Alves is the most attack-minded right-back in the history of football

Posted Thursday, June 04, 2015 by squawka.com

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves is the most attacking right-back the world has ever seen, according to former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp, report Sky Sports.

Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 and he has since gone on to become one of the best right-backs in the world and has played a huge role in the club’s recent success.

However his contract is up at the end of the season and although he has said that his future will not be decided until after the Champions League final he has been heavily linked to Manchester United, as per the Guardian.

Speaking before that final Redknapp said that he felt Alves could be found out defensively when he leaves Barcelona, but he is flawless going forward.

''People like Alves change how positions are perceived. He was an outside right/right-winger many years ago and he’s turned himself into probably the most attacking right-back the world has ever seen,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

''He’s fantastic at getting forward, has an eye for goal and a tremendous understanding with Lionel Messi down the right.

''He might not be the absolute best defensively – we might find out more about that aspect of his game when he leaves Barca – but he’s perfect for the way Barcelona play.

''Only Messi has made more assists than him in the Champions League this season, which perfectly shows his attacking contributions.”

This season Alves may not have scored in La Liga but he has created 40 chances, including six assists which is the highest of any defender at the club.

He would easily slot in at United given that the club have been playing without a specialist right-back this season.

With Rafael spending most of the season injured Antonio Valencia has had to fill in at right-back despite being a winger naturally.