Neymar, Vini Jr, Mane: Who is the best left-winger in the world today? | OneFootball

The role of the left-winger in modern day football has changed considerably from what it once was.

However, the days of these box office players simply hugging the left touchline and waiting for the ball to come their way are long gone.

With coaches increasingly asking their full-backs to contribute in an attacking sense, wingers are now expected to possess a more rounded game.

Although a select few are given the freedom to remain up the field in anticipation of a counter-attack, a fair percentage of wide players today will be asked to track back to help their colleagues defensively and will also routinely drift in-field to become more involved in play.

When they are doing what they do best, though, there are few sights in the beautiful game more satisfying than watching a pacey left-winger effortlessly beat an opposition defender for speed before providing an assist for a teammate.

Of course, in addition to their creative responsibilities, the best in the world are also expected to chip in with their share of goals on a regular basis.

It’s a high-energy role – and youth is definitely an advantage in doing the job well.

Who is the best left-winger in the world today?

The team over at FourFourTwo have recently updated their list of the top 10 left-wingers on the planet right now. The countdown sees five new entrants when compared with the same rankings 12 months ago – with some big names missing out on selection this time around.

You can check out the revised top 10 in full below.

10. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

9. Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

8. Luis Diaz (Liverpool)

7. Raphael Leao (AC Milan)

6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

5. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

4. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

3. Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich)

2. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

1. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)

Tottenham’s Son-Heung-min was ranked at number four last year, but his indifferent start to the season with Spurs sees him fail to make the cut this time around.

Others who have disappeared from the rankings since November 2021 include Barcelona’s Ansu Fati and Lorenzo Insigne (who left Napoli for MLS side Toronto FC in the summer), while Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (previously ranked ninth) was similarly overlooked.

Grealish misses out

Perhaps unsurprisingly given his failure to truly make his mark at the Etihad Stadium, Man City’s £100 million man Jack Grealish doesn’t feature (having been seventh in 2021).

To illustrate the embarrassment of riches that Pep Guardiola has at his disposal, though, City are represented in the shape of fourth-placed Foden.

Napoli may have parted company with Insigne, but have seemingly struck gold with his replacement in Georgian international Kvaratskhelia, who comes in at number six.

Luciano Spalletti’s men look on course to mount a serious Serie A title challenge this season and the 21-year-old is a major reason why.

Kvaratskhelia is joined as a newcomer to the list by AC Milan’s Leao – another man who is lighting up the Italian top-flight at present.

Over in the Premier League, Liverpool’s recent dip in form suggests they are feeling the absence of eighth-placed Diaz, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury. The 25-year-old is expected to be back in action for the Reds before the end of 2022. His return is eagerly awaited by the Anfield faithful.

Few expected Arsenal to be challenging for the title this season. However, Martinelli’s sparkling start to the campaign has helped Mikel Arteta’s side set the pace in the early months of the Premier League season. The talented Brazilian takes fifth spot in the opinion of FourFourTwo.

Despite an influx of fresh talent, the top three ranked left-wingers in the world remain the same as they were 12 months ago, albeit in a different order.

Mane took top honours at that time, thanks to his impressive form for Liverpool. Since his summer move to Bayern Munich, though, he hasn’t quite been at his brilliant best – and slips to third in these updated rankings.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr climbs one place to second. The 22-year-old narrowly misses out on top spot, despite winning both the Champions League and La Liga last season.

FourFourTwo admit that the Brazilian could make a strong argument to be considered the best in the world if he shines for his country at the upcoming World Cup.

For now, though, he must play second fiddle to his international colleague Neymar. The 30-year-old sits atop the rankings after seemingly rediscovering his love for the game at Paris Saint-Germain this season.

We’ve only just hit the end of October and the former Barcelona man already has 14 goals and 11 assists to his name for the campaign.

With some of the finest creative talent in the world (including 3 of the top five entries on this list), Brazil look to be the side to beat as we get ready for Qatar 2022.