The best Premier League left-backs in 2023 have been players capable of taking on the world’s best defenders, able to break past defenders and provide extraordinary crosses, and almost always in the middle of things.
Yes, wing-backs are quite in vogue. But who, in a league filled with so much talent, are the very best? We’ve analyzed the stats, even looked at our fantasy football team sheets and came up with a few answers.
The Best Left Back in the Premier League in 2023
Dan Burn (Newcastle)
Dan Burn, in an EPL filled with many famous full-backs, might just be the best player in his position across the entire 2023. But how is Burn, now 31 years old, suddenly so good? Well, a lot of it has to do with the host of teammates he has at Newcastle, as well as the way that Eddie Howe has used Burn in his tactics.
Burn has been one of the defenders in the world when it comes to clearances, blocks, and aerial duels won. And there is a sense that he could be at the heart of a Newcastle team that could achieve a lot in the upcoming future.
Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
Destiny Udogie, much like the rest of Tottenham 2023/24 squad, caught many by surprise. Sure, there was great potential there. But could Udogie and his teammates really be ready for the rigours of the Premier League? So far, the Italian has been in excellent form. He has managed two assists for Spurs, has become an integral part of Ange Postecoglou, and the best seems yet to come.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
Oleksandr Zinchenko might just be the best left-back in the EPL, and he doesn’t even feature in that position at all times. When he does, and when he is focused, the Ukrainian’s experience, matched by his impressive passing skills, make him one of Arsenal’s greatest assets. In a season in which the Gunners hope to finally come out on top of the league, Zinchenko may prove the “make or break” factor.
Pervis Estupinan (Brighton)
Stat geeks have quietly lauded Estupinan as one of the best players in the EPL for a long time. This season, Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton are playing some of the best football in the league, and the Ecuadorian has been an important factor in their success. Yes, an injury has sidelined the player recently. However, throughout the year, for sheer speed, attacking threat and defensive responsibilities, there are few better full-backs in the league.
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw has also been sidelined for a while through injury. Yet, it would be unfair not to namecheck him on our list. Under Erik Ten Hag, improbably, Shaw has regained his form. Some might even argue he has never been more adept at interpreting the modern wingback role than he has been in 2023.
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Andy Robertson has been the best left-back in the world for many years. This much is hard to dispute! However, due to injuries and, perhaps, as a consequence of age, Robertson’s role on Liverpool’s side has recently diminished. On a good run of form, still, there are few left-backs in the entire world that can provide the sheer offensive stats that Roberson is able to bring to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
U.S. soccer fans must be delighted with Antonee Robinson’s progress. While Fulham is bound to remain a team destined to battle to stay afloat in the Premier League, Robinson has shown himself to be a competent defensive-minded full-back. His interception, for example, rank him among the world’s elite. And at 26 years of age, the American may just be entering his peak years.
