ESPN FC’s recent release of their ESPN FC 100 ranking, which outlines the best players in various positions. However, for a Paris Saint-Germain supporter, there’s no Nuno Mendes when they see the top 10 left-backs.
Instead, the list featured players such as Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde occupying the bottom half of the top 10 ranking. No. 1 was Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, which there’s no current debate.
Alphonso Davies beats Theo Hernandez in the race for best left back 💨 #FC100
Full rankings ➡️ https://t.co/aKIxhCHTk2 pic.twitter.com/0ZzpXUucqW
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 5, 2023
Nonetheless, some names in the top 10 will make some question whether they’re better than Mendes. For the Portuguese left-back, the only knock would be his health, as he suffered a couple of injuries in 2022-23.
Rankings are subjective, and if the 21-year-old needs any motivation to further fuel a bounce-back 2023-24 season. It will be interesting to see how the arrival of Luis Enrique as manager helps Mendes.
If the former Sporting Lisbon man flourishes under Enrique next season, expect him to at least crack the top 10 left-backs of ESPN FC’s 100 ranking in 2024.
