From the moment I learned to kick a ball, soccer has been a huge part of my life. As a sophomore and member of a highly ranked college team, I have had the opportunity to play every position (yes, even goalie) in a competitive game or environment. I have ultimately settled into what, in my opinion, is the most underrated position in soccer: outside back. Here's why.
They, arguably, do more running than any other position.
Let's be honest, here. Most outside backs are just attacking players that are also good (or better) at defending. That being said, outside backs can't help but join in the attack every chance they get. This means they are constantly making 20-yard runs up and down the field (don't even get me started on how much running is done to get back on defense when someone loses the ball when you are caught all the way up the field with the forwards). This in no way discounts the amount of running all other positions do, with the average player running around seven miles per game. In my own personal experience, however, outside backs seem to never stop running.
They have to be able to attack like they're wingers, but defend like they are CBs.
Today's game requires outside backs to master not only the art of defending, but also attacking. Obviously, all positions have to be able to both attack and defend, but outside backs have become increasingly important in the way they are being used to break down the opponent's defense. Whether it's overlapping the winger or taking on the opponent's outside back themselves, outside backs contribute heavily to a team's ability to score. Don't believe me? Look at the outside backs of the best clubs in the world in the 2015-2016 season.
Dani Alves: 24 assists, one goal.
Serge Aurier: three assists, three goals.
Marcelo: three assists, three goals.
They generally do not receive the same recognition as other players.
In college, most defensive All-Americans are center backs. In the professional world, the Ballon D'or is awarded mostly to forwards and midfielders. It's an unfortunate, but true, fact that outside backs are underrated and under-recognized. Some of the most talented and athletic players I have ever had the honor of playing with were outside backs who received little or no publicly promoted recognition for their contributions. However, I believe this to be a unique aspect of the position that defines it as being one in which the player does everything for the sake of the team.
We are not playing to score the most goals or be noticed as the best defender on the field. Our role is one of support in which we are there to back up both the attackers and the other defenders. In my opinion, this makes outside back the best, and most underrated, position on the pitch.
