The Debate: Who is the best left-back in Premier League history?

A position that has arguably evolved more than any other in recent years, the Premier League has been home to an array of Europe's finest left-backs.

Whether you prefer a formidable defender in the form of Ashely Cole, or an output machine in the form of Andrew Robertson, a number of impressive left-backs have put their names in contention for the best in the business.

The bet365 News team have their say on the identity of the greatest left-back to have ever played in the Premier League.

Ashley Cole

Liam Williams

Before Cristiano Ronaldo went on to become one of the most potent goalscorers in the history of football, he was a dazzling winger, capable of turning defenders inside out. He could beat players with raw pace, mesmerising skill or brute force and any full-back he faced usually left the pitch feeling punch-drunk.

Any full-back except for Ashley Cole.

Ronaldo himself described Cole as his toughest opponent, saying ‘he does not give you a second to breathe’. If you want an idea of what Cole was like throughout his career, watch his battles with Ronaldo. The Portuguese tried everything but was never able to escape Cole’s pocket.

In his eight Premier League games against Cole, Ronaldo scored twice and registered one assist. The assist came from a free-kick on the opposite flank to Cole and the two goals also came down United’s left.

It’s not that Cole had a magical formula that made him Ronaldo’s kryptonite; he was just that good a defender.

Of course, Cole had the physical assets and attacking nous to get up the field and join attacks with his pace and engine allowing him to get up and down with ease, but as defenders go, Cole was formidable.

So notable was his recovery pace, Cole could have got away with being poor positionally but he also had an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time, and his timing in the tackle was immaculate, making him one of the best left-backs in the world for the best part of a decade.

From making his international debut in 2001, Cole was the first-choice left-back for pretty much his entire career, clearing 100 caps and becoming the Three Lions’ most-capped full-back.

Of course, Cole’s career at club level could have been even better but for Chelsea’s constant managerial changes; Cole started his career at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho in 2006; seven years and seven managers later, Cole was reunited with Mourinho.

Some managers like Luiz Felipe Scolari wanted Cole to get further forward, others like Mourinho wanted him to operate as a more traditional full-back. Despite the flux, Cole was able to maintain his level.

There’s no denying Andrew Robertson was an outstanding full-back for Liverpool and in terms of attacking contribution, Robertson probably shades the former Arsenal and Chelsea man.

But as a full-back, Cole was imperious.

Andrew Robertson

Ellis Statham

“I am still tired just looking at Andy Robertson – absolutely incredible,” said all-time managerial great Jose Mourinho after Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

Signed from Hull City for £8m in 2017, few could imagine what the Scotsman was about to achieve for the Reds.

Defensively astute, a relentless worker and a superb crosser of the ball, Robertson has epitomised the role of a modern day full-back in recent years.

While in the early to mid era of the Premier League, full-backs were asked to occasionally overlap, but primarily remain in line with the central defenders, the position has evolved in more recent terms, inspired by Jurgen Klopp’s use of his full-backs as the main source of width.

This suited no player more than Andrew Robertson.

“We all need to chip in with goals and assists. It's not just the front three,” proclaimed the left-back during Klopp’s memorable period in charge. ‘Chip in’ would prove to be a mass understatement.

Only Robertson’s full-back partner, Trent Alexander-Arnold (64), has provided more assists than the Scotland captain (60) in Premier League history, four of which came during his stint at Hull.

While the likes of Ashley Cole, Denis Irwin and Patrice Evra were undoubtedly remarkable full-backs in their own right, their ability to play at the same standard in a more modern version of the game remains unknown.

Playing in a Liverpool side that amassed 90+ points three times in just four terms, Robertson would often be the furthest man forward in Klopp’s side, though he wasn’t able to abandon his defensive responsibilities and would show elite grit and athleticism to accompany a formidable defence.

While many emphasise Robertson’s supposed drop-off in form in the last few campaigns, the left-back featured in 33 of a possible 38 Premier League games as the Reds levelled the 20-time tally of north west rivals Manchester United.

Registering just one assist in the 2024/25, Robertson arguably strengthened his case as the best left-back the Premier League has had to offer by displaying a different side of his game. Tactically aware and defensively alert as opposed to his usual high-flying, energetic self.

Of course, time moves on and players need replacing, but the indication that the Scotsman’s Premier League legacy has been tarnished in a season where he contributed to his side winning the league title is inaccurate.

A two-time Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and two-time EFL Cup winner, Robertson has all but completed club football in the space of eight years for the Reds, and no full-back has contributed to the evolution of a position the way that the Scotsman has.

Denis Irwin

Darren Durber

A stalwart during the Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, Denis Irwin was the perfect full-back and a model professional on and off the pitch.

Winning a monumental 19 trophies in an illustrious playing career, Irwin was one of the greatest defenders of his generation and easily ranks among the best of all-time in his position, not just in the Premier League.

Irwin is widely regarded among Manchester United supporters – and former captain Roy Keane - as their greatest ever left-back. He therefore obviously sits above Patrice Evra in the pantheon, so we can immediately cross the Frenchman off the list – he shouldn’t be in the discussion.

With a substantial haul of seven Premier League titles secured during his time at Old Trafford, Irwin holds more top-flight accolades than any of the other left-back contenders. In fact, the other three names on this list won 10 league titles combined between them, just three more than the Irishman achieved alone.

Sir Alex Ferguson described Irwin as ‘eight of ten Denis’ such was the consistency of the man. The legendary Scot also ranked him as his pound-for-pound greatest ever signing, high praise indeed from the Premier League’s greatest ever manager.

Irwin was a fantastic athlete, rarely injured, and played in 400 top-flight matches, again, more than anybody else in the discussion.

He was also both-footed and capable of plying his trade at either side of the defence, a rarity among elite level full-backs, also a rarity among the names on this list; as talented as Cole, Evra and Robertson were, they only used their right foot for standing on.

Irwin chipped in with 22 Premier League goals in his career, more than any of the other contenders – Ashley Cole is his closest rival, scoring 15 times in the league during his stints at Arsenal and Chelsea.

The former Irish international was a consummate professional off the pitch, he was never embroiled in any controversy, never left his club for a close rival and finished his career in the Premier League, another accolade that sets him above his peers in this list.

Irwin is regularly, and deservedly, touted as the best left-back in Premier League history by former professionals, team-mates and those who saw him play during his peak years.

His star may have faded in the years since his retirement, but this is always the case; football moves on, and the stars of yesteryear are often overlooked in favour of those who come afterwards.

However, Denis Irwin won more Premier League titles than his rivals, scored more Premier League goals than his rivals and made more top-flight appearances than his rivals.

Greatest ever Premier League left-back? The answer is obvious – isn’t it?

Patrice Evra

William Dobbie

A constant in an era of domination, Patrice Evra’s unwavering consistency and spirit puts him head and shoulders above the rest of his peers.

Born nearly 4,000 miles away from Manchester, never has a player whose origins stem so far away from Manchester United embodied the spirit of the club more than Evra.

It wasn’t always plain sailing for Evra at Old Trafford – but that is part of his appeal to United fans.

His Premier League debut against bitter rivals Manchester City couldn’t have gone much worse, substituted at half-time during a 3-1 defeat; but it is, of course, how you bounce back that matters.

"Playing for Manchester United was something I was not prepared for," admitted Evra when he reflected on his league bow.

It is therefore testament to Evra’s character, knowing what we know about his career now, that he was able to appear 273 times for the club in England’s top-flight.

Starts were hard to come by in the early parts of his first full season for the club but his talent shone through and Evra managed to start nine consecutive games around the turn of 2007.

This run of games in the league and Europe would prove to be a springboard in Evra’s career as he was named in the PFA Team of the Year despite playing just 24 times as United won the Premier League.

Heading into his second full season, Evra was now the first-choice left back for Manchester United, appearing 48 times in 2007/08 as the club lifted a historic league and UEFA Champions League double.

A new three-year deal was signed and the honours continued to come with it.

Manchester United won their third consecutive league title and Evra found himself included in the PFA Team of the Year for a second time.

Evra was now undoubtedly one of the best left backs in the world. But don’t hear it from me - this was a view held by Sir Alex Ferguson at the turn of the new decade.

“There's no-one near Evra's consistency. No-one. He's the one player who has not missed any games. He's only not started one Premier League game all season,” said Ferguson.

Despite Wayne Rooney hitting 26 goals in the league, it was Patrice Evra who was United’s hero in yet another title-winning season according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Recognition started to come across the globe with Evra named in the FIFAPro World XI before earning a spot in the UEFA Team of the Year.

2010/11 would bring with it challenges as France were eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup but it would not impact Evra’s performances as he played another pivotal role in lifting his fourth Premier League title for United.

Prior to Evra’s arrival, Eric Cantona was the only Frenchman to captain the club but this changed when the former Monaco left back donned the armband for all-but five league games during the 2011/12 season.

Up until this point, Evra had been lauded for his consistent defensive performances but it was his attacking ability that began to grab headlines.

Four assists in the 11/12 term were followed up with nearly double-figure goal contributions in the Premier League the season later as he enjoyed potentially his best season in a Manchester United shirt.

A fifth and final league title with United in 2013 with Evra departing for Juventus where he was virtually at the peak of his powers.

Evra appeared 379 times for Manchester United, remarkably only missing seven games through injury.

His trophy-haul of five Premier League titles, three League Cups, three Community Sheilds, one FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Champions League is one that befits a player of Evra’s supreme ability and commendable dependability that contributed to an era of unprecedented domination.