# The Best Left Backs in FIFA 11: Defensive Rocks and Attacking Threats
Let’s be honest—when building your dream team in *FIFA 11*, you probably spent hours agonizing over strikers and midfield maestros. But what about the unsung heroes at left back? A solid LB can be the difference between a clean sheet and a last-minute heartbreak. So, let’s dive into the top 10 left backs from *FIFA 11*, breaking down what made each of them special (and where they might have let you down).
## **1. Ashley Cole – The Defensive Wall**
Ashley Cole was *the* left back in *FIFA 11*. Playing for Chelsea at the time, he was lightning-fast, a tackling machine, and rarely got caught out of position. Sure, he wasn’t the most creative going forward, but if you needed someone to shut down wingers like Cristiano Ronaldo or Arjen Robben, Cole was your guy.
**Best for:** Players who prioritize defense over flashy overlaps.
## **2. Patrice Evra – The All-Around Workhorse**
Manchester United’s Patrice Evra was the complete package—strong defensively, but also a constant threat bombing forward. His stamina meant he could sprint up and down the flank all game. The only downside? Sometimes he’d get caught too far upfield, leaving you exposed to counterattacks.
**Best for:** Balanced playstyles—solid at the back but dangerous in attack.
## **3. Marcelo – The Attacking Maestro**
Even back in *FIFA 11*, Marcelo was more of a winger than a defender. His dribbling and crossing were elite, making him perfect for players who loved overlapping full-backs. But if you weren’t careful, his defensive positioning could leave gaping holes.
**Best for:** Players who use full-backs as extra attackers.
## **4. Philipp Lahm – The Tactical Genius**
Lahm was technically a right-back, but his versatility meant he could dominate on the left too. His intelligence on the ball and defensive awareness made him a dream for possession-based players. The only gripe? He wasn’t the most explosive going forward.
**Best for:** Managers who value tactical discipline over raw speed.
## **5. Gaël Clichy – The Speed Demon**
Clichy was *fast*. Like, *really* fast. Playing for Arsenal, his pace and stamina made him a nightmare for opposing wingers. His crossing wasn’t always pinpoint, but if you needed someone to chase down through balls, he was your man.
**Best for:** Counter-attacking teams that rely on pace.
## **6. John Arne Riise – The Cannon Left Foot**
Riise wasn’t the quickest, but oh boy—that left foot was a weapon. Free kicks? Rockets. Long shots? Even bigger rockets. Defensively, he could struggle against speedy wingers, but if you wanted a full-back who could score bangers, Riise was unmatched.
**Best for:** Players who love a full-back with a lethal shot.
## **7. Eric Abidal – The Defensive Anchor**
Abidal was a brick wall for Barcelona. Strong, positionally sound, and rarely caught out—he was the definition of reliability. His lack of pace could be an issue against rapid wingers, but if you needed someone to lock down the flank, he was perfect.
**Best for:** Defensive-minded players who hate conceding.
## **8. Giovanni van Bronckhorst – The Veteran Leader**
Van Bronckhorst brought experience and composure to the left-back spot. His passing and vision were excellent, making him great for build-up play. The downside? Age had slowed him down, so he wasn’t the best choice for a full 90-minute sprint fest.
**Best for:** Players who value intelligence over raw physicality.
## **9. Dani Alves – The Unconventional Choice**
Wait, Dani Alves at left back? Yep—while he was primarily a right-back, his versatility (and attacking brilliance) made him a sneaky-good option on the left. His crossing and free kicks were deadly, but his defensive focus could be… questionable.
**Best for:** Those who want a full-back who plays like a winger.
## **10. Maxwell – The Underrated Technician**
Maxwell was the definition of a “safe” pick. Great on the ball, composed under pressure, and rarely made mistakes. He wasn’t the strongest or fastest, but if you needed a reliable presence, he delivered.
**Best for:** Possession-heavy players who prioritize control.
### **Final Thoughts: Who Should You Pick?**
Choosing the best left back in *FIFA 11* came down to your playstyle:
– **Defensive stability?** Ashley Cole or Eric Abidal.
– **Attacking threat?** Marcelo or Dani Alves.
– **Balanced option?** Patrice Evra or Philipp Lahm.
At the end of the day, the right LB could make or break your team. So, who was your go-to left back back in the day? Let us know—debates over virtual full-backs are always welcome!
