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How Pep Guardiola has changed the definition of a full-back forever in football [A THREAD]
(likes and rts appreciated)
](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsF7v3_UcAAm9Wj.jpg "How Pep Guardiola has changed the definition of a full-back forever in football [A THREAD](likes and rts appreciated)")
(likes and rts appreciated)
At Barcelona Pep Guardiola completely changed Dani Alves' game,he was played as right back but drifted into right wing during Barca's buildups as Messi went inside ,his crossing was great ,he got loads of assists from the right flank his Barca career and got quite a few goals too
But it would be unfair to say that Pep Guardiola is the one who invented "attacking full-backs" as attacking full-backs existed before. Brazil and AC Milan legend Cafu was the one of the first who revolutionised the position during his time at AC Milan
Philip Lahm had only played at Right-back in his career until Guardiola came at Bayern.He not only made Philip Lahm an extremely attacking full-back but also transformed him into a world-class left back and defensive midfielder. He was played in all 3 positions under Guardiola.
As Lahm was ageing Pep wanted a successor for him,hence he bought Kimmich . Although Guardiola wasn't there to oversee his development we can see how good Guardiola was at spotting him ,today he can play as a midfielder as good as he can play in his natural position(RB)
But the most impressive transformation is that of Joao Cancelo's.Under Guardiola it took him one year to settle but we can finally see how he has completely changed the meaning of RB this season. Guardiola has unlocked him in several positions,now he can play as RB,LB,DM,CM,AM,RW
Look at this positioning ,Cancelo was running through the right flank but as soon as he passes the ball to Mahrez he drifts into the midfield.This is intelligent positioning as he knows Mahrez will try to cut in inside rather than cross the ball,hence he can be a passing option
By drifting into the midfield during buildups he helps City to overload the midfield,overloading the midfield helps in breaking the lines as there are more passing options for each player.Look how he has acres of space because the opponent don't think a RB will be that high up.
Guardiola gives Cancelo full license to attack ,Pep doesn't withhold him from showing his creativity, look how he has almost drifted to the left flank with the ball when he's supposed to be right back. Cancelo is a good dribbler as well,hence he can use that to his advantage here
During counter-attacks City don't suffer because of their intelligent positioning.Cancelo's high positioning means there is a void at the right flank,Stones intelligently steps into the flank,contains the opponent until making a tackle as Cancelo rushes to the CB position
Also in City's last match ,Cancelo was played as out an out midfielder for the first time. He replaced De Bruyne in the second and played in midfield as Walker was already on the pitch as a RB.He seemed to play as an attacking midfielder rather than a holding midfielder.
