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Real Madrid: The players that will be most affected by David Alaba’s arrival

By Avi Nagar

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 03: David Alaba of Bayern München looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between RB Salzburg and FC Bayern Muenchen at Red Bull Arena on November 03, 2020 in Salzburg, Austria. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 03: David Alaba of Bayern München looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between RB Salzburg and FC Bayern Muenchen at Red Bull Arena on November 03, 2020 in Salzburg, Austria. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) /
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Until now, David Alaba is the only signing that Real Madrid has made in this transfer market. The Austrian defender is coming off a decade with consistent performances for Bayern Munich. In addition, it immensely increases the quality of the team due to his vast experience and versatility.

David Alaba will almost certainly start for Real Madrid in most games. His position is the only question at the moment. He is capable of playing as centre-back, left-back and in midfield.

He spent most of his time at Bayern playing as a left-back, although he has gradually developed into a centre-back. He has also played in midfield for Austria, most recently at the Euros this summer.

Depending on which position Alaba plays in, he will inevitably affect other players’ minutes. Here we look at three such players.

Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Nacho Fernandez

Over the years, Nacho Fernandez has been a loyal servant of the club. Even though he was never able to establish himself as a starter, he has been a great utility player.

Last season was somewhat of a mini-revival for Nacho. As Ramos was out of action for an extended period, Zidane started Nacho alongside Varane. Nacho responded brilliantly in what would turn out to be one of his best seasons at the club. He played a total of 33 games last season and helped the team get 14 clean sheets. Later, when Varane caught COVID, Nacho formed a great partnership with Militao.

As with other players, Nacho’s place in the team will depend on whether Ancelotti plays Alaba at centre-back or left-back. Nacho will most probably step in alongside Militao if Ancelotti goes with Alaba at left-back. However, if Alaba starts in the centre, Nacho may be reduced to a substitute role again.

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