Bayern Strikes
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Five unsung heroes for Bayern Munich in 2019/20

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 21: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with team mates during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on December 21, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 21: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with team mates during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on December 21, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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David Alaba of FC Bayern Munich during the German DFB Pokal quarterfinal match between FC Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich at the Veltins Arena on March 03, 2020, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
David Alaba of FC Bayern Munich during the German DFB Pokal quarterfinal match between FC Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich at the Veltins Arena on March 03, 2020, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images) /

David Alaba

Similar to Pavard, David Alaba also stepped up during the injury crisis in defense. The Austrian is considered as one of the best left-backs in Europe despite stagnating in the last couple of seasons. However, this year he has once again shown that his versatility makes him one of the best defenders in Europe.

Alaba was moved in central defense by Hansi Flick due to injuries. The Austrian international was not new to this role as Pep Guardiola has previously used him in that position. Alaba adapted quickly and brought much-needed solidity to the back four by defending on the front foot.

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The 28-year-old defender is positionally astute, which helps him to stay ahead of forwards in the game. He also has a good amount of pace to make a recovery tackle. Apart from defending, Alaba has also helped in progressing the ball better from the first phase of play. He releases the ball quickly by playing line-breaking passes.

Alaba’s role in Bayern’s resurgence of form is very underrated. His move to defense has helped Bayern to play on the front foot and help the team dominate games from the word go. The club needs to do all they can to secure his long-term future. With Alphonso Davies thriving in the left-back role, Alaba can be a long-term center-back option for Rekordmeister.