The importance of fullbacks in the JdP [THREAD request by @capitaninho]

Fullbacks are key to the JdP. If most of the plays revolves through the midfield overloading the centre, the depth provided by fullbacks is as equally important-It's been proven that's what we currently lack against low blocks.

In an area where low blocks aren't rare with the likes of Napoli, Atletico or Getafe, the wide wingers need a corresponding fullback. If not, they can easily get locked down as a result of lacking passing options. Of course, this implies offensive fullbacks.

Dani Alves & Lahm are probably the two undisputed GOAT's when it comes to the right back. The Brazilian's movement cannot be tracked down to one task. Running down the wing, occupying the spaces left by Leo in the advanced right wide areas: Dani got it all.

More than just a regular fullback crossing and running down the wing, the protype fullback is also a creator, at times even a midfielder (See Pep's inverted fullbacks). In other words, the fullback is a creator as well. He's expected to have a high amount of G+A.

More than regular crosses, it's important to offers low crosses and cutbacks to the players. Storming the box w/ high crosses isn't ideal for a team full of rather small players, however a low cross will prove to be effective. That's why we don't cross ‘as much’.

Furthermore, the fullback, while running down the wing, will often look to create 3v2 superiorites. Often overloading the opposite fullback, triangulation is what will create those superiorites. Of course, this incomes high understanding of the JdP and quick decision making.

In tight spaces, there isn't much time to think. Usually, it's accompanied w/ an agressive press as well. The decision making in tight spaces will reveal the JdP understanding from the player. This of course involves a lot of smart passes or breaking through the lines passes.

However, not everyone can be Alves. Abidal succeeded as well, despite being a rather defensive fullback. However, he could turn into a midfielder at times. Moreover, some fullbacks can therefore transform the 4 back formation into a three CB, with e.g Abidal dropping as 3rd CB.

Currently, you have Alaba able to do so. The back three frees the other fullback to completely attack. A fullback in the JdP has many roles, thus explaining why it's so hard to find currently rly good ones in the market