Let's Talk About Left-Backs
- Daniel Austin-Chukwu
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
The Premier League is stacked with quality full-backs, but while right-backs tend to grab more headlines, it’s time to give some love to the other side of the pitch. Left-backs have a unique challenge: they need to be as effective going forward as they are at the back, all while operating in a position that historically has been less glamorous. But as modern football evolves, left-backs are becoming more important than ever, influencing games both defensively and offensively. With that in mind, here are the top five left-backs in the Premier League right now, ranked from fifth to first.
#5: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
Milos Kerkez is a name that casual fans might not be too familiar with, but that’s going to change soon. At just 20, the Hungarian left-back has been a standout for Bournemouth, bringing tenacity, pace, and technical ability to their backline.
Kerkez is fearless. He loves a duel, and his aggressive defending makes him a nightmare for wingers. Offensively, he’s always looking to get forward, either overlapping or driving inside to create chaos. His dribbling is underrated, making him a threat in transition. He’s also got a decent shot, occasionally testing goalkeepers from range. His work rate is relentless, and he constantly looks to push the team forward, making him an exciting player to watch.
However, there’s a bit of chaos in his game. He can be rash in challenges and still needs to refine his positioning. His over-aggression sometimes leaves gaps behind him, which better attackers exploit. He’s also prone to unnecessary fouls, which can put his team in trouble. But with his rapid development, he has all the makings of a future star and could soon attract interest from bigger clubs.
#4: Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
If you need a left-back who can sprint up and down the flank for 90 minutes without breaking a sweat, Robinson is your guy. The American international has been one of Fulham’s most consistent performers, excelling both offensively and defensively.
Robinson’s biggest strength is his athleticism. He’s one of the fastest full-backs in the league, using his pace to recover defensively and support attacks. His ability to deliver dangerous crosses and link up with Fulham’s wingers makes him a valuable attacking asset. He’s also improved his passing range, making him more effective in build-up play. His ability to track back quickly after pushing forward is crucial for Fulham’s defensive stability.
Defensively, he’s solid but not flawless. He can be reckless in one-on-one situations and sometimes struggles under high pressing teams. His decision-making when pushing forward occasionally leaves Fulham exposed at the back. While he has improved tactically, there are moments when he gets caught out of position. Despite this, his work rate and reliability make him one of the league’s most well-rounded left-backs and a crucial player for Fulham.
#3: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Yes, Timber is a natural centre-back. Yes, he’s played only a handful of games at left-back. But in that short time before his injury, he showed enough to earn this spot.
Timber is the definition of a modern defender—calm, composed, and technically excellent. His ability to slot into midfield in possession makes him invaluable in Mikel Arteta’s system, giving Arsenal an extra passing option. His intelligence on the ball allows him to evade pressure effortlessly, and he’s comfortable driving forward to progress attacks. His positional awareness is elite, making it difficult for attackers to exploit spaces behind him.
Defensively, he’s hard to beat and reads the game exceptionally well. Unlike traditional full-backs, he doesn’t rely on sheer pace but rather positioning and awareness. His biggest challenge is staying fit. If he can avoid injuries, he could easily become the best in the league. His versatility also makes him an asset, as he can slot into central defence when needed, adding another layer of tactical flexibility for Arsenal. His ability to adapt to multiple roles makes him invaluable for Arteta’s system.
#2: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Robertson has been one of the best left-backs in the world for years, and despite recent injuries, he remains an elite option. When fit, he’s aggressive, energetic, and technically superb.
His biggest weapon is his delivery. Whether from open play or set pieces, his crossing is world-class. His link-up with Liverpool’s wingers is a huge part of their attacking system. He’s also relentless off the ball, pressing high and winning possession in advanced areas. His stamina and work ethic allow him to be effective at both ends of the pitch. His leadership on the pitch is also crucial, setting the tone for Liverpool’s defensive structure.
Defensively, he’s solid but not flawless. His one-on-one defending against top-tier wingers can sometimes be a weakness, and at 30, injuries are creeping into his game. He has also shown occasional lapses in concentration, leading to defensive errors. However, even at less than 100%, he remains one of Liverpool’s most influential players and a key figure in their success over the years.
#1: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)
There was never any doubt about the top spot. Gvardiol isn’t just the best left-back in the league right now—he might be one of the best defenders in the world.
Gvardiol is a physical specimen—strong, quick, and dominant in duels. His technical ability is outstanding for a player of his size, and he’s comfortable stepping into midfield, making him perfect for Pep Guardiola’s system. His passing and composure under pressure make him integral to City’s build-up play. He’s also excellent in aerial duels, giving City an added defensive presence. His intelligence in positioning allows City to control games efficiently.
His versatility means he can play as a centre-back when needed, but at left-back, he adds defensive solidity while allowing City to dominate possession. His only drawback? He’s not a natural attacking full-back. He doesn’t make overlapping runs as frequently as traditional left-backs, limiting his influence in the final third. But in City’s system, that doesn’t really matter. His ability to control games and contribute defensively makes him the best left-back in the league right now.
This Week’s Hot Take
The role of a left-back has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Gone are the days when their main job was simply defending and whipping in crosses. Now, left-backs are expected to be hybrid players, tucking into midfield, controlling possession, and even acting as auxiliary centre-backs. As tactical systems evolve, we might see fewer traditional overlapping full-backs and more defensively solid, ball-playing left-backs.
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