The 10 best Left backs in the world (Part 1)
The dearth of quality left backs in world football is well documented phenomenon. With football evolving on a regular basis, the job of a left back in not just to defend but to support the attack with overlapping runs.
In earlier days, the role of a left back and a left wing back were very different. Teams playing with fullbacks would normally play with three centre halves, one of them acting as a libero (sweeper). In modern times, the idea of a libero has been all but
forgotten. Most teams play with the back four - two fullbacks and two centre backs. A modern full back has to have a never ending stamina, good tackling and positioning skills along with reasonable crossing abilities.
It is true that there is a shortage of quality left backs; AC Milan and Read Madrid in particular are finding it hard to find a decent left back.
With this situation at hand, Bettor.com presents its list of Top 10 left backs in the world in no particular order.
Patrice Evra
Born to a diplomat in Dakar, Senegal, Evra started off his career with Paris Saint-Germain youth academy as a right winger. PSG failed to realise his potential and the youngster was sent packing. Evra was snapped up by an unknown Italian club by the name
of SC Marsala 1912. The club played in the Serie C1 at the time where Evra scored a decent 6 goal tally while playing as a winger. His talent was spotted by Monza in Serie B but the defender only appeared in three matches before moving back to French club
Nice.
At Nice, Evra was often used as a centre forward by the club in the absence of key strikers. Evra impressed his manager with his defensive nous and the wing back was promptly moved to the left back position where he has played ever since. The wing back was
declared Ligue 2’s best left back as the scouts from bigger clubs lurked around.
In the summer of 2002, AS Monaco manager, Didier Deschamps, quickly snapped up the young prodigy for an undisclosed fee. The defender formed a solid defensive line with Sébastien Squillaci, Gaël Givet, and Julien Rodriguez. In his first season, Evra reached
the final of the UEFA Champions League only to lose in the final. His performances were so impressive that he was given a national team call-up. Evra was also given the esteemed Captain’s armband on several occasions.
His exploits during his 4 year stay at the club meant Evra had become too big a star for modest AS Monaco and his transfer to a continental giant was inevitable. On January 10th, 2006, Manchester United announced the capture of the sensation for
a fee of 5.5 million pounds. Initially, Evra found it hard adjusting to the English game. His form slowly improved and the defender ended the season in breathtaking fashion. Evra finished the 2006/07 season with a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Evra has been a constant presence since his breakout season. The forward has established himself as one of the best left backs in the world. In the adrenaline pumped Barclays Premier League, the wingback has been terrorising the opposition with his mazy
runs down the left. Wingbacks are often blasted for lacking defensive awareness. Evra however, is as good defending as he is in the opposition half.
Evra has made the left back position his own with Les Blues. The defender has held off stiff competition from Clichy, Aly Cissokho and Eric Abidal - a fact that bears testament to the defenders ability. Evra was given the Captain’s armband at the recently
concluded World Cup 2010. Although the French team was a complete disaster, Evra will most definitely have better days as a Captain.
A potential transfer away from England will be a big loss for the Premier League. Despite strong interest from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the wing back is set to stay with the Red Devils. The awe inspiring marauding runs of the Frenchman are a joy to
behold and Premier league enthusiasts must relish them while they last.
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