Matchday one of the new season saw numerous notable performances from left-backs across Europe. From important goals to rock-solid defensive performances, here are the top performers, ranked by Sofascore ratings.
8. Alejandro Balde (Barcelona) – 7.0 Match Rating
Even though he only played 68 minutes, Balde delighted the crowd with his effectiveness. He completed 95% of his passes, won all three duels, and made two tackles and one clearance in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Mallorca.
7. Djed Spence (Tottenham) – 7.1 Match Rating
Spence stood out on both ends of the field against Burnley. He made three solid clearances, had a 95% pass accuracy, took two shots, and completed all of his dribbles.
6. Tino Livramento (Newcastle United) – 7.2 Match Rating
Although Newcastle’s match against Aston Villa ended in a tie, Livramento performed admirably. He completed 94% of his passes, made 3 clearances, produced two vital passes, and won all of his duels.
5. Jordan Lefort (Angers) – 7.3 Match Rating
Lefort played a critical part in Angers’ tight victory, assisting on their only goal. He produced one major opportunity, made six clearances, won all of his ground and aerial duels, and completed 81% of his passes.
4. Quentin Merlin (Rennes) – 7.4 Match Rating
Merlin was vital for Rennes, as he created the game’s only significant chance. He also made six clearances, three tackles, and engaged fifteen ground duels without committing a single foul.
3. Sergi Cardona (Villarreal) – 7.5 Match Rating
Villarreal’s full-backs performed admirably as a group, while Cardona contributed significantly. A 7.5 rating without a goal or assist underlines his significance, as does his 95% pass accuracy.
2. Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City) has a 7.6 match rating.
Aït-Nouri made an impressive debut for Manchester City. While he did not score a goal or assist, his defensive performance was outstanding—6 clearances, 3 interceptions, 3 tackles, 88% pass accuracy, and 7 ground duels won.
1. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) – 8.1 Match Rating
Calafiori had the most spectacular left-back effort of the weekend. His goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford put him in the spotlight, but his performance was far more than that. He won all of his aerial duels, made one tackle, and maintained 90% pass accuracy, rounding off a full performance.
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