Top 5 Left-Backs Under 23 in Football 2025

The left-back position has evolved in recent years, demanding versatility, technical skill, and tactical intelligence. With so many rising stars, this article highlights the top 5 left-backs under 23 years old (in no particular order) making waves in football today, focusing on their style of play and this season’s statistics and performances. These young talents are not just defenders but dynamic playmakers who contribute to both ends of the pitch, showcasing the potential to dominate the game for years to come.

Lewis Hall – Newcastle United (20)

Style of Play

The first player in our Top 5 Left-backs under 23 is Lewis Hall. He is a versatile left-back known for his dribbling ability, off-the-ball movement, and confidence in possession. His background as a midfielder enhances his vision and passing range, allowing him to support both defensive and attacking phases effectively. Hall’s composure and football intelligence make him a unique type of footballer.

Key Statistics (2024/25 Premier League Season)

• Assists: 3
• Big Chances Created: 5
• Key Passes per Game: 1.3
• Pass Accuracy: 86%
• Long Ball Accuracy: 48%
• Clean Sheets: 7
• Ball Recoveries per Game: 4.3
• Ground Duels Win Rate: 52%
• Aerial Duels Win Rate: 53%

Milos Kerkez – AFC Bournemouth (21)

Style of Play

Next in our top 5 left-backs under 23: Milos Kerkez. He is a dynamic left-back known for his offensive contributions and relentless energy on the field. Standing at 180 cm, the left-footed defender frequently advances high up the left flank, effectively supporting his team’s attacks. His playing style is characterized by his dribbling skills, technical ability, and creativity, allowing him to excel in one-on-one situations and deliver precise crosses into the box. Kerkez’s pace and acceleration enable him to transition swiftly between defense and attack, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

Defensively, while he is a tough and reliable defender, he exhibits a preference for participating in attacking sequences, showcasing his comfort with the ball at his feet. A perfect fit for Iraola’s high pressing Bournemouth.

Key Statistics (2024/25 Premier League Season)

• Goals: 2
• Assists: 3
• Big Chances Created: 5
• Key Passes per Game: 1
• Pass Accuracy: 82%
• Long Ball Accuracy: 34%
• Clean Sheets: 6
• Ball Recoveries per Game: 4.4
• Ground Duels Win Rate: 58%
• Aerial Duels Win Rate: 30%

Alejandro Balde – FC Barcelona (21)

Style of Play

Alejandro Balde is a dynamic left-back known for his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and significant attacking contributions. Standing at 175 cm, the left-footed defender frequently advances high up the left flank, a role facilitated by Barcelona’s high-pressing and positional rotation based under coach Hansi Flick. In this setup, Balde benefits from a back three formation and support from midfielder Marc Casadó, allowing him to occupy advanced positions on the wing while winger Raphinha moves centrally.

Balde’s speed and agility enable him to recover effectively during defensive transitions, making him a reliable outlet in build-up play. However, he has faced occasional critiques regarding his defensive positioning in high-pressure situations and the precision of his final ball.

Key Statistics (2024/25 La Liga Season)

• Assists: 3
• Big Chances Created: 4
• Key Passes per Game: 1
• Pass Accuracy: 91%
• Long Ball Accuracy: 60%
• Clean Sheets: 2
• Ball Recoveries per Game: 3.7
• Ground Duels Win Rate: 57%
• Aerial Duels Win Rate: 50%

Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain (22)

Style of Play

Nuno Mendes is a dynamic left-back known for his exceptional pace, sharp dribbling, and versatile playing style. Standing at 183 cm, the Portuguese defender combines his physical attributes with technical ability, allowing him to excel in both offensive and defensive roles. Mendes often pushes high up the left flank, contributing significantly to PSG’s attacking plays. His ability to deliver precise crosses and make overlapping runs creates additional options in the final third.

Defensively, his speed and strength make him outstanding in duels, and his tactical awareness enables effective positioning and ball recovery. Mendes’ style aligns perfectly with PSG’s dominating and aggressive approach to winning games.

Key Statistics (2024/25 Ligue 1 Season)

• Assists: 1
• Big Chances Created: 4
• Key Passes per Game: 1.2
• Pass Accuracy: 89%
• Long Ball Accuracy: 63%
• Clean Sheets: 3
• Ball Recoveries per Game: 4.8
• Ground Duels Win Rate: 56%
• Aerial Duels Win Rate: 62%

Jorrel Hato – Ajax (18)

Style of Play

Last but not least in our top 5 left-backs under 23: Jorrel Hato. He is a versatile defender who has transitioned from his preferred role as a center-back to operating as a left-back under coach Farioli at Ajax. Standing at 182 cm, the left-footed Dutchman is recognized for his excellent decision-making and passing abilities, which enable him to contribute effectively to Ajax’s build-up play. Hato often advances into the left channel or high up the flank, creating dangerous situations and supporting offensive maneuvers.

Defensively, his solid positioning and tactical awareness make him a reliable presence, allowing him to anticipate and intercept opposition plays. His comfort on the ball and composure under pressure align with Ajax’s philosophy of developing ball-playing defenders. Despite his young age, Hato displays maturity in his play, balancing his defensive duties with offensive contributions, embodying the qualities of a modern full-back, deserving a spot in our top 5 left-backs under 23.

Key Statistics (2024/25 Eredivisie Season)

• Goals: 2
• Assists: 4
• Big Chances Created: 5
• Key Passes per Game: 0.8
• Pass Accuracy: 90%
• Long Ball Accuracy: 72%
• Clean Sheets: 5
• Ball Recoveries per Game: 3.6
• Ground Duels Win Rate: 50%
• Aerial Duels Win Rate: 64%

Honorable Mentions: Top 5 Left-Backs Under 23

While the top 5 left-backs under 23 on this list have received well-deserved recognition for their impressive performances, there are a few other talented left-backs under 23 who are making their mark this season:

• Destiny Udogie (22, Tottenham Hotspur) – The Italian left-back has shown his ability to push forward aggressively on the left flank while also being defensively solid. His speed, technique, and physicality are vital to Tottenham’s style of play. Udogie is rapidly developing into one of the most exciting young full-backs in the Premier League.
• Álvaro Carreras (21, Benfica) – After leaving Manchester United for Benfica, Carreras has impressed with his versatility and energy on the left side. His attacking runs down the flank, combined with a solid defensive game and midfield play, make him an exciting prospect in Portugal’s Liga Portugal Betclic.
• Quentin Merlin (22, Olympique Marseille) – Known for his excellent ability to link up play, Merlin’s precision in delivering crosses and his defending are key traits of his playing style. The French left-wingback has been a consistent performer for Olympique Marseille, making vital contributions both in defense and attack.
• Myles Lewis-Skelly (18, Arsenal) – A promising young talent who has been developing within Arsenal’s academy, Skelly’s composure and ability to push forward with a dribble make him one to watch for the future. His solid performances on the left flank have earned him a place in the honorable mentions.

These young left-backs are the future of football, and it’s exciting to see how they continue to develop. Do you agree with our picks? Who do you think should be in the top 5 left-backs under 23 or the honorable mentions?

If you enjoyed this blog, check out our article on the Top 5 strikers under 23 and join the conversation over on Instagram, share your thoughts, or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear your opinions on these rising stars!