WE feature the Bayern Munich wunderkind David Alaba this week.

Date of Birth: June 24, 1992 (age 21)

Nationality: Austrian

Height: 5 ft 11 in

Position(s): Left back, defensive midfielder (mainly for Austria), winger

Club(s): Austria Vienna (2002-2008); Bayern Munich (2008 – present); 1899 Hoffenheim (loan) – 2011

The Intangibles: David Alaba’s breakout year came in the 2012-2013 season as he played a key role in Bayern’s strong defence, which kept a record 21 clean sheets out of 34 games. He was also present on offence, backing up Franck Ribery in terrorising opposition full-backs.

Alaba boasts electric pace (most notably nullifying Theo Walcott’s speed in their Champions’ League clash with Arsenal), to go along with formidable stamina and reasonable strength and height for a full-back. Unlike most modern full-backs, he can defend just as well as he can attack. And that is what makes him so incredible, especially for someone who just turned 21.

Having started as a central midfielder (continuing to do so for his national team) he, as would be expected, has excellent technique and ball control. He makes intelligent forward runs, using his pace to aid on the Bayern’s attacking left. His pace and stamina is also crucial in getting back on defence to use his stellar tackling to stop the opposition.

With all this said, Alaba, though having improved greatly last season, is still a raw talent; he thus gets his positioning wrong oftentimes and has to rely on his natural talent to rescue him.

This should improve with experience. Nevertheless, in the SCOUT’s mind, David Alaba is without a doubt the most promising left-back in world football, with the potential to be the best in not too many seasons.

— Yakum Fitz-Henley