A solid defence is the key to every team with title aspirations heading into the new campaign, and the left-back of a side has a crucial role in both attacking and also defending for their team.
101 have already covered the top right-backs in the division, which you can read about here.
Now it is time to turn our attention to the other flank, and there are plenty of options to choose from. We look at the top 5 below.
5. Luke Shaw
It was a torrid season for Luke Shaw both individually and collectively with his Manchester United teammates, but he still remained one of the first names on the teamsheets when fit.
His 20 top-flight appearances yielded just 3 assists, and he struggled as part of a Red Devil defence that conceded more than relegated Burnley across 2021-22. However, his quality has not disappeared overnight, and the 26-year-old still has the prime of his career ahead of him.
The Englishman may find his place in the side under threat with new boss Erik ten Hag, however, with the Dutchman’s first signing of the summer having been Tyrell Malacia, traditionally a left-back by trade.
Should he be able to fight off that competition, Shaw will surely be confident that he can put his poor season behind him and get back to his best form in a United shirt.
4. Ben Chilwell
Chilwell’s inclusion is based more on reputation than on his outings last season, due to an ACL injury that saw him miss much of his Chelsea side’s campaign.
Before that, however, he had shown his quality in spades, having notched 3 goals and 1 assist in the six Premier League games that he did manage to play last season.
Ben Chilwell:
“Good to be back with the boys today 😊”
[via iG: benchilwell] pic.twitter.com/q0yF41lAy3
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 2, 2022
Knee injuries are always something of a lottery as to whether a player will be able to recover their previous best, but should he manage to do so he will be one to watch next campaign.
3. Marc Cucurella
Where Marc Cucurella will be playing his football next season remains up in the air, with Manchester City reportedly keen on the Brighton man after just one season with the Seagulls.
And it is clear to see why, with Cucurella excelling for Graham Potter’s side following his move from Getafe, despite only registering one goal and a sole assist for his side.
🚨 Brighton in discussions over improved deal for Marc Cucurella amid Man City interest. Talks at early stage & not due to #MCFC pursuit – more reward for fine season. Contract 2026 so would take major fee to sell. W/ @AndyNaylorBHAFC @TheAthleticUK #BHAFC https://t.co/wuYyCWrgQx
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 9, 2022
His contribution to the side was recognised, however, as he scooped up the player of the year award at the AMEX stadium, and his rise to stardom could well see him at the Etihad come the end of the transfer window.
2. Andy Robertson
Scotland’s captain and a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s defence, Andy Robertson is one of the best defenders in world football.
Though Liverpool ultimately came up short in their chase for the Premier League and Champions League titles, it was not for a lack of contribution on behalf of the 28-year-old, with his 29 Premier League appearances yielding 3 goals and 10 assists for the Merseyside outfit.
COMPARED: Tyrell Malacia vs. Luke Shaw vs. Alex Telles vs. Andy Robertson vs. Marc Cucurella per 90 in the league last season.
Full per comparison – https://t.co/WzeROpFKfA pic.twitter.com/7YYkJrsyIn
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 5, 2022
Now with able backup in the form of Kostas Tsimikas, Robbo may find himself being afforded more rest, but he will certainly remain a key player in every big game that the Anfield side play.
1.Joao Cancelo
The right-back is so good that he tops the list of left-backs, Cancelo is the ultimate utility player and is only ostensibly deployed at left-back.
The 28-year-old had a storming season for the Premier League champions, with a goal and seven assists to his name as Manchester City battled the loss of Benjamin Mendy due to rape charges.
João Cancelo has either scored or assisted in all three of his 2022/23 Nations League games:
🅰️ vs. Spain
⚽ vs. Switzerland
⚽ vs. Czech RepublicAnother great finish this evening. pic.twitter.com/Dl435QENQH
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 9, 2022
Cancelo filled the void and more, beoming a key cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s build-up play. Whether he can maintain his form or indeed number of minutes, with a rumoured move for another left-back in the works for the Champions, remains to be seen.
However, in terms of sheer ability and based off his form last season, he tops this list comfortably.
Read more:
Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp aims dig at Manchester United ahead of pre-season friendly
The Top 5 right backs in the Premier League 2022-23
