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Left-footed footballers are very rare in the current era of football. There are only few of them who have the potential to become world class players, yet they are gems in any team they play for. They are quite different in their approach, and hence have the ability to surprise the opposition player.
They are an asset for any team to have, and we have seen great left-footed legendary footballers like Ryan Giggs, Diego Maradona, and Roberto Carlos who have entertained football fans with their amazing skills and world-class displays. Currently, arguably the best player in the world is left-footed, and is dominating world football with style and flair.
Let us rank the 10 best left-footed footballers in the world right now.
#10 Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world. He is a good tackler, an excellent tactician, and has got wonderful leadership qualities. His defensive performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup were one of the main reasons for Belgium's 3rd place finish.
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His defensive partnership with Toby Alderweireld is probably the best in the Premier League currently, and successfully helped Tottenham qualify for the Champions League in the past few seasons. Due to his height, Vertonghen is also dangerous from set-pieces.
#9 Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He is superb at man-marking opponents, has the pace to cover ground quickly, and is also good at intercepting possession. He frequently likes to join the attack.
Matic has probably been the best buy for Jose Mourinho at Manchester United due to his consistent performances for them last season. Due to his height and physical strength, he is quite intimidating to the opposition attackers, and causes a nuisance to the opposing team during corners, hence he is tricky to deal with.
#8 Samuel Umtiti
Samuel Umtiti has established himself as a regular starter in the Barcelona starting XI, and has formed a successful defensive partnership with Pique. He is good at pressing opponents, reads the game well, is adept at making crucial tackles for his team, and is also a risk taker. His defensive performance for France at the 2018 FIFA World Cup was quite satisfactory.
Being a young talented defender, Umtiti has got all the potential to become a world-class defender in the future. He is also good at heading the ball, and hence is dangerous to the opposition during set-pieces. Umtiti has successfully adapted to Barcelona's style of play and is comfortable in keeping possession for his side.
#7 David Alaba
Alaba is one of the best left-full backs in the world. Being a flexible player, he has the ability to play as a centre-back, centre-defensive midfielder, and midfielder as per the requirements for his side. After Austria, Bayern Munich has certainly become his second home, and hence is loyal to the club.
He has got a tremendous amount of pace, is a good crosser, and likes to join the attack. He also has the ability to score exquisite goals from distance due to his stunning left foot. Alaba is also a set-piece specialist for both country and club.
#6 Marcelo
Marcelo has established himself as the best left-back in the world. His pace, agility, dribbling skills, and commitment on the pitch are a treat to watch for any football fan. He has also got the knack to score some crucial goals for his club.
Being a good tackler, Marcelo likes to join the attack, and is excellent at finding his teammates via his crosses into the opposition penalty area.
Marcelo was also instrumental in helping Real Madrid win the Champions League title three consecutive times, he was also probably one of the best players for Brazil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Marcelo has become an icon in world football.
#5 James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez is quite an exquisite player to watch when he is in possession. He is an excellent dribbler, is a major threat for any opposition, is quite an intelligent footballer, and adds great value to his team. He has also got a stunning left foot, from which he has scored some absolute screamers from distance.
James Rodriguez is also one of the best free-kick takers in the world. Along with the ability to maintain possession for his side, he also has got the vision to find his teammates and break the opposition defense. Hence, Rodriquez is one of the best in the game at the moment.
#4 Angel di Maria
Angel di Maria is one of the best wingers in the world right now. His scintillating pace coupled with his dribbling is quite difficult for the opposition full-backs to defend against. Di Maria has also got the ability to whip in dangerous crosses into the opposition box for the attackers to score from.
Furthermore, di Maria has the wonderful ability to shoot from distance and score goals out of nowhere for his team.
Angel di Maria is also recognised as one of the best assist providers in the world. This indicates he is a selfless player who plays for the team. He has been instrumental in strengthening Paris Saint-Germain and making it an European powerhouse. Di Maria is probably one of the best in the business currently.
#3 Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has developed himself into one of the best footballers in the world. Despite being hampered by injuries, Bale has repeatedly risen up to the challenge in the past few seasons at Real Madrid.
Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus this summer, Bale has stepped up and is currently in great form for his club. He is the perfect in-house replacement for the Portuguese attacker.
Bale has got a tremendous amount of pace, is an excellent dribbler, has got the ability to shoot from distance, and has the knack for scoring goals in crucial games for Real Madrid. He is also a set-piece specialist and has scored some wonderful free-kicks with his stunning left foot in the past.
Bale is now probably the best attacker at Real Madrid, and has dutifully accepted this role.
#2 Mo Salah
Mo Salah ever since his move to Liverpool has captured the attention of football fans due to his consistent and stunning performances, particularly in the Premier League. His scintillating pace has destroyed almost every defense in England. Due to his performances, Liverpool were able to reach the 2017-18 Champions League final.
Salah has developed into a goal machine for Liverpool having scored 44 goals in all competitions in his debut season, beating the legendary Roger Hunt's record of 42 goals in a season for Liverpool. This season he has continued his great form and we can expect a lot of goals from him.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the best footballer in the world as stated by many pundits. Being appointed as the captain of Barcelona after the departure of club legend Iniesta, Messi has certainly started to lead his side from the front this season. His dribbling abilities, passing skills, and the ability to turn easily due to his height are quite mesmerising to watch for any football fan.
Messi always likes to improve his game, and this is a sign of a world-class player. He has repeatedly tormented the opposition defense in all competitions, and is rightly feared by top teams in Europe. He is a goal-scoring machine who has scored some screamers off of his left foot.
Any world-class team is incomplete without Lionel Messi in it.
