Pablo Zabaleta Masterclass: Principles of full-back play

With more than 300 Premier League appearances and two title winner’s medals, Pablo Zabaleta spent a decade as one of English football’s best performing full-backs. In this exclusive Masterclass on the Coaches’ Voice tactics board, the current Albania assistant manager shares the key principles of full-back play that defined his playing career in the Premier League. 

The former Argentina international reflects on his time at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, where he operated as a traditional right-back in a back four. He details the defensive and attacking responsibilities and positional discipline required in that role during City’s rise to the top.

He then explains how Pep Guardiola’s arrival marked a major tactical shift, as he was asked to invert into midfield during build-up play. Here he details the tactical, technical and mental adaptations demanded by that change. 

Finally, Zabaleta discusses his move to West Ham United, where he moved to wing-back under the management of first Slaven Bilic, then David Moyes. He outlines the physical and tactical demands of the role, and how his game evolved to suit a new system and different team objectives.

This is a fascinating session offering deep insight into the tactical evolution of the modern full-back from one of his generation’s standout players in that position.