Alves. His link up with Messi and the other Barca players was ridiculous. At Sevilla he was a monster.
Lahm v Dani Alves
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Alves is a different breed and when he was at Sevilla he was already one of the best players on the planet. Lahm is a good full back and had the basics nailed. Alves was something else, he did things you don't expect a full back to do. One twos in compact spaces, one touch passes and better technical ability than most midfielders can even dream of. He loiterally commaded flanks by himself especially during Peps last season where he played multiple Midfielders. In the 3-1 win at against Madrid in 2011 he managed to contain both Marcelo and Cristiano's attacks almost by himself on that Barcelona right flank.
He could also recover a lot quicker so he could commit himself a lot more to overloads. Lahm is in the same ilk as Dani Carvajal and Marcelo. Alves simply could do things full backs shouldn't be able to do. Marcelo is the only full back in that mould.
He could also recover a lot quicker so he could commit himself a lot more to overloads. Lahm is in the same ilk as Dani Carvajal and Marcelo. Alves simply could do things full backs shouldn't be able to do. Marcelo is the only full back in that mould.
Alves peak was more impressive, and he still maintains a high level to this very day. For me the best right back since Cafu undoubtedly, even in the great Barca teams i would argue he was probably their third most important player after Xavi and Messi, you could make an argument for Busquets and Iniesta too, but Alves offered a complete different element to a Barca side which was heavily focused on short passing triangles, he was their outlet, their Messi from right back in a weird sort of way, such was his importance to their play.
I think that Alves was more of a match-winner while Lahm offered an unprecedented in the last decade footballing all-roundness and intelligence (hence why he thrived on both wings and centrally). If you can create a team that will highlight Alves' strengths and cover his weaknesses, he'll be my choice. In a generic team Lahm gets in no question.
Which is pretty much highlighted by their international careers.
Alves was probably the best player in 2 times UEFA Cup winning Sevilla side (earning MotM in one of the finals if I'm not mistaken), dominating the whole wing and showcasing great playmaking ability; Then he went to Barcelona, where he became one of the most important cogs in Pep's team - and until this day Alves made more assists to Messi (42 or something around that mark) than any other player. Yet, he never was as impressive for Brazil. At his peak he played as a right winger for them, because Brazil had 2 world class right backs at the time and Maicon was less versatile and better defensively. In games before and after that period, when he actually played as a right back, he often got found out by the opposition attackers - as good as he was one on one, positioning was never his strong point.
Lahm seamlessly fit into any team, Germany included - first as a left back, then as a right back, providing world class performances tournament after tournament and combining smart defending (he masterfully masked his lack of athleticism) with fantastic ball-retention skills, well-timed overlapping runs and an occasional screamer.
Lahm would've played for Brazil, Barcelona, Mourinho's Inter - it didn't matter to him. Alves wouldn't, even if at his absolute best he was more decisive.
Which is pretty much highlighted by their international careers.
Alves was probably the best player in 2 times UEFA Cup winning Sevilla side (earning MotM in one of the finals if I'm not mistaken), dominating the whole wing and showcasing great playmaking ability; Then he went to Barcelona, where he became one of the most important cogs in Pep's team - and until this day Alves made more assists to Messi (42 or something around that mark) than any other player. Yet, he never was as impressive for Brazil. At his peak he played as a right winger for them, because Brazil had 2 world class right backs at the time and Maicon was less versatile and better defensively. In games before and after that period, when he actually played as a right back, he often got found out by the opposition attackers - as good as he was one on one, positioning was never his strong point.
Lahm seamlessly fit into any team, Germany included - first as a left back, then as a right back, providing world class performances tournament after tournament and combining smart defending (he masterfully masked his lack of athleticism) with fantastic ball-retention skills, well-timed overlapping runs and an occasional screamer.
Lahm would've played for Brazil, Barcelona, Mourinho's Inter - it didn't matter to him. Alves wouldn't, even if at his absolute best he was more decisive.
That might be true, but don't sleep on his finals against Argentina in 2007. That was Argentina's best side in the last 30 years with prime Riquelme and Veron, Messi, Aimar Tevez and Macherano. They were dominating everyone and even giving a show for the fans, and overwhelming favorites to beat a B squad Brazil in the finals.
Elano came out injured early on, and Alves absolutely dominated the game and scored this nice goal. You have to remember Dunga kept picking Elano ahead of him, but the invisible hand helped the idiot this time. Alves came on, was incredible and Brazil won 3-0 without a sweat. He was also a big reason they won Confederations in 2009 and 2013.
https://www.youtube.com /watch?v=5R4jthec_ys
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How so?
Alves has been the best since 2006. He got 21 assists in a season during 06/07. So not sure how people can say Lahm has been more consistent. Alves has been as consistent and had a better peak.
Alves peaked higher and has the same longevity Lahm did.
Peak Alves was sensational.
Peak Alves was sensational.
I see lots of mention of lahm's intelligence as a player and I don't deny it, but Alves is actually a very intelligent footballer in his own right.
There's a ludicrous goal Messi scored against Deportivo or Betis, can't remember, assisted by Alves, where they basically did one twos from the halfway line through about 7 players. If anyone could find that goal?
There's a ludicrous goal Messi scored against Deportivo or Betis, can't remember, assisted by Alves, where they basically did one twos from the halfway line through about 7 players. If anyone could find that goal?
Well, Alves has a peak almost 10 years!
True. Because Alves' peak was all time great level, I get the feeling many people are underrating his normal level in his prime or even outside of it.
I think the fact that Lahm took fewer risks, and played in a more conservative way than Dani, he was wrongfully viewed as more 'consistent' or the 'safer' RB of the two. That wasn't down to player quality though, it was down to the different tactical setups in which they were used, at Barca and at Bayern. Lahm didn't have to do what Alves did for Barca on regular basis, week in week out, especially in his prime. But even if asked to, he also couldn't have done it better than Alves in my opinion. Because he was not as skilled, as clever of a passer (although he was great as well, several highly imaginative passes Alves made were just technically inaccessible to Lahm) or as aggressive as prime Alves.
I also think that people underrate Alves' defensive ability based on Barca's system, without taking into consideration that the Barca system was not based on a classical zonal defense, as with most teams. He did not just go up and down the flank, just holding his position, while other players next to him hold theirs. Barca had a fluid system at work, based on the total football philosophy, in which he had to take on several tactical roles (sometimes in quick succession), depending on the type of situation at play. The position of the ball and that of his teammates dictated what he needed to do. Every time those two variables changed, his role changed as well. It takes a lot of football knowledge to do that. It's a lot easier to take care of your designated space and don't be too bothered by what happens in some other zone on the field. You can just relax when the ball is not near you and you just have to make sure you have your direct opponent in check most of the time. Prime Alves would have done this with his eyes closed. He was a physical specimen, mean and tough, fast and agile. He had all the tools to be a great conservative fullback, but the 'problem' for him was that he also had a great football mind and, especially under Pep, but also after it, he used it to his full potential. Truly one of the greatest RBs of all time. The best I've seen for sure (since 1998).
Lahm was the better player but Alves was fantastic in a team that suited him brilliantly.
D'accord!! They are the two best RBs in the last 10 years, which is crazy in terms of football years. Lahm was a wonderful RB and I liked him as a cm too and the only team that would not need to have Alves was Bayern. But IMO Alves was always a click better. He is a technically gifted Valencia. He is just a great attacking threat that overshadows any of his flaws, not that had a major one. Maicon was better for a year BUT only for a year. People forget how constantly great Alves has been for so long.
To sum up my number one is Alves, though if we had Lahm I, and i guess everyone would agree, would never complain about it!
Maicon was on top for more than a year. He pretty much bench Alves for 3 or 4 years on the national team.
Alves.
He is a totally different beast than Lahm with regards to his attacking input. One-man flank for much of his career.
He is a totally different beast than Lahm with regards to his attacking input. One-man flank for much of his career.
Maicon never performed better than Alves outside of several months in 2010. In his generation, Alves was the best RB in the world even at Sevilla, and became even better in his years at Barca, until his decline in 2012-14 (in this period I consider Lahm as the best RB in the world, culminating with Bayern's treble and World Cup win) and resurgence as the best in the world in 2014-16. Since 2016 I think Carvajal is the best, with Lahm and Alves still top 5 to this day.
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Yes that's the one! I remember being impressed by how casual it all was, I mean there didn't seem to be any danger until it was too late for Sociedad.
Alves has been fecking class again. Kept Mbappe quiet and a great cross in for Mandzukic.
Just scored a absolute screamer too.
Brilliant performance again by Alves.
Barca's biggest mistake was to let him go.
He's one of the best crossers I've seen. Certainly the best at full-back.
Brilliant season for him. He became instantly much more likable for me after he left Barca...he's 'mes que un cnut'
I'll see myself out
I'll see myself out
Not just a knee jerk from tonight's game, but surprised Lahm has won this poll so convincingly. Alves is absolutely class, even now.
Lahm could join us today and be the best RB, LB, DM and CM easily. Alves is class but Lahm is quite on another level
I think Alves would be much better for us honestly. I can think of innumerable times this season where had we Alves in place of Valencia (who has been brilliant this year) would had a better cross or attacking outlet.
His delivery alone would mean we would make and miss twice as many more chances than we already did this season.
At their best, Alves is clearly better.
Alves is more technically gifted than 80% of attackers in the game! It's hard to believe he's a defender.
Alves is a better player.
Lahm is winning this poll? The feck? Peak Alves was clearly a better RB IMO.
To think he was close to joining Liverpool.
Think the poll needs to be reset.
I think Alves mostly lost due to being a bigger cnut than his football ability.
Conclusion: Buy Brazilian fullbacks..
Also, I think Lahm is a system player, while the brazilian fullbacks are their own system.
Also, I think Lahm is a system player, while the brazilian fullbacks are their own system.
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Lahm has always been the better full back. Much better defensively and almost as good going forward.
What Lahm lacked was the television moment that you could get with a typical brazilian full back like Alves, Marcelo, Cafu, Maicon, Roberto Carlos etc. There seems to be a no frills approach to his game.
What Lahm lacked was the television moment that you could get with a typical brazilian full back like Alves, Marcelo, Cafu, Maicon, Roberto Carlos etc. There seems to be a no frills approach to his game.
He seemed pretty no frills against Madrid. Provided zero threats going forward and wasn't exactly stopping Marcelo.
How was Lahm almost as good in attack? Maybe I didn't watch Bayern as closely but I don't remember him ever being the devastating force in attack that Alves consistently was.
Lahm is a better generic fullback but it depends what you want and how you set your team.
Exactly. If it was United and Jose, I think he would pick Lahm over Alves. However, real madrid or barcelona it would be alves all day long.
I think prime Maicon vs Lahm is a better comparison
Lahm wins that one easily.
Nobody is "easily" better than prime Maicon. Dude was a freight train from 2004 to 2010.