Top 3 left full-backs in the Premier League right now

Football has changed a lot since the 80's and 90's. Gone are those days when it was all about no-nonsense defending and long balls to a big striker up front. The game has become much more technical, with each of the eleven players in teams required to be good with the ball at their feet.

The game is all about ball playing defenders and goalkeepers nowadays. One of the critical positions on the pitch which falls in this category are the full-back positions. All good teams like to use the width of the pitch a lot more, and the role of the fullback becomes crucial.

The qualities of a fullback include speed, stamina, positional awareness, and excellent crossing skills. If a club has a big center forward, having a player on the wings who can make darting runs down the flanks and provide good crosses is a necessity.

The Premier League has a history of quality fullbacks. Having talked about the required skills and role of a fullback, lets look at the best three left full-backs in the Premier League at the moment.

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#3 Andrew Robertson

Robertson has been a dependable player for Jurgen Klopp

Andrew Robertson had a humbling start to his footballing career. He came up the ranks, having played for the likes of Queen's Park Rangers, Dundee United, and Hull City. His £8 million move from Hull City to Liverpool is looking more like a steal.

The Scottish international is a player full of stamina and determination, and he could run with the same energy for the entire game, and still won't get tired. He has become one of the constants in Jurgen Klopp's side because of his strong runs along the flanks, and dangerous crosses into the box.

With a philosophy which relies on pace and stamina, Robertson is ready-made for Liverpool.

#2 Marcos Alonso

Alonso has made the left fullback position his own at Chelsea

Marcos Alonso signed for Chelsea in 2016 when Antonio Conte was the manager. It is the Spaniard's second stint in the Premier League, after having played for Sunderland previously.

He was one of the stalwarts behind Chelsea's title-winning campaign in Antonio Conte's first season in the Premier League. Marcos not only gives them defensive assurance, but he also goes forward at will, helping the team in attack. His link-up play with Eden Hazard is exceptional.

Alonso is a free-kick specialist. He can curl a free kick in the bottom corner from anywhere outside the box. On numerous occasions, the Spaniard has come up with crucial goals. He can also hit powerful long-range shots with his deadly left foot.

Marcos Alonso is an asset for Chelsea, and having committed his long-term future - he can only improve under Maurizio Sarri.

#1 Benjamin Mendy

Benjamin Mendy has won the over the fans

Benjamin Mendy is a fan favourite, both for his on-field and off-field performances. The Frenchman was pivotal in Monaco's Ligue 1 title winning campaign, and was part of the side which knocked Manchester City out over two legs in the Champions League.

That defeat against Monaco was enough for Pep Guardiola to sign Mendy next season at a reported fee of £52 million, which was a record for a defender.

The Frenchman lasted only a handful of games last season before sustaining a season-ending injury, but in this campaign, he has been exceptional.

Mendy regularly makes powerful runs forward, and his fast crosses are a nightmare for any defender. The speed and precision with which Benjamin Mendy delivers his crosses in requires only a touch from a striker to score.

Moreover, his strength makes it nearly impossible to stop him from making those runs. Pep Guardiola has praised Mendy for his performances, and explained how he was missed last season.

The arrival of a fully fit Mendy has only made this seemingly unbeatable City side even stronger, and it could go a long way in them successfully defending their Premier League title.