David Alaba Shows His Class as Bayern Munich Qualify for CL Last 16

Bayern Munich booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions league on Wednesday night, beating Roma 2-0 at the Allianz Arena.

The result was enough to not only ensure the Bavarians' progress to the next stage of Europe's elite club competition but also to seal their position as winners of Group E.

Franck Ribery and Mario Gotze were the scorers on the night, but the real hero for Bayern was David Alaba, who was given more freedom than usual in his pseudo-defensive role and showed the full range of his abilities.

Pep Guardiola started a strong front three in the form of Ribery, Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, but with two creators flanking the center forward, there was something missing from the Bayern attack when the score was level.

In the absence of Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben, there wasn't a diversity of scoring options, and the Bundesliga giants lacked the kind of direct play the Dutchman in particular provides.

Alaba would prove to be just what Bayern needed to add to their attack, his intelligent run and blistering pace catching the Roma defense off guard as he tore forward to receive the ball on the left before cutting back a low cross to Ribery for the opener.

Early in the second half, the Austria international ghosted into the box to nod a cross just over the bar. He would later come close with a curling free-kick before coming off to a standing ovation with nine minutes left to play.

Alaba was, frankly, everywhere on Wednesday night. His heat map (per UEFA.com) showed him in both penalty areas and on the right nearly as often as on his preferred left.

With Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso taking on the majority of the duties in distributing possession, Alaba was free to keep an eye on how the game was developing off the ball, a huge skill of his. So when space presented itself, he broke forward to assist Ribery's opener.

In general, though, Alaba was the brains behind Bayern's strength in defense. Twin giants Mehdi Benatia and Jerome Boateng, who are fast becoming one of Europe's most fearsome center-back combinations, were typically dominant. But they had little to do with Alaba screening them from midfield.

Arguably the world's greatest left-back in recent years, Alaba has evolved this season into a different kind of player. Not exactly a defender, not exactly a midfielder, he simply does what his team needs when it's needed. That involves seeing less of the ball than he has in the past and more moving into areas where he can be effective.

Alaba is perfect for playing Guardiola's brand of "total football." His technical skill is sublime and he's comfortable distributing the ball in central midfield with one or two touches. His crosses from open play and set plays are accurate, and he's developed a confidence in his shooting ability that has seen him become a danger even from 30 meters.

Athletically, the Bayern gem has a good combination of upper body strength and exceptional acceleration and pace. He's very quick to the ball and, unlike many defenders, can usually recover if caught out of position.

It's rare that he is indeed found too far upfield, though; his playing less often with the ball this season has allowed him to focus on being in the right place at the right time. In that regard, he is rarely lacking: Alaba's understanding of football and willingness to focus on the fine details of positioning make him a truly unique player.

Alaba's range of skills was on full display on Wednesday night, and football fans around the world were able to see him at his best.

The young Austrian was unfortunate to have his evening spoiled by a ligament injury that forced him off the pitch. He'll likely miss the next few weeks, per Sky Germany.

Until his return, Bayern will surely miss their young superstar. What he provides alone is a range of skills most teams seek from three or four players. A truly total footballer.

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