The eight greatest inverted footballers in the world.
Everyone loves an inverted player. That rare breed that can play on the opposite to their natural side. Over the years there have been many, but thanks to tactical evolution they’re becoming increasingly more prevalent. Below are just eight of the best to have played and are still playing.
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8. Mattia De Sciglio
Despite being right-footed the young Milan star features predominantly on the left. Having not suffered at all, he is still one of the most in demand full-backs in the world and has a steady stream of admirers.
7. Gael Clichy
The Man City star is naturally right-footed, but has spent his entire career on the left side. He return to prominence this season has been well deserved, but few give him the credit he deserves for this transformation.
6. Angel Di Maria
A renowned left footer, Di Maria often plays on the right to cut inside and terrorise defenders on their weaker sides. Did it at Benfica, Madrid, and will likely do it again at some point for United.
5. Cesar Azpilicueta
It either says something about how good he is to have stoled Ashley Cole’s spot at left-back last year, or about how bad Cole had got in his final year. But considering he’s currently keeping Felipe Luis out if the side now it’s probably the former.
4. Gianluca Zambrotta
The World Cup winner was ambidextrous with his feet, and though naturally right-sided he excelled both offensively and defensively for such prestigious institutions like Juventus, Milan and Barcelona. Often considered to be one of Italy’s finest ever full-backs.
3. Gareth Bale
Though he has one of the most wand-like left feet in the game right now, Real Madrid seem intent on using the Welshman as a right-sided to cut in along with Ronaldo, who repeats the feat on the opposite flank.
2. Arjen Robben
Like Bale in the previous entry, the fleet-footed Dutch international frequently plays on the opposite to his natural side. Many believe that he trademark cutting inside has become predictable, but he is often still able to deliver an end product when he does.
1. Paolo Maldini
Undoubtedly the finest inverted player of them all. Maldini, naturally right-footed, used to spend his formative years kicking a ball against a wall with his left foot until it became as natural to him as kicking with his right. Obviously, the results paid off pretty well.
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