Scouting The EFL Pyramid: Identifying The Best Left-Centre-Backs In The EFL – Scout Report

For some time, finding a left-sided, left-footed central defender (LCB) has been difficult for many EFL managers. 

The issue is that few players match that description compared to right-sided, right-footed central defenders. 

This means the demand for LCBs is higher, allowing clubs to set higher prices for established players.

With that said, in the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two, there are several left-footed LCBs – the question is, how good are they?

The role of a left-footed central defender is important as it can provide an element of balance to tactical proceedings when playing out from the back, for example.

In this data analysis, we will compare the data of 55 central defenders across the three divisions mentioned above to identify which ones excel both defensively and in possession.

Scouting Criteria

For this analysis, we initially launched a search on Wyscout for left-footed central defenders (playing either CB in a back three/five or LCB in any formation) – the top 20 defenders matching that description from each EFL league, with that 20 being picked by minutes played in the last year.

Five of the 60 players were removed from the list as they no longer play in the EFL—of course, Wyscout generated the list of players based on the last 12 months, so this was always a possibility.

All players involved are currently playing for EFL clubs this season; however, since the data extends back to last season, it is possible that we have players who played outside of the EFL during the 2023/2024 season but are active this season.

There is one exception: players who played in the EFL last season and subsequently played in the Premier League this season have been included.

We have only selected defenders who primarily play CB or LCB. 

Wyscout provided us with some defenders who have played that position but are primarily left-backs/left wing-backs (LB/LWB); these players were not included in our final shortlist for analysis.

To that point, it is essential to note that some players may have played more minutes in the 24/25 season at LB/LWB, but over the past 12 months, they have played mainly as LCB/CB.

The statistics included in this data analysis date back to the start of the 23/24 campaign, effectively giving us over 50 matches worth of data to work with.

Defensive Talent

Ultimately, the bedrock of any defender worth their salt is their defensive ability.

An imposing central defender must be able to engage in duels and be consistently effective, both in the air and on the ground.

This data analysis segment will explore the defensive statistics of the selected defenders.

We summarise the defensive contributions of the 55 defenders in this data analysis. 

We examine their successful defensive actions per 90 minutes and the number of minutes they have featured since the start of the 2023/24 league campaign.