In modern football, left-back is a more varied and nuanced position than ever before. Whether they’re expected to stay back and anchor the defensive flanks, make ambitious runs down the line to get involved in goal-scoring opportunities, or step into the middle of the pitch as a pseudo-midfielder in an inverted system, defenders are asked to do a whole lot more in 2024 than 2004.
From Ashley Cole to Patrice Evra, the Premier League has been graced by some excellent left-backs over the years, and that still rings true today. Platforms like Caesars Sportsbook and many others recognize the importance of these versatile players, offering sports fans competitive odds and team standings that reflect the contributions of the best left-backs in the EPL and beyond.
In no particular order, let’s look at five of the EPL’s best left-backs in 2024.
Andy Robertson – Liverpool
Despite some unfortunate injury luck this season, any list of the best EPL left-backs wouldn’t be complete without Andy Robertson.
Signed by Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp for just £8m in 2017 from Hull City, Robertson has proven to be one of the games greatest ever bargains, cementing himself as an integral cog in the Premier League and Champions League winning side. With 10+ assists across three separate seasons at Merseyside, the Scottish international remains one of the league’s best crossers.
Luke Shaw – Manchester United
Once one of Manchester United’s most highly-criticized players, Luke Shaw deserves all the credit in the world for turning his career with the Red Devils around in spectacular fashion.
After struggling for game time under legendary manager Jose Mourinho between 2016 and 2018, Shaw forced himself into the side the following season and simply never looked back. Known for his world-class composure on the ball, sharp in-game intelligence, and ability to get in front of a shot, the England star has made over 250 career appearances for United and shows no sign of slowing down.
Nathan Ake – Manchester City
From a purely defensive standpoint, it’s easy to make a case for Nathan Ake as the best EPL left-back, and maybe even the best in the world. Although he first made a name for himself as a star center-back at Bournemouth, Ake has transformed under Pep Guardiola into more of a hybrid role who can play at a world-class level in either position.
He might not get as far up the pitch as some others on this list, but Ake is still an important part of Manchester City’s treble-winning system.
Destiny Udogie – Tottenham Hotspur
One of this season’s premier breakout players, Destiny Udogie is headlining a new era at Tottenham led by Ange Postecoglou and is already among the most well-rounded left-backs in the division.
An explosive player with limitless speed, some great dribbling skills, and a surprisingly keen eye for goal, Udogie is the perfect wingback in the Postecoglous fluid system that he’s trying to implement at Spurs. The £15.3 million they spent to bring him in from Serie A side Udinese is looking like money well spent, and the Italian international could very well be the best left-back in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
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