David Alaba says he's ready to play 90 minutes as injured star awaits Real Madrid return after 'positive conversation' with Xabi Alonso
David Alaba says he's ready for a full 90 minutes of football as he awaits a chance to prove himself to new boss Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.
- David Alaba is ready for first-team action
- Alaba wants to prove himself under Alonso
- Alonso working on a new role role for Alaba
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Table of Contents
ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
The 32-year-old defender put to rest recent rumours that linked him with a departure from Madrid. Alaba laughed off the claims and has his mind fully on his return from injury instead of a fresh start elsewhere. The ex-Bayern Munich player has been out of action for much of his time at Madrid due to a string of serious injuries, but hopes to make his first appearance under the new coach soon.
- AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Alaba's situation at Madrid is complex and has been heavily defined by his injury struggles. Since joining the club in mid-2021, he has played shockingly few matches due to a series of significant and recurring injuries. His most severe setback was a major ACL rupture in December 2023, which sidelined him for over a year. Since then, he has faced a frustrating succession of muscle and knee issues, including a meniscus tear that forced him to miss the Club World Cup.
Alonso, who played with Alaba at Bayern, is reportedly exploring a new role for him, potentially in central midfield, a position the Austria star has excelled at for both Bayern and his national team. This tactical shift could be a way for Alaba to reignite his career at the club, where he currently is considered a fifth-choice centre-back, having spent the first three La Liga games of the season on the bench.
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WHAT ALABA SAID
In an interview with , Alaba spoke about his return from injury as he said: "I feel very good and have made good progress in the last few months. I think I'd be able to play 90 minutes for the national team right now. Â don't know if it would make sense. The next few games will show how it is."
He further added: "In the last few weeks, I had to go through a certain process to be fit to play again. The process isn't over yet; the next steps will come with the games. My goal is to play games, to be on the pitch."
Asked about reports of a summer move, he said: "I've been in the business long enough. Rumors like that are part of it. Thankfully, they're things I don't dwell on for too long.
" - Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR ALABA?
The next step for Alaba is to earn playing time. His goal is to re-establish his position at Madrid, whether it is in his traditional defensive role or a new one in midfield as experimented with by Alonso. He is also focused on his national team duties, hoping to help Austria qualify for next summer's World Cup.
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