The 2013-14 Premier League season has been one to watch for many reasons, and chief among those is the intriguing battle for the mantle of best left-back in the country.
There are 8-10 superb players plying their trade in that position and fans routinely squabble over who ranks higher.
Here, Discount Football Kits throw their hat into the ring and outline their top five.
5. Kieran Gibbs, Arsenal
Kieran Gibbs has displaced Nacho Monreal this season as Arsenal’s No. 1 left-back, and that’s an impressive feat to start with considering the calibre his positional rival boasts.
Gibbs’ prime concern over the last few years has always been injury, with multiple ailments to his legs, ankles and feet harming his progress on the pitch.
But he’s played regularly throughout the 2013-14 campaign and looks to be improving with every month; He’s got years ahead to refine his game and fire himself up this list.
4. Luke Shaw, Southampton
I was at St. Mary’s Stadium for Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Southampton in March, and the amount of tactical steps Mauricio Pochettino has taken to ensure Luke Shaw can receive the ball in space and roam forward is astounding.
At 18 years of age he is their key player when moving the ball forward, and the central midfield trio all move to the right, dragging markers with them, so Artur Boruc can roll it out to Shaw and let him go.
He’s improving with every game, isn’t scared of taking on anyone and has an ideal, thick build.
3. Aleksandar Kolarov, Manchester City
Aleksandar Kolarov has come back from the brink at Manchester City this season, and now stands Manuel Pellegrini’s first choice ahead of Gael Clichy at left-back.
Under Roberto Mancini he could only find time as a wing-back, and there were fears last summer he might leave in search of first-team football.
But despite the rotating door in central defence, he’s blossomed in a regular role and remains lethal steaming forward. His low crosses cause genuine havoc and are a source for many City goals.
2. Leighton Baines, Everton
Thanks to another excellent, consistent season at left-back for Everton, Leighton Baines now looks a sure-fire starter in Brazil for England.
Roy Hodgson has essentially confirmed that the former Wigan man will man the left in Manaus, with Ashley Cole and the aforementioned Shaw left to fight it out for the reserve role.
Baines’ defending has improved ever-so-slightly and his offensive production is as strong as ever.
1. Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
Football is an unpredictable sport, and every year odd things happen to remind us that nothing is set in stone.
Over the past eight months, Cesar Azpilicueta has beaten out Ashley Cole and stolen his spot at left-back in the Chelsea XI—despite playing all of his career as a right-footed right-back.
He’s never beaten one vs. one, keeps it simple with the ball and doesn’t make mistakes. He’s not only become the best left-back in the league, but he’s pushing a claim for the best full-back overall.
[poll id=”14″]
Ummm I go with leighton baines