The center-back position is one of the toughest in football, requiring patience and physical strength. In modern gameplay, right-footed defenders are more common, but left-footed center-backs are rare and valuable. They bring diversity in tactics and the ability to distribute the ball from the back. Some outstanding left-footed center-backs have emerged with technique and defensive prowess, making matches more captivating. Today, let’s take a look at the best left footed centre backs in the world in 2024 with bestsoccertips.com.
Top 10 best left-footed centre-backs
1. Lisandro Martínez
The Argentine defender is highly regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in the current game, with the potential to become one of the world’s top defenders. The 24-year-old is comfortable using his left foot and possesses excellent aerial ability despite his relatively short stature of 5 feet, 9 inches.
Martinez gained prominence for his solid defensive performances at Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, which led to a big transfer move to Manchester United last summer. Since arriving at Old Trafford, Lisandro has settled in well and is now a sturdy presence in defence for Manchester United. He is a composed player, comfortable on the ball, capable of accurate short and long passes, and possesses excellent dribbling ability.
2. David Alaba
During the peak of his career, David Alaba was considered one of the greatest left-backs of all time. His talent extends beyond outstanding technical ability to include flexibility and profound tactical understanding in every match. However, it’s noteworthy that Alaba has chosen to test himself at the centre-back position in the later stages of his career, a decision highly praised for his adaptability and versatility across different positions on the field.
As the captain of the Austrian national team, Alaba is regarded as one of the top left-footed centre-backs, not only for his exquisite skills but also for his experience and leadership. The combination of these factors has created a player with stable mental strength and confidence, providing assurance to the Austrian national team in crucial matches at the highest level.
3. Josko Guardiol
Joško Gvardiol is not only one of the top young defenders in the world today but has also made a strong impression with his stellar performances at the FIFA World Cup 2022. His excellence stems not only from solid defensive abilities but also from being a left-footed center-back with technical flair.
At Manchester City, Gvardiol has become a fantastic outlet. His precise passing and speed make him a crucial part of the team’s attacking system. Currently, the Croatian player is emerging as one of the hottest defenders in Europe, attracting attention from top clubs vying for his signature. This demonstrates the allure and value Gvardiol brings to any fortunate team that secures his services.
4. Pau Torres
Pau is a left-footed defender playing for Aston Villa in Spain. The 26-year-old player is a highly seasoned and capable center-back, comfortable on the ball with his feet, making him one of the finest ball-playing defenders in football. Torres has continued to progress significantly over the past few years and is a regular fixture in 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 resurgence and good form this season.
5. Gabriel Magalhães
This season, 26-year-old Gabriel Magalhães is one of the outstanding center-back pairs in the Premier League alongside William Saliba for Arsenal. He not only adds dynamism to Arsenal’s defense with his left foot but also poses a significant threat from set-piece situations with his aerial prowess.
Gabriel Magalhães is a left-footed center-back, often playing on the left side of Arsenal’s center-back pairing. However, Gabriel can also play in a three-man defense. Despite standing at 6’3 inches tall, Gabriel is known for his agility and mobility. He is also renowned for his ball distribution, often playing the ball forward or to the left-back to initiate attacks from the back.
6. Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni, aged 23, is experiencing rapid development and is known for his particularly adept left-footed style of play. Playing for Inter Milan and the Italian national team, Bastoni often appears confident and composed in controlling the ball.
In Inter Milan’s three-man defensive system, Bastoni typically operates as the left-sided center-back, where he can fully utilize his abilities. He is highly regarded for his superior technical skills, defensive awareness, and expertise in rescuing dangerous situations with tackles, accelerations, or precise passes.
Despite his youth, Bastoni has become an indispensable pillar for Inter Milan, with over 100 appearances over 5 seasons. His stability and contributions have played a crucial role in bringing success to the team, and Bastoni’s potential is a bright spot for both the club and the Italian national team’s future.
7. Alessio Romagnoli
Alessio Romagnoli is one of the most underrated players in recent times. The Italian defender currently playing for Lazio is undoubtedly one of the top left-footed center-backs in the world at the moment. Elegance, flexibility, composure, and technical prowess are key characteristics of his game.
As a left-footed player, Romagnoli brings confidence on the ball and excellent distribution skills to orchestrate play from the back for AC Milan. His all-around attributes allow him to venture forward and apply pressure on opponents in multiple attacking positions when necessary. Romagnoli’s ability to play as a center-back or left-back makes him a very dynamic defender.
8. Inigo Martinez
Surprise and attention spread when FC Barcelona announced the signing of Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer, with a two-year contract and a release clause of up to 400 million euros. At 32, this player is highly regarded and a reliable passer on the field.
Iñigo Martínez has been compared to Spanish defensive legend Carles Puyol for his defensive prowess and excellent leadership. Despite standing at just 5’11”, Martinez poses a significant threat in set-piece situations due to his excellent heading ability. Moreover, he is admired for his tackling, intelligent reading of the game, and subtle dribbling skills.
9. Presnel Kimpembe
Presnel Kimpembe, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, is currently one of the top left-footed center-backs in the world. At 28, he demonstrates comfort and strength on the ball, coupled with superior physical prowess in duels, making it difficult for opponents to win the ball from him.
Aside from his remarkable defensive abilities, the French player is also a proficient ball-playing defender. He has the ability to clear the danger zone and execute crucial tackles to thwart opponents’ dangerous opportunities. Kimpembe is seen as a solid rock in both PSG and the French national team’s defensive line.
Presnel Kimpembe hopes to maintain his high level of performance and showcase his excellence, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier defenders in world football.
10. Kalidou Koulibaly
The captain of the Senegalese national team, Kalidou Koulibaly, is one of the highest-rated defenders globally today. Often playing on the left side of the defense, Koulibaly is not only a sturdy defender but also has the ability to initiate attacks from the back.
With exceptional technical skills, he often holds the ball and creates counterattacks for his team from defensive positions. Despite his imposing stature, Koulibaly still demonstrates agility and impressive ball-handling technique.
This 32-year-old player is not only a powerful player but also a charismatic, dynamic, and stylish individual. Koulibaly is renowned for his excellence in various aspects of the game, including aerial duels, anticipation, intelligence, positioning, tackling, technique, and passing ability as a center-back. This makes him a versatile and remarkable defender in any match scenario.
Conclusion
In the realm of modern football, left-footed center-backs have risen to prominence, their unique skill sets carving out crucial roles within their teams. From Alessio Romagnoli’s poised elegance to Inigo Martinez’s defensive tenacity, each player brings a distinct blend of qualities to the pitch. Presnel Kimpembe’s physical dominance and Kalidou Koulibaly’s tactical astuteness highlight the diverse capabilities present among these defenders. As the game evolves, their ability to provide defensive solidity while contributing to build-up play underscores their significance in contemporary football tactics. With their adeptness in both defensive duties and ball distribution, left-footed center-backs continue to shape the landscape of the beautiful game, proving indispensable assets for their clubs and national teams alike.
See more: Top 10 best left footed football players in the world today
