10 Best Premier League Left-Backs (2025/26)
- Think Football Ideas
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Over the years, there has been a change of the guard when it comes to different styles and profiles in the Premier League, and in the 2025-26 campaign, the left-back is no exception.
There are the rigid defenders who provide structure, the versatile operators who can influence both attack and defence, and the dynamic runners who stretch opposition lines, but they all share the ability to shape matches from the flank.
This season, the position has become a blend of tactical intelligence, technical quality, and physical endurance, making it one of the most intriguing roles to monitor.
Below Are The 10 Best 2025/26 Premier League Left-Backs
10. Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland)
When you move from Atlético Madrid to the Stadium of Light, very few grasp the level of expertise you have acquired, and that is what Reinildo Mandava has leveraged to flourish.
Sunderland defied expectations, and Mandava has been part of a ring of adjustments that has helped the Black Cats solidify their structure while elevating their competitiveness following promotion from the Championship.
His experience across Portugal, France, and Spain brought discipline, awareness, and control, guiding the side through demanding Premier League fixtures and making him a stabilising presence during the early stages of 2025-26.
9. Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Tyrick Mitchell began as an academy prospect and steadily raised standards over recent seasons. He matured thoughtfully, refined his decision-making, and blended defensive awareness with meaningful involvement in attacking phases.
He has carried forward the form that helped Palace secure their first major trophy into 2025-26, producing consistent output under Oliver Glasner.
Across his first fourteen outings of the campaign, he logged 1,344 minutes, recorded solid defensive numbers, won seventy-one duels, executed forty-eight tackles, and posed a measured threat along the flank. His displays have sparked debate over a potential England World Cup call-up.
8. Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton)
Ferdi Kadioglu may not have been widely known at the start of the season, but he integrated into Brighton’s system with assured composure and precise distribution.
Arriving from Fenerbahçe in 2024 with years of steady development, he blends that experience with reliable impact at both ends.
Across his first fourteen league fixtures this term, he registered 0.49 expected goals, 0.99 expected assists, maintained an 86% pass accuracy from 426 attempts, and completed 24 tackles, providing Brighton with a trustworthy outlet on the left while reinforcing structure in possession and defensive phases.
7. Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Andy Robertson wouldn’t have expected the start of Liverpool’s title defence to go the way it did, and Arne Slot has often rotated his squad in search of stability, with Milos Kerkez initially preferred ahead of the Scotsman.
Robertson’s age might suggest a decline, but he remains a quality left-back, combining energy, experience, and precise crossing to influence games on both ends.
In the opening months of the 2025–26 season, he was recalled to the starting eleven, contributing a key goal while displaying composure in defence.
Kerkez is clearly the future, but as things stand, Robertson’s leadership, versatility, and consistency remain vital as Liverpool set their sights back on challenging for honours.
6. Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw's situation is complex as he now operates on the left side of a back three, but he remains on the list due to consistently impressive displays.
The England international has adapted to Ruben Amorim’s system, covering a slightly unfamiliar position.
He still pushes forward, though less frequently, and his experience, accurate crossing, and well-timed overlapping runs allow him to influence matches despite previous injuries.
In the first 14 league matches of 2025–26, he played 1,110 minutes, achieved an 86% passing rate, won 51 duels, and contributed one assist, highlighting his technical reliability.
5. Lewis Hall (Newcastle)
Lewis Hall has returned from injury to shine on Newcastle’s left flank, transforming the side’s approach under the current setup.
Despite the team’s intermittent consistency, Hall’s ability to advance, link play, and stretch the field allows Newcastle to press higher with support from Livramento on the opposite wing.
Since joining permanently in 2024, he has become the first-choice left-back, scoring important goals and creating chances, while his defensive judgment ensures balance. Hall’s presence is integral to Newcastle’s attacking identity this season.
4. Nico O’Reilly (Man City)
Who would have predicted Nico O’Reilly would rank among the best left-backs of 2025–26? Few would. He has adapted swiftly, influencing wide areas through composed distribution, though his natural position is in midfield.
He alters patterns and links movements intelligently, progressing the team’s play. In his opening league matches, he recorded three assists, one goal, an 85% pass accuracy, thirty-five tackles, seventy-five duels won, and 1.12 expected assists, establishing himself as a dynamic presence while keeping Rayan Aït-Nouri out of the starting lineup.
3. Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Myles Lewis-Skelly has built on his breakout season, continuing to impress in 2025-26. The teenager combines defensive discipline with attacking intent, shaping transitions and offering reliable support.
Across fourteen appearances earlier in the season, he completed 649 passes at 88% accuracy, delivered two assists, generated 1.9 expected assists, and recorded an xG of 0.53.
His forward forays and defensive interventions were key in Arsenal’s victories over Barcelona, Tottenham, and Liverpool, cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most capable left-backs despite occasional team inconsistencies.
2. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Marc Cucurella carried momentum from Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Chelsea’s Europa Conference League and Club World Cup successes into 2025–26. He combines attacking drive with dependable defensive positioning.
Accessing his display after the opening fourteen fixtures, he completed 649 passes at 88%, contributed two assists, generated 1.9 expected assists, registered 0.53 xG, and won 58 duels.
His willingness to advance while maintaining defensive structure reinforces his standing as one of the league’s most complete left-backs, anchoring Chelsea’s left side in challenging matches.
1. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Riccardo Calafiori has rapidly become a central figure at Arsenal since joining from Roma in 2024, blending calm decision-making with attacking intelligence.
He began 2025–26 in outstanding form, scoring a match-winning header against Manchester United, delivering two assists, and securing two clean sheets in the opening three fixtures.
In his first fourteen matches, he demonstrated the significant impact he would have this season. He made 11 interceptions, completed 468 passes with an accuracy of 86%, and scored once.
This performance balanced defensive strength with offensive contributions, solidifying his position as the league's top left-back.
Comments