The Best Left-Backs In The World Have Been Named And Ranked
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The world's best left-backs have been named and ranked - with Premier League full-backs taking half of the top 10 spots.
However it's a left-back from outside the Premier League that takes top spot in football magazine FourFourTwo's countdown. In No 1 position is Bayern Munich's 20-year-old prodigy Alphonso Davies.
Labelling the Canadian "possibly the quickest player in world football right now," FFT also praise Davies's movement, dribbling and defensive solidity.
Second on the list - and the highest-placed Premier League left-back - is Liverpool's tireless Andy Robertson. The Scotland captain is praised for being "a rare ray of consistency in Liverpool's otherwise faltering backline" this season, as well as for his tenacity and passing skills.
Cracking the top five, however, is Manchester United and England left-back Luke Shaw - not a sight we would have seen 18 months ago.
The 25-year-old has thrived under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's management with FFT labelling him a "phenomenon" for performances this season that have seen him become first choice for both club and country.
Robertson's Scotland teammate, Arsenal's Kieran Tierney, takes up seventh spot with his "elite" displays praised - although Tierney has had unfortunate struggles with injury.
Just edging into the top 10 are Everton's French international Lucas Digne and Chelsea's £45 million man Ben Chilwell.
However notable by his absence is Real Madrid great Marcelo, with FFT clearly believing the 32-year-old must have lost a step, as well as his fellow Brazilian Alex Sandro of Juventus.
You can see the full list below or read FourFourTwo's full explanation for their placings here.
10. Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
9. Lucas Digne (Everton)
8. Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
7. Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
6. Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
5. Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
4. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
3. Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
2. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
1. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Theo Hernandez, who's been an attacking revelation at AC Milan this season, comes in third despite not yet being a full international. Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy is lauded as one of the best defenders on the list.
However some might be surprised to see Barcelona veteran dynamo Jordi Alba falling down to eighth on a list that the 32-year-old may well have topped in his prime.
Do you agree with the left-back top 10? Let us know in the comments.
All imagery: PA Images
