Barcelona are easily one of the favourites to lift the Champions League trophy this season but Ernesto Valverde is not totally convinced of the squad at his disposal and is desperate to add some quality to his side, come the end of the season.
This has seen the Catalan giants linked with a host of stars for a move in the summer but one name now doing the rounds is Bayern Munich star David Alaba.
A product of the Austria Wien academy, Alaba moved to the academy in Munich back in 2008 and spent just one season in establishing himself at the club. He spent a year in the junior side and was immediately promoted to the senior side, where he has not established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for the German giants.
He has a goal and two assists in 21 starts across all competitions this season and has been influential in Bayern’s run in all the competitions this season. At just 25, he already has 293 appearances for Bayern Munich, 203 of which have come in the domestic league. He also has 65 appearances in the Champions League and has gathered loads of experience, standing as a superstar in Europe.
A left-back by trait, the Austrian international can also play in the midfield if needed but is one of the best players in his position in the game. Strong in the air and in hold up play, Alaba has hardly ever been beaten in one-on-one situations and is usually quick to sniff out danger down his flank.
He is equally adept at carrying the ball forward and putting in crosses and creating chances in the final third. He has a thunderous foot that can test the keeper from distance but is also comfortable keeping the ball rolling and patiently waiting to break defences up. He also has 59 appearances for his national side and is an experienced player, matured way beyond his age.
He is an important player for Bayern but reports from Germany now suggest that he might consider a move to Spain at the end of the season.
The story from Austrian newspaper Kurier claims that Alaba is not happy with Bayern’s treatment of his best mate Franck Ribery, who might be shown the exit door at the end of the season. It is understood that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to take advantage of this situation.
The Catalan giants have Jordi Alba as their first choice LB this season but need an able backup with Lucas Digne not shown enough promise. Alaba can easily walk into the first team over Alba and can solve Barcelona’s crisis at left-back for years to come.
