Ranking the 5 best LWs in Euro 2024
Euro 2024 is nearly upon us, and some of football's most exciting attacking talents are taking to Germany. The tournament kicks off on Friday (January 14), and 24 teams are battling to become European Champions.
The competition is a chance for players to catch the eye, and fans will be eager to see Kylian Mbappe in action. The France captain is one of many left-wingers who could light up the tournament. The left wing is one position nations value as essential to obtain glory.
Here, we rank five left-wingers who head to Euro 2024 as the best in their position:
Ranked: The five best LWs at Euro 2024
Honorable mentions: Diogo Jota, Jeremy Doku, and Anthony Gordon
Diogo Jota, 27, deserves a mention after an impressive season for the Liverpool attacker. He managed 15 goals and four assists in 32 games across competitions, but injury issues plagued his campaign.
He doesn't rank because Roberto Martinez opts to use him in several attacking positions. He made just one appearance on the left flank during his nation's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Jeremy Doku, 22, earned plaudits during his debut season at Manchester City. The Belgium winger registered seven goals and 10 assists in 45 games across competitions.
The Cityzens' new winger was perhaps outshined by Trossard, but there is no question that his pace is frightening. He could be one to watch at Euro 2024.
Anthony Gordon, 23, looks likely to be England's starting left-winger, and with good reason. The Newcastle United forward bagged 12 goals and 11 assists in 48 games across St James' Park competitions.
The former Everton winger will look to Merseyside proud amid speculation over a potential return. Liverpool could reportedly swoop for a staggering £100 million.
5. Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa knows all about taking a European Championship by storm. The Juventus winger was crucial as Italy won Euro 2020. He posted two goals in seven games as Gli Azzurri got their hands on the trophy.
Chiesa, 26, has continued to shine at club and international level and did so last season. He hit 10 goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions for the Old Lady.
Italy will hope Chiesa replicates his Euro 2020 form in Germany. They have endured a difficult period but booked their place in the tournament after missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His creativity could be vital for the holders.
4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another Serie A star to make the list amid an eye-catching rise at Napoli. He arrived at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in July 2022. He's bagged 25 goals and 26 assists in 88 games, helping them win the Serie A title in 2023.
Kvaratskhelia, 23, has a remarkable record for Georgia and helped the team reach European Championship qualification for the first time. He's scored 15 goals and contributed seven assists in 29 caps.
The young winger is an exciting talent who can play in various positions. His most impressive attribute is his dribbling, which has wreaked havoc in the Italian top-flight.
3. Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao's stock continues to rise in Serie A, and he's one of the most exciting attackers in European football. The AC Milan winger was excellent last season, managing 15 goals and 14 assists in 47 games across competitions at the San Siro.
Leao, 24, made his international debut in October 2021 and has since posted four goals and five assists in 25 caps. He's not always been a starter amid the attacking talent Roberto Martinez has at his disposal.
The Portuguese forward may want to shake off competition and make Selecao's left-wing position his own. He looks focused heading into Euro 2024, netting two goals and one assist in his last three Serie A outings.
2. Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard is next on the list amid a hugely impressive season with Arsenal. The 33-cap Belgium international became one of Mikel Arteta's most important players, posting 17 goals and two assists in 46 games across competitions.
Trossard, 29, has also dazzled on the international stage, certainly during his nation's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. He registered two goals in four games and could be key for the Red Devils.
The Gunners forward is versatile. He can play in attacking midfield or up top. His best position is on the left flank, where he drifts inside to cause chaos and tear defenders apart with his unpredictability.
1. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best-attacking talent in the world. He has his sights set on captaining France to Euro 2024 glory. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner won't have the distraction of his club future to deal with as he's secured a dream move to Real Madrid.
Mbappe, 25, finished his PSG career in a typically prolific fashion, scoring 44 goals and providing 10 assists in 48 games across competitions. His pace, agility, and goalscoring prowess will give opponents nightmares in Germany.
The 2018 World Cup winner already sits third in France's all-time top scorer charts with 47 goals in 78 caps. All eyes will be on him and if he can get his hands on the trophy at Euro 2024 before his Santiago Bernabeu arrival.