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
By Lucas Mogale
Tweet: @RhoooLu
