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Thabo Matlaba - A world class player in the making?

Written By Unknown on Monday, March 11, 2013 | Monday, March 11, 2013

The position of full back has changed over the years with the modern version being a lot more attack minded than in the past. Pacing up and down the wings, today’s full backs are chosen based on their skills in the attacking third and today, it is perhaps the only position that ideally requires the player to be as good in defence as in attack.

Thabo Matlaba is the latest to emerge and since becoming a first team regular at Orlando Pirates, he has developed at a phenomenal rate. The modern footballer has to be versatile as the game has become a lot more dynamic in recent years, and Thabo Matlaba is the perfect example of a young player with versatility.

Matlaba can play in several different positions including left wing, but has truly established himself as a left back. It has proved to be a fantastic decision to move him to left back as he has been able to show off his amazing athletic abilities which are definitely needed to succeed as a modern fullback. Matlaba has great pace, acceleration and stamina, all perfect physical attributes to be a top fullback and able to run up and down the wing for 90 minutes.

However, what may separate Matlaba from other left backs is his ability and willingness to defend as well as attack. With the emphasis of the modern fullback being switched to attacking, the art of defending has been forgotten in some full backs. He doesn’t dive into tackles and is not rash, which is a great asset to have and when called upon to make a tackle he almost always does.

Matlaba has all the qualities to become world class one day. His great physical attributes, technique and versatility sets him aside from almost all other young fullbacks in the Premier Soccer League. The fact he has been given regular first team football in such a fantastic team will no doubt only help him in his development. His versatility will only help him wherever he plays, the ability to use both feet and play in so many different positions is extremely rare in any footballer.

If he continues to develop at such a rapid rate, who knows what he can achieve, he has the potential to become the best left back in the South Africa. If a team needs any left back, he should be number one target. Whether or not the player and club would want a transfer is a completely different matter.

By Lucas Mogale

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