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#4 David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
It seems strange that Alaba is still only 26, because it feels like he has around for a long time. The Austrian probably isn’t as high on this list as he would have been a couple of years ago, but that is more down to injuries, rather than a drop in performance levels. Even when he has been fit though, he hasn’t been as important to this Bayern Munich team in the last couple of years as he was under Pep Guardiola.
There is no doubting his ability. He is excellent on the ball, to the extent that he plays in the centre of midfield for his national side because he is their best passer of the ball. He reverts to left back for his club side, however, where he is still one of the best in the world. He is a very intelligent football, and reads the game so well, which is undoubtedly something that made him a favourite of Guardiola’s.
