form for Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United respectively this season, but it is impossible to look past Petr Cech for the goalkeeper’s spot. The Czech Republic international is one of the best players in the world in his position, and is the man who played a huge part in helping Chelsea win their first ever Champions League trophy last term.

Defence

I don’t think there is a single left-footed player who plays at right-back in the Premier League. Therefore, Ashley Cole gets the nod for this role. Love him or hate him, the England international – in my opinion – is the best left-back in the world and therefore capable of playing on the wrong side. Selecting two centre-backs was probably a tough choice to make as there were many contenders for just two places in the side, but, in the end, it were Matija Nastasic and Jan Vertonghen who make our defence. Nastasic, the young Serbian international, has been really impressive for Manchester City since his arrival from Fiorentina in the summer and has caught the eye of many by his mature performances at the back. He is partnered by the Belgium international, the former Ajax skipper, who, like Nastasic, has been a rock solid at the back for Tottenham and has also shown his versatility by playing at left-back in the absence of Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The left-back, meanwhile, is filled by Leighton Baines. The Everton man faced some tough competition from Patrice Evra, but the Englishman’s consistent form this season and his ability to score from free-kicks saw him get the nod ahead of the Frenchman.

Midfield

The midfield of the team is manned by two of the most classy left-footed players in the Premier League. Ryan Giggs is an easy pick – the 39-year-old has a wealth of experience with Manchester United and has been in superb form this season. He is partnered by the young and the energetic Jack Wilshere. While Moussa Dembele has been a consistent performer for Tottenham this season, the Arsenal man’s recovery from a series of injuries has been nothing short of remarkable and without doubt, is the Gunners’ best performer this season.

Attack

David Silva, Lukas Podolski, Robert Snodgrass, Adam Johnson and Damien Duff have all been consistent for their respective clubs, but Michu’s feats since joining the Swans over the summer have been astonishing. The former Rayo Vallecano man has scored fifteen goals in the Premier League, and is certainly one of the signings of the season. Alongside him, on the right wing, is his compatriot Juan Mata, who has given the opposition defence a torrid time week after week this season. The Chelsea man has been in sublime form and has also been directly involved in 23 goals this term. When he is missing, his absence is certainly felt and the Blues find it very hard to breakdown defences. Gareth Bale completes the trio behind the striker. The Welshman has reached great heights this season and has – virtually – single-handedly led Tottenham’s challenge for a top-four finish in the league. The former Southampton man has scored 16 and created six goals, and is one of the major contenders to win the PFA Player of the Year award this year.

Spearheading the attack is none other than Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has settled in quickly with life at Manchester United and has picked up where he left off last term with Arsenal, scoring 23 goals in all competitions. The former Feyenoord man is simply unstoppable and hopefully he could carry on with ruthless streak in front of goal for another two-three seasons to come.

Honourable mentions - Hugo Lloris, Tim Krul, Patrice Evra, Thomas Vermaelen, Daniel Agger, David Silva, Gareth Barry, Mousa Dembele, Damien Duff, Robert Snodgrass, Adam Johnson, Stewart Downing, Bryan Ruiz, Steven Fletcher, Lukas Podolski.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Sportskeeda.