Best Left Back in Premier League: Top 10 Left-Backs in EPL

In modern football, the importance of the left back position has grown rapidly in both club and international football. It's the same story in one of the world’s best football leagues, the English Premier League, which is no exception. Some of the best left back in Premier League have been the epitome of modern-day full-backs. Earlier, they used to be deployed on the defensive flanks, playing more of a defensive role. Over the years, the role and responsibilities of a full-back have evolved across several of the most-watched football leagues in the world.

But now their roles have evolved significantly; they are expected to help the team in the attack, create chances, and score goals, in addition to their traditional job. The article will also revolve around the same position to unveil some of the best Premier League left backs. All the trending football formations involve a left back or wing back to function. They provide both defensive stability and attack options. The Premier League has witnessed some of the best left backs in Premier League.

Best Premier League Left Backs: Top 10 List

The table below shows the best left backs in Premier League 2026 who have contributed to their respective clubs' success in recent seasons and have been doing well in this campaign. The rankings are based on a few factors that are explained briefly after the list.

Best Premier League Left-Backs: Ranking Factors

The following ranking factors were used to determine the rankings of best left back in Premier League. Let's understand how each of them helped us to find who is the best left back in Premier League.

• Key defensive metrics: The primary ranking factor that we have ensured is defensive metrics, including the number of appearances, such as blocks, interceptions, tackles and more.
• Goals + Assists: A modern-day left back must contribute both offensively and defensively. Performance stats, like goals and assists, are taken into the narrative along with their influence on the team’s success.

Note: Data for the above-mentioned ranking factors are taken from reputable football statistics sites like Sportsdunia and Transfermarkt.

Who are the Best Left Backs in Premier League?

Take a look at the best Premier League left-backs list that we have compiled based on current form and individual performances in the English Premier League. Here's the detailed listing below:

10. Antonee Robinson (Fulham | USA)

Ever since, Antonee Robinson moved to the London club Fulham from Wigan Athletic in 2020. The USA international Antonee Robinson has been a vital member of the defence and in attack as well. He has performed admirably under Marco Silva’s tutelage since the Portuguese manager joined the team in 2021. He is once again up to his typical tricks in the English top flight as an attacking full-back.

The 28-year-old is extremely well-rounded, as shown by a staggering 10 assists tally from 38 games in the 2024–25 campaign. Robinson can be a creative threat or lock out a winger. One of the best American players currently, he has been among the best left-backs in Premier League. Though, this season, hasn't been noteworthy due to injury woes, a serious knee injury has taken a toll on his performance.

9. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City | Croatia)

In the summer of 2023, Josko Gvardiol signed for one of the best teams in the world, Manchester City. He was known as one of the world’s most promising young football players at that; fair to say he lived up to the hype. Pep Guardiola spent a hefty sum of money to get him to the Etihad after he thrived at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. Gvardiol has been doing wonders in Sky Blues colours in this campaign on the left side of the defence.

The Croatian international has been one of the best Manchester players in recent years, with his versatility, technicality, composure, and aerial dominance being what set him apart. Since he arrived at Eithad Stadum, the 23-year-old has made over 75 appearances in the English top division. He has established himself as one of the most important figures for City. Continues to build his reputation as one of the best Premier League left backs.

8. Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur | England)

The Tottenham Hotspur left-back Djed Spence has emerged as a standout performer for Spurs in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign. He subsequently became the first-choice left-back option for Spurs, replacing Italian left-back Destiny Udogie. Last season, he amassed 21 Premier League appearances while also scoring once and providing two assists in the 2024-25 season.

Spence has cemented his place as one of the best left back in Premier League. The 25-year-old defender has excelled in every aspect of the field in terms of going forward, with his overlapping runs, dribbling, and ball control, and is defensively strong. Despite Tottenham's struggle, Spence has Keeping up the work, Djed Spence has established himself as a regular in Tottenham Hotspur's eleven in this ongoing 2025-26 season.

7. Lucas Digne (Aston Villa | France)

There has been a great deal of disagreement among fans over Lucas Digne over his many years in the English Premier League. But there shouldn't be any doubt over his place in the list. The 32-year-old left back Lucas Digne, who rotated between being a regular starter and a mainstay for Everton and now Aston Villa, is frequently viewed as someone helpful going forward and dependable when defending.

Unai Emery has brought out the best in him, as the Frenchman was instrumental for the Villains in securing UEFA Champions League qualification. Even now, the head coach has continued to trust the French international on the left side this season, which is a credit to his present form, even if it appeared that his days were numbered when they paid a lot of money to get Ian Maatsen to Villa Park; however, that's never been the case.

6. Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace | England)

The attacking left back Tyrick Mitchell of Palace has emerged as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars in recent seasons. He has been a huge asset to the current FA Cup and Community Shield winners, Crystal Palace. Tyrick has been nothing short of spectacular for Oliver Glasner, whether he is defending at the back or launching forward with the ball at his feet or when defending the flanks.

Last season, Mitchell had a G/A of 5, making him one of the best Premier League left backs. The Eagles are having the best time in their history, where they have earned 2 prestigious titles and have started their Premier League journey on a promising note, having won 7 league games as Palace remains in the upper half of the EPL table. The 26-year-old full-back has already netted a league goal in a 2-1 triumph over West Ham United.

5. Lewis Hall (Newcastle United | England)

The promising English defender Lewis Hall had joined Newcastle United on loan from Chelsea initially, on a deal which included a purchase commitment ahead of the 2024-25 season. Despite having trouble playing in the first team under Eddie Howe's management during his loan spell. However, Hall has developed into one of the best left backs in Premier League over the past few campaigns.

The 21-year-old defender was a vital element of Newcastle United following a somewhat turbulent start to the season, but now appears to have found their rhythm as the Magpies aim to fight for the domestic league titles and European silverware. Lewis is capable of both playing defence and moving forward with the ball to initiate or support an assault in the final third of the pitch.

4. Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest | Wales)

The Welsh left back Neco Williams had an amazing 2024-25 season with the Tricky Trees, as he played a crucial role in making the team finish in 7th spot in the Premier League. He can play at either flank, making him an asset for the ex-Forest coach Nuno Espírito Santo. Last season, Neco was involved in all of 38 EPL outings for his club while making 28 starts and providing 4 goal contributions – a goal and three assists.

Williams is known for his offensive contribution, but he also shows the amount of hard work he puts in every match for Nottingham Forest. The 2025-26 season saw the player carry forward his last season's form. Meanwhile, the attacking contribution of the player involves 4 goal contributions in the 2025-26 season. Given his current form, he ranks 4th in our list of the best Premier League left backs.

3. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal | Italy)

Arsenal's defensive discovery Riccardo Calafiori from the Italian Serie A has been a stellar addition to Mikel Arteta's squad. The Italian defender earned a name for himself in the 2024 European champions with Azzurri, following a breakout campaign. He is skilled in ball playing, composed while operating in the backline, and initially played as centre back before Arteta turned him into left back.

The Italian star Ricarrdo Calafiori has integrated into Arteta's system, comfortably operating on the left flank of the side. Despite not being a traditional full-back, he has been a key performer this term. The 23-year-old is easily one of the standout names for the North London club Arsenal, displaying impressive performances week in week out in the Gunners' shirt. Thus, he stands amongst the best Premier League left-backs.

2. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea | Spain)

A few seasons ago, nobody would have believed, Marc Cucurella would be this good at Chelsea. Initially, the Blues rejected him due to his inconsistent play, and many were prepared to sever their relationship with the Spaniard. However, the 2024-25 campaign was a game-changer for Cucurella, who impressed everyone with his consistency, class and high work rate on the left flank of defence under the supervision of Enzo Maresca.

At present, the Spanish international is the best left backs in Premier League. He demonstrated his full potential at Stamford Bridge, putting forth displays that brought back memories of his Brighton & Hove Albion spell. He was vital in Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup triumph and helped them return to the Champions League, this season. The left back is often seen in both the penalty box and the defensive third in just seconds of transition, showing the amount of hard work he puts in on the pitch.

1. Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City | England)

It is remarkable how quickly, Manchester City academy graduate Nico O'Rielly became an integral part of Pep Guardiola's side in the 2025-26 campaign. O'Rielly is enjoying a breakout season as a full-time first-team star player, adapting to the left back role. The English talent is a perfect example of a modern-day left-back, impressing everyone with his relentless attacking style of play on the flanks.

He is fluid with the ball, perfectly built to play Man City game style of football. In addition, he possesses an unbelievable work rate and stamina, complemented by a fierce left foot that allows him to fire shots from a distance. Rielly bagged a brace as Man City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the EFL Cup final. In total, he has managed 4 goals and 3 assists while making 28 appearances in the 2025-26 season. The 20-year-old won the trust of Guardiola and City handed him a long-term deal to remain at Eithad until 2030. Nico is an exceptional talent and delivers consistency, which helps him earn a reputation, making best Premier League left-backs.