There is always going to be debate in football. It is a matter of opinions, it is what makes football such an enjoyable and interesting sport; on and off the pitch.
Such is this, that I would like to state my opinion on Ryan Bertrand. I believe that he could easily be considered as the best left-sided defender in the entire of the Premier League.
He is certainly England’s current best going into the European Championships this summer in France. His competition for the spot is mainly from Danny Rose, who plays for Tottenham. Ironically enough, he is probably Bertrand’s competition for best left back in the Premier League as well.
The Premier League is the best league in world football – most would agree – and so it showcases some of the best players in the world. With this being the case, there is obviously going to be a very high number of quality left backs in the league, which is true.
Aleksander Kolarov, Danny Rose and Nacho Monreal are all also up there in terms of quality players in Bertrand’s position. They all play for clubs who currently occupy the top-four and rightly so, as they are top players.
However, Bertrand does not play for a team currently in the top-four. Instead, he plays for Southampton, who currently occupy the sixth spot in the league. Bertrand has been a huge part of Southampton’s success in the last 18 months and has won over countless admirers during his time on the South Coast.
His recent form has been exceptional. He has been a key part of the Saints defence that has kept six clean sheets in their last six games, and will be vying to make it seven against Chelsea next weekend.
Bertrand has even been deployed as one of three central defenders this season, showing his versatility and actual defensive abilities. There are a lot of fullbacks around who very good at attacking but not as good at defending; Bertrand is good at both. Bertrand has shown during his time at Southampton that he is just as effective going back as he is going forward and has been Mr Consistent in the left back berth.
Whenever I have seen him play, he has been comfortable on the ball; fast, composed and good in one-on-one defensive situations. All of which are traits that you would associate with a good fullback. He is certainly up there with the best and, in my opinion, the best in the league for.
Is Ryan Bertrand the best left back in the Premier League? If not, who is?
