Gael Clichy is not one of the players that many remember with a lot of career highlights. Despite playing for two of the biggest clubs in England, the Frenchman is viewed as an above average footballer. This could be partly due to the type of left backs that dominated the league in the early part of the decade.
For example, Patrice Evra is known for his bursts into the defence of opposing teams and his ability to provide an extra man in the left side of the attack. While contemporary Ashley Cole is known for his exemplary defensive attributes and is considered one of the greatest left-backs in the premier league history.