The 10 Best Premier League Left Backs of All Time-Ranked
The difference between success and failure is often attributed to whether or not a side has a relentless goalscoring machine-but arguably the most important roles are played by fullbacks both right and left, who must add something dynamic to the attacking phase but be rock solid in defense. No Premier League team has ever lifted the title without a reliable presence on that flank, and the very best blend defensive solidity with attacking drive in perfect balance.
In the modern game, fullbacks need to be technically proficient, and they need to have one hell of an engine on them to keep up with the pace of the game and pressing techniques. The discussion of the best ever is truly subjective, but this is who Sports Illustrated determines to be the best left backs of the Premier League era.
How We Ranked the Premier League's Greatest Light Backs Peak & Longevity -A player's highest level, how long they maintained it, and their consistency across their Premier League career. Technical quality, tactical intelligence, defensive impact, leadership and influence all played a significant role in our rankings.
Legacy -Trophies, individual honors, iconic moments and the lasting impact each player had on both their club and the Premier League as a whole. Gaël Clichy Gaël Clichy played for both Arsenal and City./Shaun Botterill Gaël Clichy spent an impressive 14 years in the Premier League, sharing his time between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The reliable Frenchman won the Premier League title in his first season with the Gunners as they went unbeaten and established himself as the club's first-choice left back around 2006 following Ashley Cole's departure. A move to City brought a further two league titles, with the 20-cap France international finishing his Premier League career with 325 appearances under his belt.
Stuart Pearce Psycho./Phil Cole Stuart Pearce's nickname of "Psycho" tells you everything you need to know about what kind of left back he was during a long spell in the Premier League. Unforgiving and a little reckless, the former Nottingham Forest and Manchester City stalwart was an old-school defender.
However, Pearce also had bags of technical ability and was something of a dead-ball specialist, especially during his time with Forest. He managed 20 goals in 202 Premier League outings, with much of his career coming prior to the formation of the competition.
John Arne Riise Riise had a rocket of a left foot./Michael Mayhew When they saw a fiery-haired Norwegian striding on to the the ball from 25 yards out, goalkeepers knew they were in deep, deep trouble. That left foot was lethal and merciless, often leaving a trail of smoke behind the ball as it arrowed into the corner.
John Arne Riise was a distinctly attacking fullback during his seven remarkable years with Liverpool but he was also an imposing defensive presence, hence why Rafael Benitez was so keen on him. While the Premier League title eluded him during his Anfield days, he was a key member of the 2005 Champions League-winning side, even setting up Steven Gerrard's strike in the final with a typically beautiful delivery into the box.