You need these runners
Quality full backs can be hard to find. It's a crucial position since in most tactics this player needs to cover the whole left or right side of the pitch. Top-notch left side players in this position are especially rare, both in the game and in real life. That said, here's the list of 15 left backs that are amazing in FM2020:
15. Francisco Ortega
- Position: D/WB/M/AM (L)
- Age: 20 years old
- Nationality: Argentina
- Club: Vélez
- Value: 2,4M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2021.
- Naturally fit player
- Very good potential
- Inexpensive
It’s a real thrill when you dig out a hidden gem, like this guy. £5 million seems a great price for Ortega who possesses exceptional physical attributes and very good all-round mental stats. His technical side may be lacking but you can develop that easily with the potential he has. It’s well known high physical attributes eat into a player’s overall attribute mix.
Despite this Ortega can develop good movement, decisions, anticipation and ample dribbling and crossing ability. One area can make up for technical shortfalls and that is raw speed, which Ortega has in spades. Not to mention the Argentine could be used in any system, as a full back, wing back or complete wing back.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/152389/francisco-ortega/
14. Sergino Dest
- Position: D/WB/M (RL)
- Age: 18 years old
- Nationality: USA
- Club: Ajax
- Value: 5,5 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2022.
- Very determined
- Has a lot of potential
- Can play both on the left or the right side
He’s already burst onto the scene with Ajax this season but you can get ahead of the competition and lure him away from Amsterdam for a modest sum of money.
The American is the latest precocious talent to emerge from Ajax’s much-feted academy and is well-equipped to already turn out for any top-flight side, such is the quality he possesses. Dest should certainly be signed at the beginning of the game, as he is already an absolute beast, but will go on to reach true world-class heights.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/152636/sergino-dest/
13. Borna Sosa
- Position: D/WB (L)
- Age: 21 years old
- Nationality: Croatia
- Club: VfB Stuttgart
- Value: 2,9 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- High composure and teamwork will make him a very useful team player
- His mental attributes are amazingly rounded
- Great potential
Sosa could be a great addition to any top-flight team. He may not have the highest potential but that attribute mix optimizes what ability the Croatian does have and his price tag is an absolute bargain.
A technical full back Sosa has good speed, composure, teamwork and makes good decisions. That crossing and passing ability are very tempting, especially for someone who utilizes the full back positions in attack. Everything suggests that Sosa will be developing consistently, so a safe bet and guaranteed return on investment.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/150466/borna-sosa/
12. Luca Pellegrini
- Position: D/WB/M (L)
- Age: 20 years old
- Nationality: Italy
- Club: Cagliari
- Value: 8 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Fantastic mental attributes
- Very high potential
- Will develop high technical skills if managed properly
Pellegrini has the all-round ability, great potential and consistency in his game. Strong, fast and agile the Italian will develop good technical and general mental attributes. An all-round full back Luca can defend and despite the hefty first season price tag, should cost less in 2020/21.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/148621/luca-pellegrini/
11. Sergio Escudero
- Position: D/WB/M (L)
- Age: 29 years old
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: Sevilla
- Value: 17,9 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2021.
- Very determined
- Well rounded attributes
- Affordable
Incredibly, you can trigger Escudero’s release clause for just £13m, which is a bargain, to say the least. The experienced Spaniard has incredible stamina and an excellent all-round game. He will invigorate your flanks and can operate in several roles at the back, such is his defensive versatility.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147592/sergio-escudero/
10. Kieran Tierney
- Position: D (LC), WB (L)
- Age: 22 years old
- Nationality: Scotland
- Club: Arsenal
- Value: 30,8 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2024.
- Very fast
- Excellent mental stats
- Will develop in a star player
Kieran Tierney came through the ranks at Celtic, quickly breaking into the first team in 2015 at the age of 18. He soon made his international debut as well. In August 2019 he made a move to Arsenal, though his first season there has been blighted by injury.
He is not afraid to get stuck in at either end of the pitch. He has 16 acceleration and 15 pace to go along with 15 tackling, 15 crossing, and 15 work rate. Tierney is an excellent player already in FM20 but will only get better under the right coaching if you can convince him to leave his new club.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147232/kieran-tierney/
9. Alex Grimaldo
- Position: D/WB/M (L)
- Age: 23 years old
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: SL Benfica
- Value: 25,7 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Excellent attacking stats
- Very creative
- Has the potential to become one of the best players in any team
Alex Grimaldo is well-known as a quality young player. He started his career as a youngster with Valencia before making an early move to Barcelona. In 2015, before making his first-team debut with Barca, he moved to Benfica. He has quickly become a star for them but is yet to receive a full cap for Spain.
In FM20 Grimaldo is a forward-thinking full back. With 16 dribbling, 16 passing, and 16 technique he is ideal for a top team that wants to dominate possession and overlaps their full backs. He also has 14 tackling, 14 work rate, and 14 pace so he can get back and make a tackle too.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147316/lex-grimaldo/
8. Renan Lodi
- Position: D/WB/M (L)
- Age: 21 years old
- Nationality: Brazil
- Club: Atlético de Madrid
- Value: 17,9 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2025.
- Well rounded attributes
- Very high potential
- Fantastic attacking attributes
Do you utilize flying wing backs and value attacking over defensive ability? This kid worth a scout. He adds an extra dimension in the final third providing quality on the cross and in behind.
With great physical attributes Renan can do a job defensively but should be used for his creative spark. Not many wing backs possess such technique, touch, and passing ability. Even at £16 million I think he’s worth a bid.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/148132/renan-lodi/
7. Luke Shaw
- Position: D/WB (L)
- Age: 23 years old
- Nationality: England
- Club: Manchester United
- Value: 24,9 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- High potential
- Very brave and determined
- Strong but fast
Starting his career with Southampton, Luke Shaw quickly caught the eye. In 2014 he made a move to Manchester United at just 19. A nasty double-fracture to his leg in 2015 put his career on pause. On his return, Shaw slowly secured his spot in the Man United starting lineup.
Shaw’s play in FM20 is underpinned by his well-rounded physical and mental attributes. Considering the amount of potential, he will be the most valuable asset to any top league side.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147286/luke-shaw/
6. Benjamin Mendy
- Position: D/WB (L)
- Age: 24 years old
- Nationality: France
- Club: Manchester City
- Value: 41,2 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Lethal crossing
- Very fast
- Great potential
A powerful runner who loves to drive down the flank and whip low crosses or cut-backs into the box, Mendy's attacking surges were a key feature of Monaco's brilliant campaign in 2016/17. The Frenchman provided eight assists as the principality club won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals, and was duly snapped up by Manchester City. He will be a fantastic addition to any top league side.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147121/benjamin-mendy/
5. Andy Robertson
- Position: D/WB (L)
- Age: 25 years old
- Nationality: Scotland
- Club: Liverpool
- Value: 54,4 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2020.
- High bravery, teamwork and work rate
- Physical attributes are just stunning
- Still room for improvement
Andy Robertson has excelled as part of the best defense in the Premier League. The Scotsman also contributes at the other end, registering 11 assists from left-back as both he and Trent Alexander-Arnold provide width when the Reds attack. Robertson is another who has established himself as one of the best in the world after a stellar season at Liverpool.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155157/andrew-robertson/
4. Alex Sandro
- Position: D/WB/M (L)
- Age: 28 years old
- Nationality: Brazil
- Club: Juventus
- Value: 54,3 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Amazingly rounded physical stats
- Tremendous attack/defense ratio
- Consistent performer
Quick, athletic and technically sound, the ex-Porto man is the archetypal modern full-back. A player who was anointed Roberto Carlos’s successor by none other than the man himself, in his 28 has been limited to just 19 caps since his debut in 2011. The left back, wing back or midfielder has been successfully on the club scene however, winning league titles with Porto and Juve. Close to his full potential Sandro will be a remarkable addition to any team’s left side of the pitch.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155158/alex-sandro/
3. David Alaba
- Position: D (LC), WB (L), M (C)
- Age: 27 years old
- Nationality: Austria
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Value: 76,7 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2021.
- Fantastic physical stats
- Outstanding versatility
- A brilliant addition to any side
Bayern Munich man is perhaps the strongest left back across the board. Alaba is a danger going forward with his delivery into the box, but is even more reliable in defense, and has even been used as a center back in the past. Injuries haven’t helped, but there’s no doubt that he’s still one of the world’s best in his position.
David is a wonderful footballer who is never flustered in possession. He's capable of carrying the ball down the touchline but also combines well with team-mates in tight spaces. That composure and passing range were among the reasons why Alaba was often instructed to take up midfield positions. Fantastic player, in any aspect of the game.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147088/david-alaba/
2. Marcelo
- Position: D/WB/M (L)
- Age: 31 years old
- Nationality: Brazil
- Club: Real Madrid
- Value: 46,8 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2022.
- Amazing mental attributes
- His technical skills are just tremendously rounded
- Well experienced
Previously maligned for perceived defensive deficiencies, Marcelo belatedly received the praise he's long deserved. Marcelo has been the most consistent left back in recent seasons, playing a huge role for Real Madrid as they lifted three successive Champions League titles.
Marcelo loves to get forward but often under laps rather than provide the attacking width. He's a wonderfully creative footballer who possesses a level of technical ability usually associated with No.10s.
Zinedine Zidane's side may have struggled lately, but the Brazilian remains among their most important players.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155184/marcelo/
1.Jordi Alba
- Position: D/WB/M/AM (L)
- Age: 30 years old
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Value: 50,1 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2024.
- Extremely rounded stats
- Fantastic physical attributes
- Able to hold the whole left side
Alba’s forward runs provide an outlet on the left which is regularly utilized by Messi, while the Spaniard is inventive enough to supply the ammunition for others too. Jordi’s pace is another key attribute, allowing him to transition from defense to attack – and vice-versa – quickly.
It’s not a surprise to see Jordi Alba No1 on this list, given how consistent the Spaniard has been for Barcelona for over six years. The left back was absolutely crucial for the club, but also Spain. His consistency and work rate, along with high physical and technical attributes, will ensure high-end performance for any top league side.
Details on: https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155170/jordi-alba/
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