We study the heirs of Roberto Carlos in world football.
Left protector is one of the most important positions in modern football, capable of turning a good team into a great one. In the past, Roberto Carlos was a symbol of the ideal left defender, but who is now considered the best?
It is difficult to choose an unconditional leader, because each player has his own positive and negative qualities, so let’s look at the top 10 players by value on the Transfermarkt portal.
10. Alex Grimaldo – 40 million euros
Unfortunately, Grimaldo played little for Spain on Euro 2024 after the magnificent season of Leverkuzensky Bayer, but spent 1 match entirely with Albania, and in the match with Georgia he was replaced and received his gold medal. Then, in the League of Nations, he already received more playing time, but in Bayer he is a key player – during the golden season he scored 10 goals and gave 15 assists, which helped the club for the first time in history to become the Champion of Germany.
Grimaldo meets the standards well, he has the skills of an attacking midfielder, he is a very creative football player who likes Habi Alonso.
9. Andrea Kambeyazo – 40 million euros
Massimiliano Allegri was used by extremely extreme defender Kambyazo in various positions during his first season at Juventus. Mott also appreciates the Italian and trusts his place in the main composition, Kambezo becomes more expensive and more experienced.
Recently, the player has attracted the attention of a top English club. Maybe he will leave Turin soon.
8. Riccardo Kalafori – 45 million euros
He shone in Bologna last season before appearing at the Euro. The Italians flew in the 1/8 finals, but this did not change the plans of the arsenal – Kalafoori went to live in London.
He scored an incredible goal against Manchester City, then he was injured, but in general he leaves positive impressions this season.
7. Destini Udoji – 45 million euros
Another Italian in London. The 22-year-old shone Premier League Last season, when he terrified the rivals, coming out of his half of the field to the gates, but since then he has suffered from injuries and so far cannot return this form. Despite this, Udoja has great potential and plenty of time to become the best version of himself.
6. Theo Ernandes – 50 million euros
Such Ernandes would probably not let the real one go. But Theo quickly found a new home in Milan after leaving the Madrid club and spending his sixth season in Italy.
The French national team player is very stable in the Rossoneri framework, he is rarely beaten one-on-one, and Theo himself often obstructs and gives the assists. Consistently achieves match goal and standards. The way the game looks, he looks like an ideal left defender from the moment Roberto Carlos played.
5. Alfonso Davis – 50 million euros
The Canadian has become a symbol of speed in football, a very fast guy. This quality is its main advantage over rivals. Although Davis also has good equipment and can beat the opponent one by one. Alfonso really wanted to sign Real, but Bavaria is doing everything possible to save the defender. If you believe the latest rumors, then Davis will stay in Munich and extend his contract.
4. Alejandro Balde – 50 million euros
It seems that Barcelona managed to find a person who could replace Zordi Alba for many years in Catalonia – and it cost the Catalans for free, as Balde was taken from the Academy.
Alejandro was magnificent during the 2022/23 season, when the team under the leadership of Havi won the league title, now a young player who already plays for the Spanish national team, gains experience under the direction of Hans Flick and rightly occupies a high place on our list.
3. Nunu Mendes – 55 million euros
Despite his youth, Mendesh is already the champion of Portugal and France (three times). Nunu has all the superstar inclinations.
One of the main performers PSG And Portugal has impressive starting speed and also knows how to make accurate canopies into someone else’s penalty zone. He can become one of the best assistants of the Parisian team.
2. Federico DiMarko – 60 million euros
DiMarko is one of the best football players in terms of how well he throws the ball from the flank to someone else’s penalty. The ideal partner for the striker, Federico has already become the main one of the Italian national team, his position in Inter is indestructible. A bit of speed, but he makes up for that with technology and football intelligence. DiMarko is so confident that he already easily turns down the big Englishman.
1. Yoshko Guardiool – €75 million
Guardiool is one of the many players that Pep Guardiola has transformed. Croatian came to the Spaniard at Manchester City as a central defender, but was transformed into a powerful left defender.
Guardiola took some time to adjust to Premier Leaguenow Yoshko is studying and gaining new knowledge – you rarely meet a football player who is equally good not only in the center of defense, but also on the flank.
Of course, this list does not reflect the true value of the players, since it is built on the rating of the TransferMarkt portal alone, but who do you consider the best left defender at the moment? Write your opinions in the comments.
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