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Modern football has changed the way full-backs are supposed to play. Tactical innovations and managerial demands are such that full-backs are now amongst the fittest players on the field.
They are asked to contribute to attack and defense, and have to be comfortable playing as a center-back or a wing-back if necessary. For clubs like Liverpool, their full-backs are among the main sources of attack, bombing forward and providing width and creativity.
The likes of Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw and Kieran Tierney have also been utilized as center-backs in a three-man defense this season, further highlighting the demands placed on the player.
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There have some fine performances from left-backs this season. Without further ado, we look at the top 5 left-backs in the world this season.
#5 Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
It is a little unfortunate for Scotland that two of their best players, Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson, are both left-backs.
A highly-coveted talent during his time at Celtic, Tierney moved to Arsenal in 2019 for a fee of £24 million. After a slow start to his Arsenal career due to injury issues, the left-back has established himself as an important cog in Mikel Arteta's set-up. A good crosser and a combative presence at the back, the Scotland international's leadership ability has also been appreciated.
The 23-year-old has also been utilized as a left-sided center-back in a three-man defense, predominantly for his country. If things go right, Tierney could soon find himself wearing the captain's armband at Arsenal.
#4 Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Many believed Jordi Alba's time at Barcelona was coming to an end, but he has enjoyed a good season for the Catalan club so far.
Regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world during his prime, there were suggestions that Barcelona needed to upgrade on the left-back position after some subdued performances from Alba. The 32-year-old, however, has given a strong reply through his performances this season He has made 26 appearances in La Liga, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
The Spain international has managed to keep Junior Firpo out of the first XI. While there is no denying that Barcelona need to invest in a younger left-back, Alba has shown that he can still contribute at the highest level.
Also Read: 5 most valuable players in the Premier League this season
#3 Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Ferland Mendy has ensured that Real Madrid have a successor to Marcelo's throne at left-back.
When Real Madrid splurged £43 million to acquire Mendy from Lyon in 2019, eyebrows were raised. The left-back, though, has produced some strong performances for Real Madrid since his arrival and is now the club's first-choice left-back.
The 25-year-old has made 25 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring one goal. A strong defender and a good dribbler, the France international looks set to enjoy a long and illustrious career with Los Blancos.
#2 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Arguably the best left-back in the Premier League this season, Luke Shaw has been in phenomenal form for Manchester United.
The England international became the most expensive teenager in world football when Manchester United paid £34 million to Southampton in 2014 for him. For a certain period of time it seemed as if Shaw would fail to live up to his potential, but the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United has seen him produce the best form of his career so far.
The 25-year-old now looks certain to be a part of the England squad for the Euros. He has made 26 Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing five assists.
#1 Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
AC Milan have conducted some good business in recent transfer windows, but the acquisition of Theo Hernandez has to be one of the best deals done by the Serie A club in recent times.
The 23-year-old was struggling for game-time at Real Madrid when AC Milan decided to pay £19 million for his services. This has proved to be an inspired decision, with Hernandez now regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world. He has made 25 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists.
Since joining AC Milan in 2019, the Frenchman has made 73 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals. An attack-minded left-back who likes to dribble, it is surely only a matter of time before he receives a call-up to the French national team.
Also Read: 5 Chelsea loanees who could be given a chance next season
