Top5 - Number 1: Leighton Baines (Everton)

Often described as the perfect replacement for Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines has performed at an outstanding level at the top of the English game for years now and many see it as the right time for him to leave Everton for a top 2 club and show Europe what he can do in the Champions League.

Much like Cole, Baines is more than happy to go on a lung-bursting run up the flank and combine with his attacking colleagues to puncture the opposition. Baines possesses an almight sprint-speed and is always searching for gaps behind players to surge in to, and parnered with the correct player - this seasons it has been Steven Pienaar - he has to be considered one of the top left-backs in Europe.

Born in Liverpool Baines joined the Reds as a kid, but when Wigan came sniffing the lure of first team football was too good to turn down. After 162 games and 4 goals, Everton had a £6m offer accepted for the England U21 player.

He was forced to try and squeeze out Joleon Lescott who was used at Left-back because of the partnership between Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka, however he has gone on to make the position his own and has even captained the side on occasions. Baines played every minute of the Toffees' 2010/11season and at the time of writing this he has 226 games under his Everton belt, earning him a spot in the England senior side.

The 28-year-old is certainly favourite to replace Cole should he be on his way, and there can be no question that Baines is more than a suitable match.

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