Nuno Mendes Cements His Status as the Best Left-Back in the World

Probably no other footballer in the world enhanced his reputation as much as Nuno Mendes did in the recently concluded season.

This season, the Paris Saint-Germain left-back from Portugal won the treble with the Parisian club and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, making him one of the most successful players along with his club teammates and compatriots, Vitinha and Joao Neves.

Mendes scored a goal and registered an assist in the Nations League final against Spain, which Portugal won on penalties.

The 22-year-old Portuguese left-back has impressed one and all with his pacey overlaps and ability to send in accurate crosses.

Three Years of Growth at PSG

Mendes has played in 129 matches for Paris Saint-Germain and scored eight goals so far. He has grown as a player immensely during his years with the Parisians.

Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, the PSG right-back, have often combined well to make things difficult for their opponents.

Along with having a pair of lethal wingers, PSG have a pair of full-backs, who are among the best in the world.

In fact, with the slight decline in Andy Robertson’s form, Mendes is quite possibly the best left-back in the world, with the likes of Marc Cucurella following him in that regard.

Mendes is quite a physical specimen, with his speed and a potent left foot. He is an able defender as well, as he has demonstrated against quality right-wingers like Mohamed Salah and Lamine Yamal.

He plays for the European champions already and might not be willing to leave the club anytime soon.

However, should he do so, he will have no dearth of takers in European club football.

Nuno Mendes Ballon d’Or Shouts

With the Ballon d’Or having many possible candidates this year, Mendes’ name has also started popping up.

He has exhibited fantastic form for both club and country, with his club teammates Ousmane Dembele and Gianluigi Donnarumma also in the reckoning.

Whether he wins the prize or not, Mendes’ status as one of the leading players in his position has already been guaranteed.

He has recently signed a contract extension at PSG that runs until 2029. However, it seems pretty unlikely that he will be at PSG till that time, especially if a club with Real Madrid’s calibre comes calling.