The left-back position carries more importance in international football than it has ever done before. Still, it’s notoriously difficult to find a competent player to fit this role. Here are the Premier League teams that have struck lucky. These are the best left-backs in the Premier League in 2020.
10 Danny Rose (Newcastle)
Danny Rose has had an interesting career. An England international, Rose possesses rare qualities. These should make him one of the world’s stand-our left-backs. However, a history of combating managers and fans looks to have stifled his momentum.
In 2020 he requested to leave Tottenham and join Newcastle. The Magpies barely scraped by to avoid promotion. And, while Rose’s performances have been alright, they lack the spark that once made him the best left-back in the Premier League.
9 Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace)
Patrick van Aanholt has been an integral part of Crystal Palace’s confident run in the Premier League. The Dutchman was involved in most of his team’s EPL matches this season. Tough on the tackle, and good with the occasional assist or goal, van Aanholt was chosen Man of the Match on two occasions this season.
8 Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)
It feels unfair to leave Benjamin Mendy off this list, despite not playing for much of the season. The Frenchman shone in absence with Pep Guardiola’s side struggling without him. When he did return to the pitch his passing and crossing were impressive as ever. When fully fit, he is one of the best left–backs in the Premier League.
7 Matt Targett (Aston Villa)
Matt Targett is another criminally underrated EPL left-back. At 24-years-old Targett still has a lot to learn and can be error-prone. Still, he has proven capable of being active at the top level. This season he managed a goal and two assists. Matt Targett‘s work rate and aerial ability make him a good choice for most sides in England’s top league.
6 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Marcos Alonso was one of the players on which Frank Lampard depended most in his first season as Chelsea manager. While he had to fight for a place in the first team, Alonso easily made an impression and his influence on the pitch was always evident. He scored four, assisted two, and let his experience in the EPL carry him in tough matches.
5 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw’s time in Manchester may be under doubt. Still, it would be unfair to discount some of his best-rated moments for United. At 25-years-old, Shaw has already been the first choice for both the Red Devils and the Three Lions ever since his teenage years. It wasn’t an ideal season for Shaw, but things can only get better.
4 Lucas Digne (Everton)
Lucas Digne arrived from FC Barcelona in 2018 and quickly solved the Toffees left-back problems. Racking up brilliant stats with consistency across his two seasons in the Premier League, Digne is without a doubt one of the league’s best players. Capable of passing, crossing, and making intelligent runs down the flanks, Everton will be hard-pressed to retain his services in the years going forward.
3 Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
Ben Chilwell is one of the most sought-after left-backs on the transfer market in 2020. This is far from surprising judging by Leicester’s excellent player development policy. A product of the Foxes’ own youth academy, the 23-year-old has been a mainstay in the first team this season. Chilwell scored three, assisted three, and nearly helped guide Leicester towards a Champions League finish.
2 Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Enda Stevens’ great 2020 is a product of Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder‘s excellent tactics. Stevens is a selfless player, known for his tireless runs on the wings, and his passion on the field.
What’s more remarkable is that, at 30-years of age, Stevens last season in England’s top-flight had been back in 2014. The excellent work rate and a great managerial vision supporting the player, have made Stevens one of the best left-backs in the Premier League in 2020.
1 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Andrew Robertson is without a doubt the King of the left flank. Half of the terrifying wing-back duo, that includes Trent-Alexander Arnold, Robertson provides defensive stability, yet adds more to attacking play than most attackers. In 2020 he contributed a whopping twelve assists and two goals.
Andy Robertson’s bravery makes him capable of taking on any opposition, as Lionel Messi, can attest. His vision and technique make him capable of contributing to one of Europe’s finest sides, Liverpool. Andrew Robertson is the best left-back in the Premier League!
