Football
John Brewin, ESPN FC 8y

David Alaba, DF, Bayern Munich and Austria: #EuroRank: No. 10

Welcome to #Euro2016Rank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, when France plays Romania on June 10.

Why is David Alaba in the top 25?

Alaba's natural talent has allowed him to shine at whichever position he is fielded. In that, he was the perfect player for Pep Guardiola, his coach for three years at Bayern Munich. For his club, he has usually served as an attacking left-back, though he can play across the defence, and even on either wing as an attacker. Austria choose to use his athleticism and creativity in the centre of midfield, where his powerful long-range shooting can be brought into play more. The Euros grants the Viennese jewel his first chance to show off his skills in a major tournament.

What the experts say:

"David Alaba is our god. He has already played almost all 10 positions." -- Pep Guardiola, October 2015.

"For me, Alaba is one of the biggest talents in European football." -- Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, May 2013.

Career highlight:

Having missed the 2012 Champions League final because of suspension, Alaba, playing at left-back, won the trophy at Wembley the following year as Bayern defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1.

Stat of the season:

On Aug. 22, 2015, against former club 1899 Hoffenheim, where he spent 19 matches on loan in 2011, Alaba's misplaced pass resulted in Hoffenheim's Kevin Volland scoring in nine seconds, the quickest Bundesliga goal of all time.

What next for Alaba after Euro 2016?

Anyone wishing to buy a player contracted until 2021 will face a real fight from Bayern. Alaba has the look of a future Bayern captain.


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