The Austrian has been unlucky with injuries and Nacho and Rüdiger have replaced him with guarantees
For the first time since arriving at Real Madrid, David Alaba is not indisputable. Until early 2023, the Austrian was a very reliable defender and the best partner for an Éder Militao who has established himself as Madrid’s head of defense. However, injuries came the way of the former Bayern player and now he has to work hard if he wants to be important in the rest of the season.
Ferland Mendy’s injury It leaves a hole in the team for that same Sunday for the time being. With Nacho suspended, Alaba is the only player who can play on the left side… unless Ancelotti puts Camavinga back in that position. The Vienna-born player will have to convince the Italian whether he also wants to start at Camp Nou and in the draw against Chelsea.
And it’s not easy at all, because to begin with, his last record as a Real Madrid player left many doubts. His minutes at Anfield before being substituted were disastrous and it was noticeable when Nacho jumped onto the playing field: Salah went from walking around to non-existent and Real Madrid won the tie.
In addition, in the center of the back, in addition to the aforementioned Nacho, there is also Antonio Rudiger. It’s been tough for the German, but after linking several successive titles together, little by little he’s beginning to resemble that rocky and insurmountable center back who acted as Chelsea’s chief of defence. His last matches were of a high level and he is currently the starting player together with Militao.
Alaba had a brilliant year in his first season with Real Madrid And at the start of the second half, although there were criticisms, it can’t be said to have been at a low level, as Madrid’s poor defensive balance seemed to be more about the team than individual performance.
What is clear is that Alaba He needs to be the fast, reliable player again with great ball skills which was essential for Real Madrid to reap great success last season. For the first time, he starts from a minor role and must earn a position that is not his at the moment. Whether he is important in the remainder of the season at Real Madrid depends on him.
Source: Goal