Daniel Alves

Another Brazilian you say? Well, they breed them, I just write about them. Sevilla left back Daniel Alves was the best player on the pitch in this week’s UEFA Cup final against Middlesbrough.

It’s not often that a right back is described in these terms; the position is often thankless and anonymous as you are always being run at by the oppositions fastest players, but on this occasion it was Alves doing the running and Sevilla doing the scoring to the tune of 4-0.

In the match Alves was fantastic. His finest moment was when he set up the first goal on 27 minutes when he dribbled forward into Middlesbrough’s half and sent in a wicked looping cross which allowed Luis Fabiano a glancing header to the inside of right-hand post. In addition to the goal he was a constant torment.

The 23 year old is a native of Juazeiro, first club was FC Bahia, but after some great performances in Brazil’s youth sides he soon moved to Europe, Sevilla originally signing him on a 6 month loan. His runs down the wing and defensive presence were impressive from the start and the player was quickly given a permanent contract. During 2003’s World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates he was awarded recognition as one of the top 3 players, rare for a fullback.

Daniel Alves looks set to take over for Cafu in the Brazilian national team when the ageless wonder eventually calls it quits. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly made an offer for the player in recent weeks. He scored against Barca last week in their 3-2 followup win to the UEFA Cup success.