Dribbling is an essential part of football and skilled dribblers have always held a special place in the hearts of football fans. So let’s take a look at the best dribblers.
Dribbling is not just about carrying the ball, as getting past defenders and taking them out of the equation is also an important part of football. Football teams benefit from having skilled dribblers on their side.
When teams retreat into their own half to defend and look to hit the opposition on the counter, skilful dribblers can often make the difference. They can squeeze into tight spaces with their deft touches, agility and speed, and break down defences.
Skilled dribblers are among the most admired players in the world of football. Without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the best dribblers in world football right now.
The 5 best dribblers in world football (2023)
#5 Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Al Ahli)
Riyad Mahrez is one of the most exciting wingers to grace the Premier League in recent times. The Algeria international first made waves at Leicester City, playing a starring role in the Foxes’ incredible Premier League triumph in the 2015-16 season.
He was then recruited by Manchester City. And, even today at Al Ahli, Mahrez continues to terrorise defences with his dribbling and agility. The left-footed winger likes to drop his shoulder and send defenders the wrong way before bursting into the box and testing the keeper.
Mahrez uses his low centre of gravity and nimble touches to keep defenders guessing. He does all this with the grace of a gazelle and it is a pleasure to watch him play on the right wing for Al Ahli.
#N°4 Ousmane Dembélé (France/PSG)
What makes Ousmane Dembélé unique is the fact that not only is he a great dribbler, but he is also excellent with both feet. The Frenchman is one of the most exciting strikers in Europe today and one of the most dangerous players a defender can encounter in the final third.
After joining PSG, Dembélé’s pace is still astonishing, and his momentum is enhanced by his long strides, making him almost impossible to catch once he’s beaten a defender.
The 25-year-old’s end product is also of the highest quality, and he is as unpredictable as the strikers thanks to his ability to dribble with both feet.
#3 Lionel Messi (Argentine/Inter Miami)
Throughout his career, Lionel Messi has mesmerised us with his dribbling skills. He is not as flashy as the other players on this list, in the sense that Messi is rarely seen to take even one step forward. But the Inter Miami player gives the impression that the ball is stuck to his boots the way he runs with it.
The ball is never more than a metre from his studs when he is in possession. He times his nimble touches to perfection and waits for defenders to commit to a tackle before snatching it and running.
Despite his 35 years, Messi remains one of the best dribblers in the world. The winner of the last Ballon d’Or and the World Cup is still a nightmare for defenders, even if he has lost a metre of speed in recent years.
#2 Vinicius Jr. (Brasil/Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr. has a lot of flair and the kind of streaksmarts we’ve come to associate with Brazilian footballers. Having established himself as an unpredictable winger capable of producing flashes of brilliance, Vinicius moved up a gear last season at Real Madrid.
He massively improved his end product and also doubled his dribbling ability. The Brazilian international is an elusive presence on the football pitch with his quick turns and silky skills. He is also an extremely enterprising striker who is always looking to catch defenders out and beat them.
Vinicius takes a very direct approach in the attacking third, taking the ball and penetrating into the box, forcing defenders back regularly. He has a wide range of tricks and is a threatening presence in and around the penalty area.
#1 Neymar Jr. (Brasil/Al-Hilal)
Neymar Jr. is one of the most skilful dribblers in the history of football. The 30-year-old first burst onto the scene thanks to his incredible ability to beat defenders with his innovative dribbling.
The Brazilian striker is constantly looking to catch defenders out and beat them. The current Al-Hilal player is so good with the ball in his feet that, no matter how much space he gets stuck in, he finds a way to get out of it without losing the ball.
Neymar’s game is full of flicks and tricks like roll-ons, rainbows, chops, croquetas and flip-flops and he is one of the most entertaining players to watch.
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