The centre-back position is one of the physically and mentally most demanding roles one can have in a football team.
The constant exertion you have to put your mind and body throughout a game can be tiresome.
Often in the modern game is common to find defenders who are usually right-footed. However, left-footed centre-backs are rare and precious to any team.
Left-footed center-backs have a unique advantage on the pitch, providing an alternative option for playing the ball out from the back and adding variety to a team’s attacking play.
In recent years, football has seen some exceptional left-footed center-backs who have made their mark on the game through their technical abilities and defensive prowess.
In today’s game, there are a growing number of centre-backs who use the left foot and are also excelling.
Today we will be looking at the best left-footed centre-backs in the world in 2024.
1. Lisandro Martínez
The Argentine defender is highly regarded and considered one of the best young centre-backs in the game right now, and has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the world.
The 24-year-old is very comfortable using his left foot and is also decent in the air considering his relatively short 5-foot, 9 inches height.
Martinez gained fame due to his solid performances in defense for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, which later led to a big money move this last summer to Manchester United.
Lisandro has, since his move to Old Trafford, steadily settled in and is now a stalwart at the back for the Manchester United.
He is a very composed player who is comfortable in possession of the ball, can pass accurately over short and long distances, and has excellent dribbling abilities.
2. David Alaba
David Alaba was arguably one of the best left-backs of all time in his prime.
However, later in his career, he switched to playing as a centre-back for both Bayern Munich and when he joined Real Madrid.
Now, the Austrian national team captain considered one of the best left-footed centre-backs due to a combination of his technical abilities, versatility, and experience at the highest levels of football.
3. Joško Gvardiol
Undoubtedly one of the top young defenders in the world right now, Joško Gvardiol established a name for himself after his performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
What makes Gvardiol so good is that he is a technically gifted a left-footed centre-back.
He is a fantastic outlet for his club, Manchester City. His pass accuracy, and passing speed is outstanding.
Right now, the Croatian is one of the hottest defenders in Europe as many top clubs are fighting to get his signature.
4. Pau Torres
Pau is a left-sided defender who plays for Spanish side Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old is a highly adept and competent centre-back who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him one of the best ball-playing defenders in football.
Torres has continued to grow in leaps and bounds over the past few years and is a regular fixture in the starting XI for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and Spanish national team.
The Spaniard played a prominent role in Villarreal’s successful run to the Europa League title in 2021, scoring in the penalty shoot-out to help his team beat favourites Manchester United in the final.
Since joined Villa in 2023, he has been key to their fine form and resurgence this season.
5. Gabriel Magalhães
This season, the 26-year-old Gabriel Magalhães has been part of one of the Premier League’s best centre-back duos alongside William Saliba for Arsenal.
He not only adds a great amount of dynamism to the Arsenal backline thanks to his left-footedness but is also a major threat from set-pieces thanks to his aerial ability.
Gabriel Magalhães is a left-footed centre-back who normally plays on the left side of a centre-back partnership for Arsenal.
However, Gabriel can also play as part of a back three. Despite his 6’3″ height, Gabriel is known for being fast and mobile.
He is also known for his distribution ability, generally looking to play the ball forward or to the left-back to initiate attacks from the back.
6. Alessandro Bastoni
The 23-year-old is a fast-rising defender who’s primarily left-footed.
The Inter Milan and Italian national team centre-back is at ease when the ball is at his feet.
He has played as the left centre-back in Inter Milan’s three-man defense. He is an excellent ball-playing defender, a great tackler, and an expert at breaking an attacking press with a dribble, acceleration of pace, or a pass.
Bastoni, despite his relatively young age, is already a stalwart for the Nerrazuri, having made over 100 appearances over the course of 5 seasons.
7. Alessio Romagnoli
Alessio Romagnoli has been one of the most underrated football players in recent times.
The Italian defender who currently plays for Lazio is undoubtedly one of the top left-footed centre-backs in the world at the moment.
His elegance, versatility, composure, and technical giftedness are key characteristics of his game. As a left-footer, Romagnoli brings confidence in possession and excellent distribution skills to build up play from the back for AC Milan.
His well-rounded attributes allow him to advance up the pitch and put pressure on opponents in more attacking positions when needed. Romagnoli’s abilities as a centre-back or left-sided full-back make him a highly dynamic defender.
8. Iñigo Martínez
Eyebrows were raised when FC Barcelona signed Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer, with the two-year contract and slapped a €400 million release clause on him.
The 32-year-old is a sold defender and a reliable passer. Inigo Martinez has been legendary Spanish defender Carles Puyol.
Also, despite being only 5’11”, Martinez is an aerial threat on set pieces thanks to his superb heading ability. He also excels at tackling, reading the game, and on-the-ball skills.
9. Presnel Kimpembe
The Paris Saint Germain and France defender is currently one of the best left-footed centre-backs in the world.
The 28-year-old is very comfortable in possession and strong in physical confrontations making him hard to get off the ball.
The Frenchman is also a great ball-playing defender with the ability to bring the ball out into midfield and win crucial tackles.
Kimpembe is a rock in defense for PSG and the French national team. Presnel will be hoping to continue to perform optimally to cement his reputation as one of the best defenders in the game.
10. Kalidou Koulibaly
The Senegalese national team captain is one of the most highly rated defenders in the same world right now.
Koulibaly usually plays on the left side of the defense. The former Chelsea centre-back is great in possession, loving to advance with the ball from his defensive position to contribute to the attack.
He’s also quite nimble and technical on the ball for someone of his big size. The 32-year-old is an imposing, aggressive, quick and physical, and elegant player.
Koulibaly is known for his aerial ability, anticipation, intelligence, positioning, tackling, character, technique, and passing ability as a centre-back.
