Edgar Davids:
Davids was known for standing out on the football field for his dreadlocked hair and the protective goggles he wore due toglaucoma. A combative, energetic, and creative midfielder, Davids was nicknamed “the Pitbull” by Louis van Gaal because of his marking ability and his aggressive tackling. Throughout his career, Davids was renowned for his outstanding technique and ball skills, as well as his passing ability and vision. He was also known for his pace, strength, power, stamina, tactical intelligence, versatility and tenacity, as well as his ability to read the game, which, along with his technical ability, allowed him to be deployed in several midfield positions, including as a left midfielder, or as a central, box-to-box, or defensive midfielder.
Six successful years in Turin followed, with Davids helping the side to the Serie A title in 1998, 2002 and 2003, as well as two Italian Supercups, and the Intertoto Cup. Juventus manager Marcello Lippi once described him as
“my one-man engine room.”
He was often inspirational in Europe, playing 15 times as the club made it all the way to the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League final before losing to Milan on penalties. He had also previously managed to reach the Champions League Final with Juventus in 1998, followed by a semi-final finish during the 1998-99 season, as well as reaching the 2002 Coppa Italia Final.
David Alaba:
Having the ability to play in every position on the field, in any system and still give you stellar performances probably defines Alaba as the most modern footballer in the world.
Quite frankly, Alaba has grown into this footballer that isn’t bad at anything. He has the ability to read the game very well, excellent in one-on-one situations and is a solid tackler. Alaba knows when to make the tackle and when to just press, a quality that is rare. He has excellent passing capabilities, an incredible shot on him and is great at set pieces. His energy and pace often sees him beat players seamlessly. In both attaching and defending domains of the game, his intelligence is often displayed if one closely watches his positional sense.
In terms of positions he is capable of playing in, the Austria can excel at left-back, left-wing back, centre-back, centre-midfield, winger on either flank and as a number 10. Given the chance of playing in a defensive midfield or left/right full back or wing back positions, I am sure he would do well. You could probably stick him up front too if you fancy that.
http://theinsidechannel.com/david-alaba-evolution/
http://outsideoftheboot.com/2014/11/22/david-alaba-the-most-modern-player-in-the-world/
http://talkingtikitaka.co.uk/2015/03/david-alaba-the-most-versatile-football-player-in-history/