The role of wingers has evolved over time. In modern football, it is common for right-handed players to play on the left wing as reverse wingers, cutting inside on their strongest foot to shoot or pass.
Traditional wingers, who run along the touchline and cross into the penalty area, have therefore moved away from this type of play.
Traditional wingers have become a little rarer, with many teams opting for more versatile and dynamic attacking players capable of playing all along the front line.
Nevertheless, there are still players who specialise in the traditional winger role, relying on their speed, crossing ability and one-on-one skills to create chances for their team.
Without further ado, here are five of the best left wingers in the world today.
#5 Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Rafael Leao has demonstrated his immense potential with some impressive performances. Leao is a versatile player who can play as a striker, winger or attacking midfielder. His speed and dribbling ability make him a problem for opposing defenders.
He also has an eye for goal and has demonstrated his ability to score from a variety of positions in the final third of the pitch. Thanks to his talent and work ethic, Leao has become a key player for AC Milan and the Portuguese national team.
In 36 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri this season, the 23-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists.
#4 Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
You could say that Marcus Rashford is more of a centre-forward than a winger. He alternates between the two positions, but the fact is that he remains a brilliant winger despite his effectiveness in a more central role.
Rashford has made a career of baiting defenders and outrunning them with his incredible pace and trickery. He has more than one trick up his sleeve, and when he is at his best it is a real pleasure to watch him play.
The Englishman is currently enjoying his best individual season with Manchester United. The 25-year-old has scored 27 goals and provided nine assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils so far this season.
#3 Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid winger, has become one of the best strikers on the planet in recent seasons. His qualities as a winger are undeniable: his lightning speed, control of the ball and speed of execution pose all kinds of problems for opposing defences.
Vinicius is a dynamic striker whose tireless work rate and ability to turn back the clock make him a valuable asset to any team. He has also shown an impressive ability to score goals, with his finishing improving considerably in recent seasons.
At just 22, Vinicius has immense potential and is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in world football. In 43 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid so far this season, the Brazil international has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists.
#2 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Naples)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has taken European football by storm this season. The Georgian international joined Napoli last summer as a relative unknown. But over the course of the current season, he has managed to establish himself as one of the best strikers on the planet.
Kvaratskhelia has tormented defenders with his speed, silky dribbling, decision-making and intelligent movement. He scored and created goals with equal efficiency and played a huge part in making Napoli the dominant force they are today in Serie A.
Kvaratkshelia has scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists in 31 appearances for Napoli in all competitions so far this season.
#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Like Rashford, Kylian Mbappé is another player who excels as a centre-forward while also playing the role of left winger perfectly. Mbappé is without doubt the best striker in the game at the moment. He terrorises defenders with his speed and dazzling movements.
He is extremely quick on the ball and seems at ease even when taking on two defenders at once. He is tipped to win several Ballon d’Or awards in the future and has been in sublime form for club and country since the start of the year.
Mbappé has scored 31 goals and provided eight assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain so far this season.
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