In a recent report, Diario AS has stated that Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich centre-back David Alaba whose contract at the Allianz Arena is set to run out at the end of this campaign. It is understood that Los Blancos could sign the Austrian defensive ace on a cut-price deal in January or else wait until next summer when he becomes a free agent (via Diario AS).
Alaba’s Majestic Form At The Allianz Arena Over The Past 18 Months
The Wien-born player has enjoyed an excellent run of form at Bavaria in recent months and even managed to help the German club secure the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League crown last season. He has continued to perform at top gear during this campaign after producing some dominant displays at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s backline.
Alaba has been involved in nine matches for the Bavarian giants this term, earning one assist in the process on all fronts. The 72-time Austrian international deserves a pat on the back for averaging 1.0 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per 90 minutes in the top tier of Germany. He has also distributed possession well out from the back as evidenced by his pass success rate of 89% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
The ex-Austria Wien youngster is currently amongst the best centre-halves in European football, so Los Blancos will do well to lure him to the Spanish capital as he could serve as an ideal replacement for Sergio Ramos who is playing in the twilight years of his playing career.
What Will The Austrian Defender Bring To The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium?
Alaba has proven his worth as a reliable centre-back during his time under Hans-Dieter Flick. He is often quick to deal with the danger and has got enough pace in his tank to pull off some crucial recovering runs at the back.
The Austrian international is also proficient from set-piece situations as he packs a lot of power with his shots from long range. Despite not being the tallest defender, he can still win a lot of 50-50 aerial duels inside his half.
An experienced centre-half like Alaba will undoubtedly be a shrewd addition to Zinedine Zidane’s squad if the reigning Spanish champions can acquire his signature in January or at the end of this campaign. The Austrian will enhance the overall quality of Real Madrid’s first-team and could potentially form a commanding defensive partnership with Raphael Varane at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Plus, Alaba is highly versatile so he can provide cover for the left-back position as well. With Marcelo and Ferland Mendy both struggling to give a good account of themselves of late, maybe adding some more competition in the form of Alaba could help Zidane get the best out of his squad in the coming years.
