Arsenal and Manchester City Stars Feature in the List of Best Left Backs in the Premier League This Season

Back during the fag end of the 20th century, when left backs weren’t as attack minded as they are these days, it was more of a defensive world than we can actually imagine. Full backs such as Denis Irwin and Nigel Winterburn almost acted as wide centre backs, hardly marauding forward like the modern generation left backs and were very astute defensively. The back four used to be more solid and impenetrable than the modern times, and the last line of defense was slightly more tough to break down. Left backs, or even right backs, hardly dared to wander out of position and make inroads up front and stayed deep inside their own half.

And as the footballing world acquires the form of something that is more attack minded than ever before, the left back have become more dynamic and mobile than earlier. With the modern day examples of Marcelo, Jordi Alba and David Alaba, we can very well see how much the position and the game has actually evolved.

And in the Premier League too, there’s a shortage of such left backs. The likes of Aleksandar Kolarov, Luke Shaw, Nacho Monreal and Danny Rose are examples of left backs who are equally adept in both aspects of the game. And this season, there have been certain left backs who have ousted the others. The best of them are-

Nacho Monreal- Arsenal

The Spaniard has ousted former first choice Kieran Gibbs’ at the left back spot quite fittingly and the young Englishman is nothing but a second choice at the Emirates. And Monreal’s performances this season have been key for the Gunners. The 29-year-old has created 13 chances this season, making 46 clearances and completing 35 interceptions. He’s won as many as 60 percent of his average headed duels, which is very good and has a tackling success rate of 50 percent too.

Jordan Amavi- Aston Villa

The new signing from Nice has arguably been Villa’s best signing this season. When no signing has displayed any special desire, hunger or confidence to do something out of the ordinary, the 21-year-old has been Villa’s leading lights in dark times. He’s settled into the new league very well, unlike some other Ligue Un players Villa signed, such as Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Vertout and Jordan Ayew. Amavi has made 37 interceptions, making 40 clearances. He’s been solid when tackling and heading too, as the Frenchman has won 54 percent of his headed duels and come out as a winner 52 percent of his tackles too. Unfortunately, though, Amavi’s season has already come to an end as the 21-year-old has recently succumbed to an ACL injury that will keep him out for the remained of the season.

Charlie Daniels- Bournemouth

Someone who’s got an uncanny kind of physique for a left back, Charlie Daniels has been one of Bournemouth’s best performers this season. Although his performances have gone under the radar due to Bournemouth’s recent lull, but the 29-year-old has been Eddie Howe’s most reliable players. The Englishman has shown that he’s equally adept in both sectors of the game, creating as many as 15 chances, more than any other left back in the Premier League, apart from City left back Aleks Kolarov and is usually seen gliding past opposition wingers and full backs. He’s completed 95 percent of his take-ons, with a tackle success rate of 59 percent.

Aleksandar Kolarov- Manchester City

The Serbian has stepped up to the plate very after Gael Clichy’s exclusion from the squad. Known to be a pretty attack-minded left back with a routine of scoring free kicks, Kolarov has displayed his attacking intents very well. Kolarov has appeared 11 times for Pellegrini’s side, creating 19 chances and scoring a goal too. The 30-year-old has accrued the second highest Squawka performance rating, just behind Yaya Toure. He’s made 35 clearances and has made 15 interceptions. More so, Kolarov has recorded a headed duel accuracy of 61 percent with a slightly disappointing tackle success rate but his attacking flair makes up for it.

Pape Souare- Crystal Palace

An unlikely spot is occupied by a defensive minded player in a team which is full of pacy attacking talent, Souare has shown signs of being defensively resolute and sound. The former Lille star has appeared 10 times for Alan Pardew’s flying eagles and is one of those players who have proved their worth defensively, unlike players like Wilf Zaha, Bakary Sako and Yannick Bolasie. He’s made 65 clearances in all, making 15 interceptions too He has created 8 chances and his heading and tackling accuracy has been good enough- standing at 40 percent and 45 percent respectively.