Alexander Büttner, Dutch footballer

Alexander Büttner, precisely pronounced [ɑlɛˈksɑndər ˈbɵtnər], is a highly experienced Dutch professional footballer born on 11 February 1989. Known for his robust play and attacking flair from the left flank, he currently applies his trade as a left-back for RKC Waalwijk, a club competing in the esteemed Dutch Eredivisie.

Who is Alexander Büttner and What Does a Left-Back Do?

Originating from Doetinchem, Netherlands, Alexander Büttner has forged a distinctive career path across various top European leagues and even in Major League Soccer. As a left-back, Büttner's role is multifaceted and critical in modern football. This position demands not only exceptional defensive capabilities to counter opposing wingers and protect the left side of the defence but also significant attacking contributions. A skilled left-back like Büttner is expected to overlap with midfielders, deliver precise crosses into the box, and often has the opportunity to score goals, effectively acting as an additional winger in offensive phases while maintaining defensive discipline.

Alexander Büttner's Journey Through Professional Football

Büttner's professional football journey commenced in the youth academies of his native Netherlands, most notably with Vitesse Arnhem. He made his senior debut for Vitesse, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic and promising talent within the Eredivisie, the highest professional football league in the Netherlands.

The Prestigious Move to Manchester United

The most high-profile period of Büttner’s career began in August 2012 when he made a significant transfer to English football giants Manchester United. Under the legendary management of Sir Alex Ferguson, Büttner joined the club at a crucial time. He made his debut for the Red Devils in a League Cup match against Newcastle United, showcasing his capabilities on a grand stage. A career highlight undoubtedly came during the 2012-13 season when he played a role in Manchester United’s historic 20th English top-flight title win, securing the Premier League trophy. Despite strong competition from seasoned players like Patrice Evra, Büttner made valuable contributions throughout the season, including scoring his first Premier League goal against Wigan Athletic in May 2013, an achievement that cemented his status as a Premier League winner.

Subsequent European and American Chapters

Following his tenure at Old Trafford, Büttner pursued new challenges. He moved to Russian club Dynamo Moscow, where he continued to compete at a high level. His career then took him back to Vitesse Arnhem for a second spell, followed by a stint with Belgian powerhouse RSC Anderlecht. Seeking new experiences, he ventured across the Atlantic to play for the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer (MLS) before returning to Dutch football. While Büttner proudly represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, including the U20 and U21 teams, he did not receive a call-up to the senior Dutch national team, a testament to the intense competition for places in a country renowned for producing top footballing talent.

RKC Waalwijk: Büttner's Current Club in the Eredivisie

Currently, Alexander Büttner is a key player for RKC Waalwijk, where he continues to operate as an influential left-back. Based in Waalwijk, Netherlands, the club competes fiercely in the Eredivisie, striving to maintain and improve its standing among the nation's elite clubs. For RKC Waalwijk, Büttner’s extensive experience, particularly his time in the Premier League and other prominent European leagues, brings invaluable leadership, tactical awareness, and quality to both their defensive strategies and offensive transitions on the left flank.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander Büttner

What is Alexander Büttner's main playing position?

Alexander Büttner primarily plays as a left-back. This position requires both strong defensive skills and the ability to contribute to the team's attack down the left wing.

Which major clubs has Alexander Büttner played for throughout his career?

His notable clubs include Vitesse Arnhem (on multiple occasions), Manchester United, Dynamo Moscow, RSC Anderlecht, New England Revolution, and currently RKC Waalwijk.

Did Alexander Büttner win any significant titles during his time at Manchester United?

Yes, he was a part of the Manchester United squad that famously won the Premier League title in the 2012-13 season, marking the club's record 20th English top-flight championship under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Has Alexander Büttner played for the senior Netherlands national team?

While he represented the Netherlands at youth levels (U20 and U21), Alexander Büttner did not make any appearances for the senior Dutch national team.