Full-Backs
The role of the full-back has evolved in recent years and it is no longer uncommon to see them making an appearance inside the opponents’ box – something that was very rare as they were the last players you would expect to be so far out of position even in set pieces.
It comes as no surprise then that the two full-backs in this team are Brazilians – players who love to attack more than they defend. In that regard, Real Madrid’s Marcelo has been in fine form in La Liga. Time and again he makes forays forward to provide Zidane’s side with an extra man in attack. And 10 assists for a full-back is no joke.
On the other side is his compatriot Dani Alves. Released by Barcelona and gleefully accepted by Juventus, Alves has been one of their best players of the season. His reputation preceded him and Buffon even took him aside and asked him how to win the Champions League.
Alves has probably made Barcelona regret their decision to let him go. Deployed either as a full-back or a wing-back, it was Alves who sealed Juve’s ticket to the Champions League final with two assists and a goal in the semi-finals.
