{
  "id": 18156835,
  "title": "FULL LIST: Mendes, Cucurella lead top 10 left-backs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/full-list-mendes-cucurella-lead-top-10-left-backs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T17:58:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/full-list-mendes-cucurella-lead-top-10-left-backs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes has been named the world's top left-back in a new ranking compiled by Planet Football. The Portuguese defender outranks Real Madrid's Marc Cucurella and Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco, occupying the number one slot on the list of 10 elite left-backs. According to Planet Football, Mendes' defensive prowess, one-on-one duel skills, and attacking contributions have made him a pivotal player for PSG, particularly in their UEFA Champions League campaigns alongside Achraf Hakimi. Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal holds the fourth position, while Atletico Madrid's Alex Grimaldo is ranked fifth. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is placed sixth, followed by Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly in seventh. Bayern Munich's Nathaniel Brown sits eighth, and Alphonso Davies, despite recent injuries, ranks ninth. Piero Hincapie from Arsenal concludes the top 10. Planet Football acknowledged that Davies' position was impacted by injuries, which hindered his consistency and development. However, recent positive performances have restored some optimism about his future. Brown's report praised his transition to Bayern Munich, noting he scored a goal and provided two assists in his first eight Bundesliga games. The ranking underscores the evolving role of modern full-backs who are expected to excel defensively and offensively while adapting to various tactical demands.",
  "summary": "PSG’s Nuno Mendes has been ranked the best left-back in world football, ahead of Real Madrid’s Marc Cucurella, in a new list by Planet Football. Read More: https://punchng.com/full-list-mendes-cucurella-lead-top-10-left-backs/",
  "key_points": [
    "Nuno Mendes tops the list as world's best left-back.",
    "Marc Cucurella from Real Madrid ranks second.",
    "Lewis Hall of Newcastle United is sixth in the ranking."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}