Leading from the Back at Bayern Munich
While Manual Neuer wears the armband for Bayern, it is David Alaba who mandates the direction of the play from the back. Alaba is the point of gravity that stimulates the flow of the game under Flick’s tutelage. The coach himself has spoken publicly about Alaba’s importance to his setup and the influence he has on the team chemistry. (News Source: Bundesliga.com)
"“I’m very happy because David’s a player who leads the back four and always gives instructions to his colleagues. He takes the initiative, takes charge. You can hear him talking to the players. As a coach, I want to see and hear my players do that – to coach their teammates. “He’s just a very intelligent player, and his development as a centre-back has been phenomenal. He ticks all the boxes as a central defender.”"
The Austrian is a world-class baller, and his introduction as a centre-back has only instilled positivity in the team. For obvious reasons, the credit goes to Flick, who was quick to investigate Alaba’s all-rounder abilities. Not a revelation per se, Flick is an astute people’s manager to have recollected Alaba’s influence previously displayed under Pep Guardiola.
The Spanish tactician was the first one to spot his flair. Alaba often operated as a centre-midfielder and a centre-back during Guardiola’s reign. Moreover, Guardiola’s obsession with controlling half-spaces demanded Alaba to play as an inverted full-back. Pep was the prime scholar to sight Alaba’s versatility. Speaking with Bundesliga.com during his time at Bayern, Guardiola put his stamp on Alaba’s all-rounder abilities.
"“He’s an unbelievable talent. He can play anywhere. He’s quick, good in the build-up and always 100 per cent focused. Without doubt he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s a huge gift for Bayern.”"
The Austrian defender reciprocated the praise after Bayern’s 4-0 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf on matchday 12 of the 2019/20 season. Alaba pointed out the benefits he is now reaping having played as a centre-half under Guardiola. His speed and passing ability, in particular, makes him control the tempo of the game. Thomas Muller’s claims to call Alaba a “defensive boss” adds weight to the argument.
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Although still in the prime of his career, Alaba is appraised as a crucial player to assist in the development of the budding stars in Bayern’s roster. Speedster, Alphonso Davies has been grateful for Alaba’s impact to help him settle in the left-back position.
Akin to the different values attached to each chord of a guitar, Alaba’s presence sets the tune for Die Roten. No matter how potent the attack is, a player like David Alaba is required in a modern-day defensive structure. His vision and line-breaking passes can turn build-up to attack in the split of a second.