Top 10 best left footed centre backs today

The centre-back position is one of the most physically and mentally demanding positions a person can take on in a football team. Not only does it require strength and flexibility in dealing with opposing strikers, but centre-backs must also be able to read the game, shape tactics, and create stability for the defence. Here are the left footed centre backs, let’s find out with Premiumsoccertips!

Top 10 left footed centre backs

1. Lisandro Martínez

According to reports from xoilac, Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez is highly rated and considered one of the best young defenders in the current game, with the potential to become one of the world’s top defenders. The 24-year-old player is very comfortable using his left foot and also has good aerial ability despite his relatively short height of 5 feet 9 inches.

Martinez gained fame for his solid performances in defense for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, which subsequently led to a big transfer to Manchester United last summer.

Since moving to Old Trafford, Lisandro has settled in well and is now a solid defender for Manchester United. He is a very composed player, comfortable in possession, able to make accurate short and long passes, and possesses excellent tackling ability.

2. David Alaba

David Alaba is regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time during the peak of his career. With his versatility, technical ability, and influence, he has made his mark at Bayern Munich, providing not only defensive strength but also creativity in attacking from the left flank. However, later in his career, Alaba transitioned his position to center-back, not only for Bayern Munich but also upon joining Real Madrid. This transition not only showcases Alaba’s versatility but also reflects his adaptability and ability to meet the demands of the game.

Becoming the captain of the Austrian national team, David Alaba has further solidified his reputation by asserting himself as one of the top left-footed center-backs. His combination of technical ability, flexibility, and experience has made him an indispensable player in the national team’s defensive system. With his key role in launching attacks from the back while maintaining stability in defense, Alaba has proven himself to be a reliable and reputable figure at the highest level of football.

3. Joško Gvardiol

Joško Gvardiol, one of the top young defenders in the world today, quickly made a name for himself after an impressive performance at the FIFA World Cup 2022. What sets Gvardiol apart is not only his excellent defensive skills but also being one of the rare left-footed players with outstanding technical ability.

With precision passing and speed, Gvardiol has become an ideal choice for Manchester City, the club he currently represents. His ability to evade pressing and initiate attacks from the back is a highlight of the team’s tactics. Currently, the young Croatian talent is one of the standout defenders in Europe, with intense competition for his signature among top clubs.

4. Pau Torres

Pau is a left-sided defender playing for Aston Villa from Spain. The 26-year-old player is a very experienced and powerful center-back, feeling comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him one of the best ball-playing defenders in football.

Torres has continued to excel over the past few years and is a regular starter for both Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and the Spanish national team.

The Spanish player played a prominent role in Villarreal’s successful journey to win the Europa League in 2021, scoring in the penalty shootout to help his team defeat the favored Manchester United in the final. Since joining Villa in 2023, he has been key to their good form and resurgence this season.

5. Gabriel Magalhães

This season, 26-year-old Gabriel Magalhães has shone as one of the top center-back pairs in the Premier League while playing alongside William Saliba for Arsenal. His excellence not only strengthens Arsenal’s defense with his versatility in the left-sided position but also poses a significant threat in set-piece situations due to his excellent aerial ability.

Gabriel Magalhães, a left-footed center-back, often plays a stable role on the left side of Arsenal’s central defense. However, he is also capable of playing in a three-man defense system. Despite his height of 6’3″, Gabriel is known for his speed and agility on the field.

He is also known for his excellent ball distribution, often actively participating in advancing attacks from the back or distributing the ball to the left-back, facilitating Arsenal’s offensive buildup.

6. Alessandro Bastoni

This 23-year-old player is a promising center-back who is maturing with notable speed and outstanding left-footed technique. He has been making a strong impression in the colors of Inter Milan and the Italian national team, showing confidence and firm control when in possession of the ball.

Bastoni has previously played as a left-sided center-back in Inter Milan’s three-man defense system, and he has shown excellence through his ball control abilities. With subtle dribbling technique, he has become an indispensable pillar of the team, not only in protecting the goal but also in initiating attacks.

Bastoni is an intelligent and technically skilled defender, often breaking opponent attacks with dribbles, accelerations, or accurate passes. Despite being young, he has accumulated over 100 appearances in five seasons, proving his reliability and importance in Inter Milan’s defense.

7. Alessio Romagnoli

Alessio Romagnoli, one of the recently underrated players, is an Italian defender currently playing for Lazio and is certainly considered one of the top left-footed center-backs in the world at present.

Elegance, flexibility, composure, and remarkable technical ability are the main characteristics of Romagnoli’s playing style. With a left-footed nature, he brings confidence in controlling and distributing the ball excellently to initiate attacks from the back for AC Milan.

Romagnoli’s versatility allows him to participate in attacking situations and put pressure on opponents in various positions when needed. His ability as a center-back or left-back makes him an extremely flexible and versatile defender.

8. Iñigo Martínez

Eyebrows raised when FC Barcelona signed Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer, with a two-year contract and a release clause of 400 million euros. The 32-year-old player is a highly rated defender and a reliable passer. Inigo Martinez was a legendary defender like Carles Puyol of Spain.

Additionally, despite being only 5’11”, Martinez is a threat in aerial situations thanks to his excellent heading ability. He is also excellent in blocking, reading the game, and dribbling skills.

9. Presnel Kimpembe

The defender for Paris Saint Germain and the French national team is currently considered one of the top left-footed center-backs globally. At the age of 28, this player demonstrates remarkable confidence and strength in ball retention and physical duels, making him uncomfortable for any opponent trying to contest the ball from him.

Moreover, the French player is a technically skilled defender, often making precise passes from the back to activate midfielders and initiate attacks. His important blocking ability is also a strength, helping him stop dangerous opponent attacks and maintain stability in defense.

Kimpembe has certainly become a solid wall in PSG’s defense and the French national team. With patience and relentless effort, Presnel Kimpembe hopes to maintain his high performance to consolidate his position as one of the top defenders in the world and continue to contribute to the success of both the club and the national team.

10. Kalidou Koulibaly

The captain of the Senegal national team is one of the highest-rated defenders in the world today. Koulibaly often plays on the left side of the defense and has proven his excellence through ball control and involvement in attacking situations.

The former Chelsea player has excellent ball control skills and often takes advantage of defensive positions to initiate team counterattacks. Despite his large stature, Koulibaly still demonstrates remarkable agility and ball-handling technique.

At the age of 32, he is known as a charismatic, explosive, and classy player. Koulibaly is renowned for his aerial duels, anticipation, intelligence, positioning, blocking, character, technique, and passing ability as a center-back. Serving as a pillar of the Senegal national team, he has contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Conclusion

The list above is only a small part of the left footed centre backs available today. The likes of Koulibaly, Alaba, Gvardiol, Romagnoli, Gabriel Magalhães and Bastoni have proven themselves through impressive performances at top clubs and in national teams. Variety and high quality in defence are important for a team to succeed, and these left-footed centre-backs are not only solid defenders of the defence, but also those who are able to participate in attacking situations and create a balance between defence and attack. Thank you for following our article!

See also: Top 7 best left footed football players