The best left midfielders are able to improve their teams significantly. But, the left-winger position isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the requirement that the footballer be strictly left-footed. Gone is the tactical design that they should hug the touchline. The modern game has evolved tactically. This is is highly apparent when it comes to left midfielders.
Here are the players that have impressed the most as left midfielders in 2021. Note that some of these players are active in areas of the pitch, but are primarily known for their work on the left flank.
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Lorenzo Insigne won the European Championship with Italy this year. He continued being Napoli’s captain and leader. And, he’s respected as one of the best attacking players in the world.
Insigne can play as a forward, or behind the striker. However, he does his best work as a left midfielder that can take on the role of an inside forward, using his speed and skill to destabilize defenses.
Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Similar to Insigne, Neymar can play in most attacking roles. At Paris Saint-Germain, he has, most often, played as a left midfielder. At his best, his skill on the ball is unmatched. In Paris, despite occasional criticism, Neymar has grown as a team player. PSG have not yet won the Champions League, but with Neymar in their team, they’ve managed to get closer than ever.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Sadio Mane may often play in the shadow of his teammate, Mohamed Salah. But, it is clear on close inspection, that the Senegalese left midfielder is a generational talent. Mane epitomizes the modern interpretation of the attacking left-winger. The Liverpool player operates somewhere between midfield and attacking duties. Mane is equally effective at pressing high, providing goal assists, or scoring himself.
Son Heung-Min (Tottenham)
Few players have worked harder for their careers as Son Heung-Min. The South Korean is known for his work ethic, as well as excellent ball control and pace. A lot of things have gone wrong for Spurs this year. Song Heung-Min and his close associate Harry Kane, are the two players whose form has not stagnated.
Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan)
Ivan Perisic is a real pro. He’s played for many top clubs. He does his job effortlessly. And, this is is, perhaps, why he is often an underrated player. This year, he helped Inter Milan win back the Scudetto. At his best, Perisic is unmatched in the left midfielder position. It’s no wonder why teams like Bayern Munchen are still anxious to try and sing the Croatian left-winger.
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