Players to watch out for in the Euros: Left-Backs

Full backs are easily one of the least interesting positions on the pitch to speak about. The impact a full back has on his team is often underrated.

We have seen some very influential right backs and left backs over the last few years. Here are three left backs who could make a telling difference for their country this summer:

1) Jordi Alba: In Sergio Ramos’ absence, Jordi Alba becomes the most experienced player in the Spanish backline. He broke onto the scene in the 2012 Euros went on to become one of the left backs in the world over the course of the decade.

At 32, he is not at his physical best but he is still a smart defender who is potent on the attacking front. With the lack of quality attackers, Alba’s ability to lay crosses from the left-hand side will be key to Spain’s success. He will be eager to carry over his La Liga form and make the summer a memorable one for the Spanish fans.

2) David Alaba: David Alaba would be one of the three players who could make a case for themselves in the debate of best left back of the 2010s, the others being Marcelo and Alba. While he might operate in the CB role at his new club Real Madrid, he is expected to have a more attacking presence for Austria. He has often been deployed at LM or even CAM for his national side. As Austria do not have a very tough group, we might see Alaba or more than just the 3 group stage games.

3) Andy Robertson: Talking of the best left back of the last 3 seasons and the first name to crop up will definitely be Andy Robertson. He has elevated his career since 2018 and will captain his Scotland side to their first ever major tournament since 1998. He usually plays LWB or LM for Scotland as they blessed with another great left back in Kieran Tierney. If Scotland are to trump either England or Croatia and make it to the round of 16, Robertson will have to be at his peak.