5 defenders who are major offensive threats

#2 David Alaba

Alaba is versatile and has quality on the ball

Bayern’s irreplaceable defensive magician, David Alaba is one of the finest and most versatile defenders in the world.

The Bavarian team’s set piece specialist, Alaba has scored the seventh fastest goal in Champions League history (25.02 seconds) and the left back is a constant attacking threat. Be it against the likes of Hamburger or Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old is in the opposition’s half, always trying to find a key pass or looking to run into the box to give his teammates an extra option.

Although the Austrian international has only scored one goal this season, he has set up his colleagues five times and has an astonishing pass accuracy of 90.7% in the Bundesliga. Alaba averages 1.7 key passes in all competitions and his control of the ball in the final third is something to be in awe of. He slides into this list as easily as he does into the opponent’s box.

With his best years still ahead of him, it won’t be long before he takes up the undisputed number one position on this list.