Where does Real Madrid legend Marcelo rank among the best left-backs of all time?

6. Ruud Krol

Ruud Krol’s career is a testament to the fact that titles alone do not decide the capabilities of a player. A player of Krol’s ability could never win a major international honor but that doesn’t negate the fact that Krol was of the breed of players as well-rounded as they come. His reading of the game, composure on the ball and attacking abilities were mesmerizing to watch.

He was from that infamous Ajax side that won three consecutive European Cups. He also won six league titles while his time in Amsterdam. On the International stage, Krol would be remembered for his beautiful goal against Argentina in the 1974 World Cup when the Dutch reached the finals. He’d later captain the national side to another runner-up finish in the World Cup 1978.

5. Giacinto Facchetti

A one-club man throughout his career, Giacinto Facchetti dedicated his whole life to the service of the Nerazzurri, even beyond his playing years. A two-footed left-back, Facchetti could launch venomous strikes with either foot. He dealt in goals, he scored four in Inter’s 1962/63 campaign when they won Serie A after a drought of nine years. Two seasons later, he’d win the league again, this time scoring 12.

His trophy cabinet with Inter accounted for four league wins and two back-to-back European Cups. He would also win the European Championships with the Azzuri in 1968 and then return to Inter as the Chairman in 2004 when his playing years were well over. He served the club for the two final years of his life and passed away in 2006 aged 64.