Left Footed Soccer Players: Is There an Advantage?

It’s been perceived that left footed soccer players are a rare breed and at an advantage. But, is this really true?

While most soccer players can use both feet, left-footed players are a notable minority. However, throughout soccer history, some of the greatest players of all time have been left-footed, including legends such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

What separates lefties from righties in soccer?

Interestingly, facing a left-footed player can be tricky for right-footed players, as most people are naturally right-footed. This is because left-footed players tend to have a different style of play, which can be unpredictable and difficult to defend against. As a result, left-footed players can often have a significant advantage over their right-footed counterparts.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the greatest left-footed soccer players of all time and explore what makes them so unique.

Understanding Left Footedness in Soccer

Lefties in soccer is a unique trait that is traditionally highly valued in soccer. If you are left-footed, you have a natural advantage over your right-footed counterparts. This is because left-footed players are less common, making them more unpredictable on the field.

Studies have shown that about 21% of professional soccer players are left-footed, compared to only 10% of the general population. Being left-footed is associated with several traits that are strongly related to creativity, emotion, and impulsiveness – all of which are important for a successful soccer player.

Left-footed players are often placed on the left side of the field, where they can use their dominant foot to cross or shoot the ball. This can create confusion for the opposing team, who may be used to defending against right-footed players. It also gives a team another element of attack as they probably have a righty on the right flank.

With all this said, just because a player is lefty doesn’t mean they will be better at soccer. There are so many more important attributes that make a better soccer player such as skill, speed, and mentality.

Advantages of Being a Left Footed Soccer Player

Here’s a case for why lefties have an advantage on the soccer field.

Unpredictability

One of the biggest advantages of being left-footed is unpredictability. Since the majority of soccer players are right-footed, defenders are more used to facing right-footed players. This means that a left-footed player can catch defenders off guard with their moves and shots, making it harder for them to defend against.

A simple feint going to the left is less common than a player going to the right. Defenders need to quickly adjust which sometimes they don’t until it’s too late.

Left-footed players also tend to have a more creative and unpredictable playing style. They can use their left foot to create unique angles of attack, which can be difficult for defenders to anticipate. This unpredictability can make left-footed players a valuable asset to any team.

Unique Angle of Attack

Another advantage of being left-footed is the unique angle of attack it provides. When a left-footed player approaches the goal from the left side, they have a better angle to shoot from. This means they can take shots that a right-footed player might not be able to make.

This is why an Inverted Winger is very dangerous on a soccer team.

Additionally, left-footed players can also use their left foot to cross the ball into the box from the right side of the field. This can catch defenders off guard, as they are used to seeing right-footed players crossing the ball from the right side.

Left-footed players can also be valuable in set-piece situations. They can take free kicks and corners from the left side of the field, providing a different angle of attack for their team.

Challenges Faced by Left Footed Soccer Players

Here’s some challenges lefty soccer players face during their season.

Bias in Scouting

One of the biggest challenges faced by left-footed players is the bias they often face in scouting. Many scouts and coaches believe that right-footed players are more versatile and can play in more positions than left-footed players. As a result, left-footed players can sometimes be overlooked or undervalued in the scouting process.

This bias can be especially frustrating for left-footed players who have the talent and skills to play at a high level.

To overcome this challenge, it is important for left-footed players to showcase their abilities and prove their worth on the field. They should work on developing their skills and playing in a variety of positions to show their versatility.

One way to solve this is to be the best player possible on the soccer field so you remove the lefty vs. righty debate from the equation.

Lack of Training Focus

Another challenge faced by left-footed players is the lack of training focus on their weaker foot. Many coaches and trainers tend to focus on developing the stronger foot of right-footed players, leaving left-footed players with less attention and training on their weaker foot.

For example, in passing pattern drills, typically a coach will set up triangles that move to the right so it’s easier to get the rhythm because most kids are right footed. Or, I’ve seen shooting drills where the ball is laid off for their right foot to shoot. For lefties especially at the youth level, this forces them to use their less dominant foot before they can develop their stronger side.

This lack of focus can sometimes hinder the development of left-footed players and make it more difficult for them to excel on the field.

To overcome this challenge, left-footed players should use this to their advantage and work on developing their weaker foot on their own time. They can practice passing, shooting, and dribbling with their weaker foot to improve their overall skills and become more well-rounded players.

Impact of Left Footed Players in Soccer Games

Offensive Strategies

Left-footed players can be a valuable asset to any team’s offensive strategies. They can provide a level of unpredictability and creativity that can catch the opposing team off guard. Here are a few ways in which left-footed players can impact offensive strategies:

• Crossing: Left-footed players can provide excellent crosses from the left side of the field, which can be difficult for defenders to anticipate and defend against.
• Shooting: Left-footed players can also be deadly in front of the goal. They can shoot accurately with their left foot, which can catch the goalkeeper off guard.
• Dribbling: Left-footed players can use their non-dominant foot to dribble past defenders, which can create scoring opportunities for their team.

Defensive Strategies

Left-footed players can also have an impact on defensive strategies. They can be valuable in defending against right-footed players, who are more common in the sport. Here are a few ways in which left-footed players can impact defensive strategies:

• Tackling: Left-footed players can use their non-dominant foot to tackle right-footed players, which can throw them off balance and prevent them from making a play.
• Blocking: Left-footed players can also use their non-dominant foot to block shots and passes from right-footed players, which can disrupt the opposing team’s offensive strategies.
• Positioning: Left-footed players can be strategically positioned on the left side of the field, which can make it difficult for right-footed players to attack from that side.

Left footed defenders can start counter attacks from the left side of the field. Instead of starting the offensive attack by passing it up the middle or towards the right, a player can make a couple dribbles on their left foot and loft a pass to a midfielder or forward.

Soccer Training Techniques for Left Footed Players

Skill Development

One of the most important aspects of training for left footed players is skill development. Here are some techniques that can help you develop your skills:

• Dribbling drills: Practice dribbling with your left foot to improve your control and footwork. Set up cones or other obstacles to simulate game situations and challenge yourself to navigate through them.
• Shooting drills: Practice shooting with your left foot to improve your accuracy and power. Start by shooting from close range and gradually move back to increase the difficulty. Get the muscle memory down on the left side then move over to the right foot.
• Passing drills: Practice passing with your left foot to improve your accuracy and range. Use a wall or a teammate to practice short and long passes. Once you establish a good rhythm, start passing with your right foot.

Positional Training

In addition to skill development, left footed players can benefit from positional training. Here are some techniques that can help you excel in specific positions:

• Winger: As a left footed winger, you can use your strong foot to cut inside and take shots on goal. Practice crossing the ball with your left foot to set up scoring opportunities for your teammates.
• Midfielder: As a left footed midfielder, you can use your strong foot to control the ball and make accurate passes. Practice playing one-touch passes with your left foot to keep the ball moving and create scoring chances. Use an overlap run to take advantage of your left foot.
• Defender: As a left footed defender, you can use your strong foot to clear the ball and start counterattacks. Practice making accurate long passes with your left foot to quickly transition from defense to offense.

7 Best Left Footed Players Today

As a soccer fan, you know that left-footed players bring a unique flair to the game. They can create magic on the field with their left foot, scoring beautiful goals and providing assists that leave defenders scratching their heads. Here are the best left-footed players in today’s game and all-time.

1. Lionel Messi – The Argentine forward is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Messi’s left foot is a weapon, as he can score from any angle and distance with it.
2. Erling Haaland – The dynamic Norwegian professional soccer player who currently plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Norway national team, is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world.
3. Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian attacking player who plays as a forward for Liverpool and the Egypt national team, and is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and skill on the ball.
4. Ousmane Dembele – A French soccer player who plays as a winger for Barcelona (rumored to go to PSG) and the France national team, and is known for his speed, technical ability, and versatility on the pitch.
5. Bernardo Silva – Silva is a unique lefty who plays as an attacking midfielder for Manchester City and the Portugal national team, and is known for his creativity, dribbling, and work-rate on the field.
6. Martin Odegaard – One of the best attacking midfielders in soccer, Odegaard plays for Arsenal and the Norway national team, and is known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity on the ball.
7. Bukayo Saka – A rising star, Saka plays as an inverted winger or left-back for Arsenal and the England national team.

7 Best Left Footed Players of All-Time

1. Diego Maradona – An Argentine legend, Maradona’s left foot was instrumental in his success. His famous “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup was followed by a stunning solo effort, where he dribbled past five English players before scoring with his left foot.
2. Johan Cruyff – The Dutch forward revolutionized the game with his “Total Football” philosophy. Cruyff’s left foot was a key part of his arsenal, as he could score and create chances with ease.
3. Roberto Carlos – The Brazilian left-back was known for his thunderous free-kicks and marauding runs down the flank. Carlos’ left foot was a potent weapon, and he scored some memorable goals during his career.
4. Ryan Giggs – The Welsh winger spent his entire career at Manchester United, where he won numerous titles. Giggs’ left foot was a key part of his game, as he could score and create chances with it.
5. Rivaldo – The Brazilian forward was a master of the left foot. Rivaldo scored some stunning goals during his career, including a famous overhead kick against Valencia in the Champions League.
6. Luis Figo – The Portuguese midfielder was a master of the left foot. Figo could create chances and score goals with ease, and his left foot was a key part of his game.
7. Hristo Stoichkov – The Bulgarian forward was a key part of Barcelona’s “Dream Team” in the 1990s. Stoichkov’s left foot was a potent weapon, and he scored some stunning goals during his career.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, left-footed soccer players make up a small percentage of the overall population, but they can have an advantage in soccer.

While there is no definitive evidence to suggest that left-footed players are inherently better than right-footed players, it is clear that they offer a unique advantage on the field. For example, left-footed players are often preferred as left-sided defenders, as they can more easily defend against right-footed attackers and can also provide a more natural attacking threat when moving up the field.

It is also worth noting that some of the best players in the world, such as Lionel Messi, are left-footed. However, it is important not to overstate the importance of footedness in soccer. Ultimately, a player’s skill, technique, and tactical awareness are far more important than which foot they prefer to use.

I hope this article helps understand the uniqueness of lefties and what angles they can take advantage of!

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