Cafu was superior to Alves. He is the best right back I've ever seen. I was a right back when I played and watching Cafu get up and down that line for 90 minutes was ridiculous. I also think TAA is better currently than Alves but as you say Alves did it over a number of years.
Robertson is probably better than Cole in an attacking sense but Cole was better defensively but again he was at the top of his game for many years so whilst I think TAA will be looked at as better than Alves when he finishes his career, I don't think Robertson will.
To answer you question it really depends on what system you're playing. For me having the stamina to get up to play on the wing when wide forwards cut in but also get back and defend when you lose the ball is a must, for the more modern systems. Also crossing ability. If you look at full backs who aren't quite top level, they'll get up in an attack position and not have the ability to do something in an attacking sense with the ball but will then have to slow down and pass it back or to the side. So for me full backs now need to be able to play and centre backs are even heading that way, with top teams dominating position and the centre backs having loads of space when on the ball as other teams drop back to negate them.
Shaw would be better in a 3, he’s very limited as an attacker and looks better in a defensive 3. On our other flank awb is a superb defender but also not great in attack. Taa you say could emulate the likes of alves, possibly, has the talent but he’s easily the weakest link in Liverpool’s defence and looks suspect at times, so that would have to improve. Robertson is probably the best left back in the league, I’m not sure what will happen in a few years, but he’s got the delivery and defensive skills to stay at a good level, But top level, when he loses pace, who knows? Chilwell looks overated, even the leicester fans think he’s overated.
Modern fb can not be just solid defensively like Gary neville. Prob obvious point.
I think you are wrong re robertson in terms of him not being an athlete. He may not look bulked up etc but that guy can probably do 2 marathons a day!!!
comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 21 seconds ago
Shaw would be better in a 3, he’s very limited as an attacker and looks better in a defensive 3. On our other flank awb is a superb defender but also not great in attack. Taa you say could emulate the likes of alves, possibly, has the talent but he’s easily the weakest link in Liverpool’s defence and looks suspect at times, so that would have to improve. Robertson is probably the best left back in the league, I’m not sure what will happen in a few years, but he’s got the delivery and defensive skills to stay at a good level, But top level, when he loses pace, who knows? Chilwell looks overated, even the leicester fans think he’s overated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah that TAA reference is a lazy cliche which comes from some errors when he was 19/20. No way is he a weak link. In fact he is better defensively than Alves was also.
In regards to Chilwell, on his day he's very good but I've watched a few of their games recently and he gets so much of the ball but as I said previously he doesnt do anything with it and ends up slowing down and passing it back.
Athleticism and consistency? Those are your two criteria?
I measure all fullbacks against Dennis Irwin. Could attack, defend, great crosser with either foot, good at corners, banged in the freekicks now and then and also took good penalties. Best all round fullback I have seen play.
totally agree elvis, he was Mr reliable, never put a foot wrong but is never mentioned alongside the greats, they guy had everything
Irwin's name was probably engraved on the team sheet.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
comment by dunc manson... you must follow ole... you must follow ole (U11713)
posted 9 minutes ago
totally agree elvis, he was Mr reliable, never put a foot wrong but is never mentioned alongside the greats, they guy had everything
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I remember SAF saying that he only made 1 mistake in his United career, and that we letting Bergkamp score a late goal against us. He consistency was quite ridiculous. SAF also said that he is the only player that he could guarantee would be in his all time first 11. An absolutely superb player and professional. Never any problems with him.
Isn't it funny that people never compare LB's with RB's even though they do exactly the same job?
Marcelo is up there with Alves.
It is a dynamic position and I guess that is why for some people they rate some full backs more based on their criteria. A classic example of this is AWB vs Trent.
For me a productive full-back who affects the game going forward I probably rate more than a ‘defensive’ full back. After all, teams at the top of the game in the last 10 years correlate with teams that utilise expansive full backs going forward.
I think you underrate Robertson. He was matchinig TAA for assists last season and even this season, with 6 games to go he can probably get double figure assists in league again (on 8 so far). I actually think he is quite easily one of the best full backs in the world and is well poised to continue to perform at such a level for the next few years.
Also calling Robbo a poor athlete is a bit bizarre haha
Robertson is probably better than Cole in an attacking sense but Cole was better defensively
————-
I would agree.
United brought in Irwin to be a right back initially but he could play either position.
comment by goadocwatson (U1016)
posted 8 minutes ago
United brought in Irwin to be a right back initially but he could play either position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, he played the majority on the left for us, but could do either. In fact, if you were picking SAF's best evert 11, you'd have him at both LB and RB.
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 19 minutes ago
Robertson is probably better than Cole in an attacking sense but Cole was better defensively
————-
I would agree.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cole was superb defensively, Robertson reminds me a bit of him, minus being the an arrsehiole part.
He also reminds me a bit of Cole in a way. I don’t think either have much tangible strong aspects to their game. They’re both kind of on the most extreme (talented/high quality) end of the spectrum that most two-way full backs can be alright if they’re fast, and have good stamina.
Cole was very good at defending. Robertson has a good cross. But while players like Marcelo, TAA and Dani Alves etc. Have really strong and obvious technical strengths to their game Robbo and Cole I think a lot of their strength is due to how they play. They do everything quickly, always on the front foot.
I had a debate with a few others on here a few months back. It kinda went on..but kinda apt to repeat the pint I made. I think the level Robertson has been at for last couple of seasons is roughly similar to Cole at his best. Robertson better going forward, Cole better defensively, and both are still good at each aspect vice versa. Both important LBs for very successful teams. Obviously Cole did it for a lot longer.
I will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
Alves was only average in 1-on-1 defending, but a top tier midfielder/winger even if you would count players that are natural on those positions. You can't double/tripple team Messi or dominate midfield with him as an actual goal threat against you.
Same with Marcelo on the other side, but he was way less driven and agressive than Alves, also shows in their character off the pitch.
AWB is a very good defender, but he will become an eyesore when Utd becomes more and more dominant over time and he 'wastes' his time on the ball.
Players like Irwin, Cole and Lahm are very nice to have when playing against other top sides who are evenly matched against yourself. But I prefer the philosophy of going guns blazing with two incredible offensive full backs and asking your opponent what they are going to do about that
will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
—-/—-/
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 18 minutes ago
will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
—-/—-/
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope so, but realistically ‘adequate‘ is probably about as good as he can get in attack. I’m the modern game I think you have to do both well to be considered world class, he doesn’t at the moment , though hopefully will improve.
comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 59 minutes ago
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 18 minutes ago
will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
—-/—-/
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope so, but realistically ‘adequate‘ is probably about as good as he can get in attack. I’m the modern game I think you have to do both well to be considered world class, he doesn’t at the moment , though hopefully will improve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For me he has a better cross than Walker, although Walker is a better passer of the ball elsewhere, long range passes from right to left, which the top teams can do when being pressed to release full backs or wingers on the other side, turning defence into attack. However AWB is a much better defender and with this in mind a better player.
comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 2 hours, 1 minute ago
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 18 minutes ago
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope so, but realistically ‘adequate‘ is probably about as good as he can get in attack. I’m the modern game I think you have to do both well to be considered world class, he doesn’t at the moment , though hopefully will improve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I might be a bit harsh on British players, but to me AWB seems like a typical player who's relied too much on pace and power in his formative years. I think he'll at most be an Ivanovic-type player, very reliable on and off the ball, but not a creative powerhouse on the flanks.
Alphonso Davies actually has a bit of the same problem (his speed fixes most of his occasional bad decisionmaking and positioning). I hope the Bayern coaches will develop his weakpoints instead of converting him to an forward role. He's already a powerhouse with all his faults, got all the basic requirements of a modern full back.
There are obviously better and worse full backs, but I agree with others here that rather than divide them into left and right, it's more meaningful to divide them into attacking and defensive backs (which could, in fact, read "ultra-attacking vs balanced". Better or worse when judging these very elite players is also somewhat misleading, as it's very much a case of what better fits a given team's style of play.
I'm also a sucker for the all-out attacking full back.
And as much as it annoys me as a Madrid fan, I'd say Dani Alves is in a league of his own as far as that position goes this century.
Both Roberto Carlos and Marcelo could be devastating at their best, but both had a headless chicken element to their games. Of these two, I have a softer spot for R Carlos, perhaps because he was a pioneer of sorts for playing that position the way he did, and because he was also a more capable defender; Marcelo can't defend for toffee.
Alves though was a far more rounded footballer, much more composed, a better striker of the ball, more versatile, and certainly a better defender than Marcelo. He was poor in the tackle, that much is true, but in his prime he had a remarkable recovery rate, which is a very necessary trait in full backs who have to hold such a high position and leave so much open space behind them.
Cole, Cafu and Robertson all fit the mould of the more balanced fullback that I'm less keen on. Robertson, it pains me to admit, is an excellent all-rounder. Irwin was a beast and, going back even further, there were two continental full backs I loved watching in the 1980s, Eric Gerets and Rafa Gordillo. Of the latter, Ruud Gullit upon being awarded the Ballon d'Or said he considered him the best European footballer at the time. Quite possibly the best delivery of any full back I've seen in my lifetime.
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Fullbacks, How does one Rate them?
Page 1 of 2
posted on 3/7/20
Cafu was superior to Alves. He is the best right back I've ever seen. I was a right back when I played and watching Cafu get up and down that line for 90 minutes was ridiculous. I also think TAA is better currently than Alves but as you say Alves did it over a number of years.
Robertson is probably better than Cole in an attacking sense but Cole was better defensively but again he was at the top of his game for many years so whilst I think TAA will be looked at as better than Alves when he finishes his career, I don't think Robertson will.
To answer you question it really depends on what system you're playing. For me having the stamina to get up to play on the wing when wide forwards cut in but also get back and defend when you lose the ball is a must, for the more modern systems. Also crossing ability. If you look at full backs who aren't quite top level, they'll get up in an attack position and not have the ability to do something in an attacking sense with the ball but will then have to slow down and pass it back or to the side. So for me full backs now need to be able to play and centre backs are even heading that way, with top teams dominating position and the centre backs having loads of space when on the ball as other teams drop back to negate them.
posted on 3/7/20
Shaw would be better in a 3, he’s very limited as an attacker and looks better in a defensive 3. On our other flank awb is a superb defender but also not great in attack. Taa you say could emulate the likes of alves, possibly, has the talent but he’s easily the weakest link in Liverpool’s defence and looks suspect at times, so that would have to improve. Robertson is probably the best left back in the league, I’m not sure what will happen in a few years, but he’s got the delivery and defensive skills to stay at a good level, But top level, when he loses pace, who knows? Chilwell looks overated, even the leicester fans think he’s overated.
posted on 3/7/20
Modern fb can not be just solid defensively like Gary neville. Prob obvious point.
I think you are wrong re robertson in terms of him not being an athlete. He may not look bulked up etc but that guy can probably do 2 marathons a day!!!
posted on 3/7/20
comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 21 seconds ago
Shaw would be better in a 3, he’s very limited as an attacker and looks better in a defensive 3. On our other flank awb is a superb defender but also not great in attack. Taa you say could emulate the likes of alves, possibly, has the talent but he’s easily the weakest link in Liverpool’s defence and looks suspect at times, so that would have to improve. Robertson is probably the best left back in the league, I’m not sure what will happen in a few years, but he’s got the delivery and defensive skills to stay at a good level, But top level, when he loses pace, who knows? Chilwell looks overated, even the leicester fans think he’s overated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah that TAA reference is a lazy cliche which comes from some errors when he was 19/20. No way is he a weak link. In fact he is better defensively than Alves was also.
In regards to Chilwell, on his day he's very good but I've watched a few of their games recently and he gets so much of the ball but as I said previously he doesnt do anything with it and ends up slowing down and passing it back.
posted on 3/7/20
Athleticism and consistency? Those are your two criteria?
posted on 3/7/20
I measure all fullbacks against Dennis Irwin. Could attack, defend, great crosser with either foot, good at corners, banged in the freekicks now and then and also took good penalties. Best all round fullback I have seen play.
posted on 3/7/20
totally agree elvis, he was Mr reliable, never put a foot wrong but is never mentioned alongside the greats, they guy had everything
posted on 3/7/20
Irwin's name was probably engraved on the team sheet.
posted on 3/7/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 3/7/20
comment by dunc manson... you must follow ole... you must follow ole (U11713)
posted 9 minutes ago
totally agree elvis, he was Mr reliable, never put a foot wrong but is never mentioned alongside the greats, they guy had everything
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I remember SAF saying that he only made 1 mistake in his United career, and that we letting Bergkamp score a late goal against us. He consistency was quite ridiculous. SAF also said that he is the only player that he could guarantee would be in his all time first 11. An absolutely superb player and professional. Never any problems with him.
posted on 3/7/20
Alves and Marcelo
posted on 3/7/20
Isn't it funny that people never compare LB's with RB's even though they do exactly the same job?
posted on 3/7/20
Marcelo is up there with Alves.
It is a dynamic position and I guess that is why for some people they rate some full backs more based on their criteria. A classic example of this is AWB vs Trent.
For me a productive full-back who affects the game going forward I probably rate more than a ‘defensive’ full back. After all, teams at the top of the game in the last 10 years correlate with teams that utilise expansive full backs going forward.
I think you underrate Robertson. He was matchinig TAA for assists last season and even this season, with 6 games to go he can probably get double figure assists in league again (on 8 so far). I actually think he is quite easily one of the best full backs in the world and is well poised to continue to perform at such a level for the next few years.
posted on 3/7/20
Also calling Robbo a poor athlete is a bit bizarre haha
posted on 3/7/20
Robertson is probably better than Cole in an attacking sense but Cole was better defensively
————-
I would agree.
posted on 3/7/20
United brought in Irwin to be a right back initially but he could play either position.
posted on 3/7/20
comment by goadocwatson (U1016)
posted 8 minutes ago
United brought in Irwin to be a right back initially but he could play either position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, he played the majority on the left for us, but could do either. In fact, if you were picking SAF's best evert 11, you'd have him at both LB and RB.
posted on 3/7/20
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 19 minutes ago
Robertson is probably better than Cole in an attacking sense but Cole was better defensively
————-
I would agree.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cole was superb defensively, Robertson reminds me a bit of him, minus being the an arrsehiole part.
posted on 3/7/20
He also reminds me a bit of Cole in a way. I don’t think either have much tangible strong aspects to their game. They’re both kind of on the most extreme (talented/high quality) end of the spectrum that most two-way full backs can be alright if they’re fast, and have good stamina.
Cole was very good at defending. Robertson has a good cross. But while players like Marcelo, TAA and Dani Alves etc. Have really strong and obvious technical strengths to their game Robbo and Cole I think a lot of their strength is due to how they play. They do everything quickly, always on the front foot.
I had a debate with a few others on here a few months back. It kinda went on..but kinda apt to repeat the pint I made. I think the level Robertson has been at for last couple of seasons is roughly similar to Cole at his best. Robertson better going forward, Cole better defensively, and both are still good at each aspect vice versa. Both important LBs for very successful teams. Obviously Cole did it for a lot longer.
posted on 3/7/20
I will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
Alves was only average in 1-on-1 defending, but a top tier midfielder/winger even if you would count players that are natural on those positions. You can't double/tripple team Messi or dominate midfield with him as an actual goal threat against you.
Same with Marcelo on the other side, but he was way less driven and agressive than Alves, also shows in their character off the pitch.
AWB is a very good defender, but he will become an eyesore when Utd becomes more and more dominant over time and he 'wastes' his time on the ball.
Players like Irwin, Cole and Lahm are very nice to have when playing against other top sides who are evenly matched against yourself. But I prefer the philosophy of going guns blazing with two incredible offensive full backs and asking your opponent what they are going to do about that
posted on 3/7/20
will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
—-/—-/
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
posted on 3/7/20
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 18 minutes ago
will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
—-/—-/
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope so, but realistically ‘adequate‘ is probably about as good as he can get in attack. I’m the modern game I think you have to do both well to be considered world class, he doesn’t at the moment , though hopefully will improve.
posted on 3/7/20
comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 59 minutes ago
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 18 minutes ago
will go as far to say the modern full back doesn't even need to be a good defender as long as he's good offensively.
As more and more teams don't play with pure wingers that do isolation plays on fullbacks (so no need to be good in 1-on-1 defending), you only need to be able to keep your man in front of you or cover the space on the flanks when a striker drifts wide.
Aside of that, you basically have a free role most of the time. And thats why Dani Alves is arguably the best modern full back till date and AWB is one of the poorest buys if you plan to become a top side again.
—-/—-/
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope so, but realistically ‘adequate‘ is probably about as good as he can get in attack. I’m the modern game I think you have to do both well to be considered world class, he doesn’t at the moment , though hopefully will improve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For me he has a better cross than Walker, although Walker is a better passer of the ball elsewhere, long range passes from right to left, which the top teams can do when being pressed to release full backs or wingers on the other side, turning defence into attack. However AWB is a much better defender and with this in mind a better player.
posted on 3/7/20
comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 2 hours, 1 minute ago
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 18 minutes ago
I agree and alluded as such in my post too. As such TAA is quite easily better (for me) than AWB.
AWB can still quite easily be a world class defensive full back. Even going forward. Ok he’s obviously not TAA/Marcelo/Dani Alves. But he’s fast and, in his own kinda unorthodox way, can beat players. Kyle Walker is a stiff football player who is probably no better going forward than AWB is..so guess what I’m tryuing to say is AWB with his skill set could still be just about adequate enough going forward (and on background of his excellent defensive game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope so, but realistically ‘adequate‘ is probably about as good as he can get in attack. I’m the modern game I think you have to do both well to be considered world class, he doesn’t at the moment , though hopefully will improve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I might be a bit harsh on British players, but to me AWB seems like a typical player who's relied too much on pace and power in his formative years. I think he'll at most be an Ivanovic-type player, very reliable on and off the ball, but not a creative powerhouse on the flanks.
Alphonso Davies actually has a bit of the same problem (his speed fixes most of his occasional bad decisionmaking and positioning). I hope the Bayern coaches will develop his weakpoints instead of converting him to an forward role. He's already a powerhouse with all his faults, got all the basic requirements of a modern full back.
posted on 4/7/20
There are obviously better and worse full backs, but I agree with others here that rather than divide them into left and right, it's more meaningful to divide them into attacking and defensive backs (which could, in fact, read "ultra-attacking vs balanced". Better or worse when judging these very elite players is also somewhat misleading, as it's very much a case of what better fits a given team's style of play.
I'm also a sucker for the all-out attacking full back.
And as much as it annoys me as a Madrid fan, I'd say Dani Alves is in a league of his own as far as that position goes this century.
Both Roberto Carlos and Marcelo could be devastating at their best, but both had a headless chicken element to their games. Of these two, I have a softer spot for R Carlos, perhaps because he was a pioneer of sorts for playing that position the way he did, and because he was also a more capable defender; Marcelo can't defend for toffee.
Alves though was a far more rounded footballer, much more composed, a better striker of the ball, more versatile, and certainly a better defender than Marcelo. He was poor in the tackle, that much is true, but in his prime he had a remarkable recovery rate, which is a very necessary trait in full backs who have to hold such a high position and leave so much open space behind them.
Cole, Cafu and Robertson all fit the mould of the more balanced fullback that I'm less keen on. Robertson, it pains me to admit, is an excellent all-rounder. Irwin was a beast and, going back even further, there were two continental full backs I loved watching in the 1980s, Eric Gerets and Rafa Gordillo. Of the latter, Ruud Gullit upon being awarded the Ballon d'Or said he considered him the best European footballer at the time. Quite possibly the best delivery of any full back I've seen in my lifetime.
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