According to a recent report by the Bild, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in recruiting Bayern Munich full-back David Alaba with the player “not convinced” he wants to stay at the Allianz Arena beyond this summer. The same source has stated that the Austrian defender is seeking a fresh challenge after spending 12 years at the Bavarian club.
Alaba’s Lacklustre Season In German Football
The Wien-born talent has endured a frustrating season in the Bundesliga as he has struggled to be productive going forward. However, he deserves credit for his defensive contributions that have helped Bayern hold the joint-best defensive record in the German first division after conceding just 26 goals in 25 league matches so far.
Alaba has made 28 appearances for the Bavarian giants this term, scoring one goal and providing two assists in all competitions which is not the greatest in the offensive end of the pitch. More importantly, he has averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per game in league football (stats via whoscored). The numbers indicate that he has been consistent with his performances on the defensive end of the pitch.
The 27-year-old also has a wealth of experience at the international level, having featured in 72 international matches for the Austrian national team while scoring 14 goals for his nation in the process. He is expected to play a crucial role for his country when the UEFA Euro 2020 kicks off at the end of next season.
What Will The Austria International Add To Zidane’s Side?
Alaba can use his pace to make some driving runs with the ball down the left flank. He is full of energy and running but needs to improve his productivity in the final third if he wants to reignite his career in European football. The Austrian full-back is a decent defender inside his own half as he can make some vital interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his side.
A left-back of Alaba’s experience will be a welcome addition to the Madrid squad. He is a player who has proven his worth in the UEFA Champions League and won’t crumble under the growing expectations surrounding him at the Spanish capital. The Bayern speedster has previously won the Bundesliga eight times and has also got a Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup winner’s medal in his trophy cabinet. Therefore, he will instil a winning mentality back to Zinedine Zidane’s first-team if Los Blancos manage to land him in the off-season.
With Marcelo Vieira edging towards the twilight years of his football career, it makes sense for Zidane to secure Alaba’s signature this summer as he will be a perfect replacement for the ageing Brazilian. However, the Austrian can expect to face stiff competition from the likes of Ferland Mendy and Nacho for a regular starting berth if he decides to move to Spain later this year.
