Top 5 left-backs in Europe right now
In the modern version of the game, the role of a fullback is not just constrained to being defensive but the player has the additional responsibility of being part of the build-up play more and more.
Fullbacks are now expected to provide width to a team's attack while making overlapping runs and providing incisive crosses into the box.
Manchester City's recent spending on fullbacks like Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo is evidence to the fact that the role of a fullback is gaining importance at every team now.
The beautiful game is evolving and the players have to keep up with it. On that note, we look at the top 5 left-backs in Europe right now.
#5 David Alaba (FC Bayern Munich)
The Austrian wonderkid has been lighting up the Bundesliga ever since his debut in the 2009/10 season for German giants Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old was not as important to Carlo Ancelotti's system as he was for Pep Guardiola. Guardiola is someone whose tactics are based mostly on how the fullback operates in the wide areas.
Pep was the one who groomed Alaba to be a world beater at a very young age, but injuries have not helped his case. However, this does not create a moment of doubt about the talent that this guy possesses.
He can run up and down the flank with the ball at his feet while also combining with his teammates in congested positions making him perfect for the possession-based gameplay.
He has scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists for the German outfit in 35 appearances this year.
Injuries again have caused his season under Jupp Heynckes to be patchy but he has surely shown improvements over the last few months.