The Best 3 Left Backs of the 2008-09 Premier League Season

Below are my three nominees for left back of the season…

Patrice Evra

Many consider Evra to be the best left back in the world, even he’s said that he believes it. His form this season however has not been completely consistent. In particular many may remember how Lennon toyed with him in the Carling Cup final. He’s also struggled with injuries and bans, but even through all this he’s still been one of the best in his position this season. It’s difficult to argue with his talents when he’s flying up the wing or nipping an excellent tackle.

Evra actually started his career as a striker with Paris Saint-Germain, and was only tried as a left back in his second club Nice because of injuries to their squad. It’s easy to understand then why his attacking capabilities are his prized asset. In particular he usually impresses with his blink and you miss him pace (when he’s fit), along with decent stamina, ball skills and tackling ability.

Ashley Cole

Often a controversial figure off the field, but on it he’s got bags of ability and is rightly England’s best left back. He can easily tandem defensive grit with silky attack, and can often combine them to spark a dangerous counter attack. This season he’s been particularly excellent and has firmly put the ghosts of his poor showing last season to bed. His fellow players have considered him to have done so well in fact that they voted him Chelsea’s player’s player of the year.

A lot of his on field problems to date have resulted from injuries, with his ankle giving him particular problems. This season however Cole has managed to avoid the physio’s table and has looked refreshed and tenacious. If you can forget his tabloid mayhem and often unpopular decisions, Cole is a good player who has done well this season deserves his spot amongst the best three left backs.

Leighton Baines

Baines struggled in his first Everton season last year, but this year he has gone from strength to strength. He scored his first goal for Everton, got his first England call-up and was named player of the month two times in a row in March and April, all capping off a terrific season for Leighton Baines. As a result of his form his manager David Moyes has tipped him to be a part of England’s 2010 World Cup squad.

Baines is a tireless defender who is very hard working and combines this with a decent amount of skill. He’s also good at linking with the forwards and has often formed a deadly partnership with Pienaar on the left. Injuries permitting, there is a good chance that 24 year old Baines will have a bright future not only at Everton but in the England fold as well.

See Also…

The Best Three Goalkeepers of the 200/09 Premier League Season