There was a time when left wingers were typically left-footed and mainly focused on delivering crosses into the box for big forwards. However, football has evolved significantly since then.
In today’s game, some of the most skilled players in the world excel as left wingers, using their trickery, pace, and creativity to dazzle fans across Europe. The left winger has become a potent threat on the field.
Over the years, left wingers have come in various forms, ranging from the elegant Brazilian style to the direct and powerful English style.
This diversity in player profiles has only become more pronounced in the modern game, with their roles depending heavily on the tactical system of their team.
Who Is A Left Winger?
A left winger is a position in football (soccer) normally associated with a player who operates primarily on the left side of the field.
The role of a left winger can vary depending on the team’s tactics and the individual player’s skill set, but they generally contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.
Offensively, a left winger is often responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities by dribbling past opponents, delivering crosses into the penalty area, and occasionally taking shots on goal.
They may also be involved in link-up play with other attacking players to build up attacks.
Defensively, a left winger is expected to track back and provide defensive cover for the left-back (full-back) to prevent opposition attacks down the right flank. This may involve pressing opponents, intercepting passes, and helping to win back possession for their team.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 left wingers in the world right now.
This list considers not only talent but also recent performances, as the context of recent seasons is crucial in determining their current rankings.
1. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior is a top-notch football player, and many think he could win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in the future. He’s currently Brazil’s standout player and a shining star at Real Madrid.
Known for his incredible speed and skilful dribbling, Vinicius is often unstoppable on the field, much like Leao. He consistently performs at a high level, scoring many goals for his team.
In recent seasons, he scored 22 goals in 2021/22, including the winning goal in the Champions League final against Liverpool. Last season, he scored 23 goals and provided the second-most assists in La Liga.
Vinicius exudes confidence, reflecting his Brazilian background and his role as a right-footed left-sided attacker. His game is all about flair, flamboyance, and dribbling prowess.
He’s most dangerous when he receives a pass on the left side against a lone defender. He typically tries to cut inside onto his favoured right foot, as he’s less effective when he goes outside on his left.
Vinicius often beats defenders by swiftly pushing the ball past them and then accelerating in the same direction. Unlike Neymar, who relies more on fancy footwork, Vinicius uses his speed and directness to get past opponents.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, known as ‘Kvaradona,’ made a big impression when he joined Napoli last summer.
The Georgian player quickly became a favourite among fans because of his direct style of play, instincts, and ability to entertain. He’s an exciting winger to watch, known for his unpredictable moves and diverse skills.
Although he mainly plays on the left wing, Kvaratskhelia is a versatile attacker who loves taking on defenders with the ball at his feet. He often receives the ball in space on the left side, then cuts inside to create scoring opportunities.
While he’s capable of using his left foot to go around defenders, he usually prefers cutting inside onto his stronger right foot.
Kvaratskhelia is skilled at dribbling past opponents one-on-one, which makes him a significant threat when carrying the ball forward. Defenders often struggle to stop him, and he draws a lot of fouls, which can lead to dangerous situations for his team.
In the 2022/23 season, Kvaratskhelia led Serie A in assists with 10 and scored 12 goals, contributing to Napoli’s title victory. The 2023/24 season has been challenging for Napoli, but Kvaratskhelia has been a key player, especially with Victor Osimhen sidelined.
3. Rafael Leao
AC Milan has managed to keep hold of Rafael Leao, which is quite an achievement considering his status as one of the best forwards in the world right now. Despite this, top clubs across Europe are constantly showing interest in him.
Standing tall at six-foot-two, Leao typically plays on the left side but is skilled enough to switch flanks when needed, making him a versatile and formidable player.
Known for his direct style and ability to outmanoeuvre opponents one-on-one, Leao has been praised by his teammate Fikayo Tomori for having all the necessary attributes to excel in football.
Since the beginning of the 2021-22 season, Leao has been among the top players in Serie A, ranking fourth for non-penalty goal involvements and fifth for non-penalty shots.
In the current season alone, he continues to impress with 13 non-penalty goal involvements and the third-highest number of non-penalty shots.
When comparing Leao’s stats to his Milan teammates, it’s evident how influential he is for the club. He leads in attempted take-ons, shots taken, chances created, goals scored, and assists provided.
He also ranks second in touches in the opposition box, just behind Olivier Giroud.
4. Son Heung-min
Son had a tough season in 2022/23, especially after winning the Premier League’s Golden Boot the previous year.
Despite occasional dips in form, Son is known for bouncing back with brilliant performances that more than makeup for it.
He’s been a star player for Spurs for nearly five years, evolving into one of the best inside forwards in the world, even if he doesn’t fit the typical mould of a winger.
Son is deadly with both feet and has thrived under Ange Postecoglou’s management. His style of play is dynamic, excelling in both attacking and defensive roles, and he’s known for his remarkable goal-scoring ability in the Premier League.
Despite facing some foot injuries, Son has consistently contributed to Tottenham’s success with numerous goals scored at their stadium.
With his speed, agility, and precise finishing, Son exploits defensive weaknesses to create scoring chances and often leaves defenders struggling to keep up with him. His offensive prowess not only benefits the team but also reflects his dedication to excellence on the field.
Son’s ability to outmaneuver defenders strategically demonstrates his commitment to improving his game and motivating his teammates.
In every match, he shines brightly with his offensive skills, leaving a lasting impact and establishing himself as one of the best in the sport.
5. Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli has been one of Arsenal’s standout success stories under Mikel Arteta’s management, playing a crucial role in the team’s attack.
Although Martinelli’s performances have dipped slightly from his impressive form in 2022/23, he still shows flashes of brilliance in every game he plays.
As a dynamic and explosive winger, Martinelli is known for his agile movement, acceleration, and speed. He can dribble past multiple opponents to create scoring opportunities.
While Martinelli shares similar physical attributes with players like Vinicius Junior, Rafael Leao, and his teammate Saka, he doesn’t possess the same elite dribbling skills in one-on-one situations.
However, his explosive speed and attacking instincts compensate for this, making him a valuable asset for Arsenal.
Martinelli is also capable of playing on the right wing, providing depth and versatility to the team. Although he’s more accustomed to playing on the left, his experience on the right allows him to contribute effectively from either flank.
His direct style of dribbling forces opponents to commit, creating space for his teammates. As Martinelli continues to mature and improve, he has the potential to become an even more formidable player for Arsenal.
6. Jeremy Doku
Doku is a winger known for his chaotic and unpredictable style, which contrasts with what is typically expected from a winger in Pep Guardiola’s system.
He’s a nightmare for defenders, not only because of his speed and trickery but also due to his exceptional passing ability, vision, and improving end product.
On average, Doku completes about 84% of his passes, a third of his crosses, and completes two-thirds of his attempted dribbles. His success rate in dribbling accounts for about 14 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.
With his skills on the ball and his ability to accelerate his team’s attacks through dribbling or precise passing, Doku consistently proves to be a valuable asset for his team, and his worth is continually rising.
His impressive performances have even led to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish struggling to secure a spot in the starting lineup, despite his high profile transfer. Doku has been a revelation since joining City in the summer.
Although Doku has sometimes been relegated to the bench, when fully fit, he often starts for City.
At only 21 years old, Doku has plenty of room for improvement, especially under a manager like Guardiola, known for his ability to develop players. Once he hits his stride, Doku, alongside Haaland, could be a formidable duo in the Premier League.
7. Nico Williams
Once Nico Williams gets going, he becomes a force to be reckoned with on the field, especially when he’s dribbling.
He thrives on carrying the ball forward, taking on defenders one-on-one with remarkable success. He’s adept at turning these situations into scoring opportunities, whether for himself or his teammates.
As a winger, he primarily operates on the left side, using his speed and dribbling abilities to bypass defenders and deliver crosses or take shots. He’s also comfortable on the right, where he can cut inside to unleash powerful shots with his preferred foot.
Williams is known for his involvement in team play, often combining effectively with his teammates and displaying versatility by switching positions with other attackers.
During the 2023-24 La Liga EA Sports season, Williams had an impressive performance.
He started in 18 out of 19 appearances, scoring 11 goals, making him his team’s top scorer and the fourth-highest scorer in the league. Additionally, he provided 7 assists, ranking as the second-best assist provider for his team and the fifth in the league.
While still developing, Williams has already shown significant improvement. Previously, he tended to stick close to the right-wing touchline, but he’s now more confident cutting inside.
His exceptional dribbling skills are evident in his 65 successful dribbles, leading both his team and the league. Despite facing frequent fouls, with 42 received, he maintains an impressive passing accuracy of 79%, ranking among the top passers in his team and the league.
8. Mikel Oyarzabal
Mikel Oyarzabal is a talented player who, despite having the skills and opportunities, may not find himself playing for one of Europe’s top clubs.
Primarily a left-winger, Oyarzabal can also play effectively in the attacking midfield positions behind the striker.
In his role within Alguacil’s formation, Oyarzabal operates on the left side alongside other attackers, who alternate on the right wing.
Unlike many modern wingers who cut inside onto their stronger foot to shoot, Oyarzabal prefers a more traditional approach, focusing on teamwork, quick passes, and crossing from the left flank.
He often moves centrally during the game, drifting between the opponent’s defence and midfield, allowing him to contribute as an additional attacking midfielder.
Oyarzabal’s technical skills enable him to create scoring opportunities by combining with teammates in tight spaces, but he’s also capable of carrying the ball forward when needed, despite his more advanced role in the team.
9. Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz is an incredibly exciting winger who loves to torment opposing right-backs with his close dribbling skills and blistering pace.
While he still has room to improve in terms of his goals and assists, Diaz has a knack for scoring crucial goals when it matters most, as seen in matches against Luton Town, Chelsea in the Premier League, and Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Despite stiff competition from players like Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo, the 27-year-old has firmly established himself as Liverpool’s go-to left-winger under Jurgen Klopp.
Diaz, a quick and right-footed player, typically operates high up the pitch, making runs in behind the opposition’s defence. He often adjusts his positioning laterally to stay onside and be ready to receive a pass centrally.
This movement allows him to receive the ball on his favoured right foot, making it easier for him to finish without slowing down. Diaz times his runs well, anticipating passes from midfield to break through the defensive line and create goal-scoring opportunities.
However, when facing teams that defend deep and leave little space behind, Diaz has adapted his game to find scoring opportunities in different ways.
His greatest asset is his dribbling ability, as he can swiftly change speed and direction while keeping tight control of the ball. Diaz’s explosive speed allows him to burst past opponents, but he can also slow down quickly to create openings for passes or shots.
Opponents often struggle to keep up with him, giving Diaz the advantage to progress up the field and create chances where others might struggle. This ability to unlock defences makes him a dangerous threat in Liverpool’s attack.
10. Kingsley Coman
Kingsley Coman has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, often striking at the worst possible moments for the French player.
While Coman hasn’t been a consistent goal scorer or creator in the final third, his decision-making has sometimes held him back from reaching the same level as some of his teammates.
Considered one of the most promising young talents of his generation, Coman is known for his speed, technical skill, and dribbling ability. He possesses excellent vision, explosive speed, and acceleration, making him a threat on the wing.
He is versatile and can play on either flank or even in the centre as an attacking midfielder or striker.
Although he’s naturally right-footed, he prefers playing on the left, where he can beat defenders one-on-one, cut inside onto his stronger foot, and either take shots, create chances, or make attacking runs into the penalty area.
Despite his injury setbacks, Coman remains one of the best left wingers in the world, excelling in creating separation from defenders in one-on-one situations.
Other Best Left Wingers In The World 2024
- Marcus Rashford
- Kaoru Mitoma
- Diogo Jota
- Leandro Trossard
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Savio
- Jack Grealish
- Harvey Barnes
- Noa Lang
- Karim Adeyemi
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