David Alaba is going through one of the most challenging moments of his career at Real Madrid. After several years as a pillar in defense, injuries have limited his prominence. Now, the Austrian center-back is fighting to regain his place in the team.
From the training camp with the Austria national team, Alaba sent a message that didn't go unnoticed:
“I think I could play the full 90 minutes with the national team right now; I feel very good.”
These words seem to be directed straight at Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid's coaching staff. According to Defensa Central, Alaba is fifth in the club's center-back hierarchy, a position that leaves him with very few minutes on the field.
Clarity in his intentions
“My goal is to play, to be on the field,” Alaba added, making it clear that his priority is to be a starter. His desire is not only to keep fit, but to become a key figure at Madrid again.
Alaba's return after his injuries has been solid, but the competition in defense is tough. Faced with the difficulty of finding minutes as a center-back, Xabi Alonso has tried the option of placing him in midfield, looking to take advantage of his experience and quality in another position.
From Bayern to Madrid: a brilliant journey
Signed in 2021 from Bayern Munich, Alaba made an immediate impact. In his first season, he was a key piece in the famous “Champions of Comebacks,” starting and leading the back line.
But injuries marked a turning point, the most serious being the anterior cruciate ligament tear in December 2023. Since then, setbacks have slowed his progress and reduced his influence on the team. This has caused rumors about a possible departure during the summer, given the lack of trust from both the club and the coach.
One last opportunity
At 33 and in the final year of his contract, Alaba doesn't want to give up. He firmly believes he can still contribute a lot to Real Madrid. Although getting minutes as a center-back is complicated, the possibility of playing in midfield gives him a second chance to be important.
Mindset and professionalism
Alaba has always been a competitive player. His attitude in this situation reflects commitment, professionalism, and love for the club. Even with the uncertainty, he wants to say goodbye making it clear that he can still contribute a lot on the field.
Ultimately, Alaba isn't giving in. He wants to play, lead, and leave his mark. His message to Xabi Alonso is clear: he still has soccer in his legs, and he doesn't plan to stay on the bench.