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Wingers have become an essential part of Premier League teams today, and their dazzling dribbling and flashy skills on the pitch are something most fans look forward to watching.
Wingers have evolved over the years and do not rely solely on crossing the ball into the box, hoping for the strikers to get on the end of it.
In modern football, their contribution to goals and overall dominance in a match comes with a hefty transfer fee but it is often worth it.
Left wingers have grown in prominence in the Premier League over the years
Teams have become wary of unpredictable, fleet-footed wingers that cut in from the flank and whip out impeccable shots that curl into the top corner.
The Premier League has seen some incredible left-wingers over the years. Some have left their mark on history and in the hearts of their fans. Here we take a look at the top five left-wingers that have played in the Premier League over the years.
#5 Sadio Mane
Since signing for Liverpool from Southampton in 2016, Sadio Mane has been key to Jurgen Klopp’s plans. He has demonstrated his quality with a brilliant display of speed, finishing, and strength over the years.
The Senegal international is right-footed but is also capable of finding the net with his left and making intelligent runs in the box.
Although he has had a rough patch in the Premier League, you can never underestimate Mane, who will always be involved in Liverpool's goals. He has won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool and was joint top-scorer in the 2018-19 season.
Mane was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2019. He is an ever-persistent goal threat and has scored 106 goals in 236 appearances for Liverpool since joining the Premier League club. He also has 44 assists to his name so far.
#4 Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has been on the football scene for quite a long time. Although he has had his ups and downs, his raw talent and footballing ability have always been world-class, especially at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The Welshman has always been silky with the ball at his feet, even while charging at the opposition's defense. He has scored several spectacular solo goals over the years and is also equipped with deadly long-range shooting.
Bale made his comeback to Spurs last season on a loan deal, and despite not being at his best, he scored 16 goals and registered three assists. In total, Bale scored 72 goals and assisted 61 others for Spurs in all competitions.
The winger was named the Premier League Player of the Year for the 2012/13 season. He has been a serial winner with Real Madrid, which is in stark contrast to his time in north London. However, Spurs fans will never undervalue his contributions to the club.
#3 Robert Pires
One of Arsene Wenger’s proudest signings in the Premier League, Robert Pires, was a key part of Arsenal’s left-sided attack. The Frenchman had a tough start to life in the Premier League, but his flair and attacking threat soon made him instrumental in Wenger’s era of dominance.
Critics who underestimated him spoke too soon as the winger went on to win two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Community Shields.
He also won the FWA Player of the Year in 2002. The World Cup winner was also a key member of the Invincibles and ended his Arsenal career with 85 goals and 60 assists in 284 matches.
While Patrick Vieira marshaled the midfield, Pires was arguably the biggest attacking asset Arsenal had in the wide areas. Pires spent six years at Arsenal in the Premier League before joining Villareal in 2006.
He has been part of the coaching staff for the Gunners over the past few years and is inspiring many young talents.
#2 Eden Hazard
Arguably the greatest Chelsea player of recent times, Eden Hazard was a joy to watch during his time in the Premier League. The Belgian had the ability to transform games at will with his mesmeric dribbling, close control and finishing.
Hazard has won two Premier Leagues, two Europa League titles and the FA Cup with Chelsea and was named the Blues' Player of the Year award on four occasions.
This is ample evidence of the brilliance of the Belgian, who was an absolute nightmare to defend against when he was in his prime at Chelsea.
Hazard has a commendable 110 goals and 92 assists for Chelsea in 352 appearances. He was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2014-15 and 2016-17.
Real Madrid fans were ecstatic when he made his Premier League exit and signed for them in 2019. However, injuries have severely affected his performances, and he is a shadow of his former self with the Los Blancos.
#1 Ryan Giggs
The most decorated footballer in England, Ryan Giggs, is an example of a one-club man who has achieved greatness in the Premier League.
A fearless and determined winger, the Manchester United legend has an astonishing trophy collection. It consists of 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, four League Cups, nine Community Shields, two Champions League trophies, and many other individual honors.
He was also part of the exceptional treble-winning Manchester United team of 1999.
An all-time Manchester United great, Giggs' longevity in the game, leadership qualities, and passion for the club make him number one on this list. Even with his competitive nature, he has never been sent off for the Red Devils in a career that spanned two decades.
Giggs has made an incredible 941 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 164 goals and having 250 assists to his name. He is the current manager of the Wales National Team.
