"The best left-backs in the world hasn't always been a pool of elite talent. In the olden days, you didn't even have to be left-footed: full-backs have long been mocked for being the worst players in any XI, yet that all changed with the likes of Roberto Carlos and Ashley Cole, ushering in an era of dynamic, exciting left-backs capable of offering creativity and stability. They're just as valuable a member of anyone else and these days,"
"An esteemed expert panel was assembled for this task by FourFourTwo, with some of football's best journalists and analysts asked to be a part of this project. We asked everyone to rate the best left-backs on Earth from 10th-best to first, assigning points to each accordingly, along with minimal points for statistical metrics such as crosses into the penalty area, progressive passing, tackles won and a percentage of dribblers tackled Treat yourself to your favourite World Cup 2026 shirt Over 30"
Left-backs evolved from overlooked full-backs into dynamic, creative, and stable contributors following figures like Roberto Carlos and Ashley Cole. An expert FourFourTwo panel of journalists and analysts evaluated candidates, assigning ranked points plus metrics such as crosses into the penalty area, progressive passing, tackles won and percentage of dribblers tackled. Over 30 players were considered and the final 20 are presented in the list, with the top left-back finishing 29 points clear of second, a unanimous panel and statistical decision. The rankings are refreshed regularly and form part of broader positional lists across the pitch.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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