Alba/Alves vs Marcelo/Carvajal
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The four full backs that will be featuring in this clash are all world class players. The overlapping full backs is what makes the El Clasico such an attacking spectacle. Marcelo is without a doubt the best attacking left-back in the world. He might have his shortcomings in defense, but in terms of romping past the opponents, there is none better. Then there is Carvajal. Defensively decent and attackingly incredible, he makes up for lack of positional awareness with his thundering pace and ability to make a tackle.
For the Blaugranas, Jordi Alba is among the quickest players in the world and his pace has always unsettled Madrid. Similarly, Dani Alves might not be the best when it comes to defending, but he would go down as one of the top 3 attacking right-backs to have ever played the game.
In these clashes, you will rarely see the full-backs in their half and that is why their importance is so much. In Barca’s system, the focus is always playing towards the center. In a tactic such as this, it is Alves and Alba that provide the width and give the midfielders an option.
Madrid are more flank oriented and that is what makes the contributions of Marcelo and Carvajal so important. The duo can hurt Barca as the Catalans possess extremely attacking full backs, and their counterparts from the Spanish capital can catch them out of position with their quick counter attacks.
It should be an interesting battle to watch out for.
