Real Madrid: 3 reasons why David Alaba will be a rousing success
It has been yet another disappointing transfer window for Real Madrid fans in 2021.
After 16 years of service, Sergio Ramos departed after his contract ran its course and a possible renewal between the two parties did not materialise.
Along with Ramos, Raphael Varane has followed suit after Manchester United officially announced his signing. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s possible transfer this summer remains to be on the periphery.
While Florentino Perez has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons, the Spaniard has done one thing right: the signing of David Alaba. Los Blancos have pulled off another masterclass signing from Bayern Munich and this time it was a free transfer.
The Austrian’s signing has received a somewhat mixed opinion from the fanbase mainly because the club handed him the number 4 jersey along with a lucrative contract that could have been used for either Ramos or Varane’s renewal.
However, I will not get into the financial details and I’d rather tell you more about how influential David Alaba could be for Real Madrid.
EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP
Real Madrid have lost two great leaders in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. The back-line will undoubtedly struggle in their absence especially because of the experience and leadership qualities both the centre-backs possessed.
However, David Alaba also offers a lot of experience and qualities of a leader. The Austrian was part of Bayern Munich’s first team for a decade and was a fundamental player for the Bavarian giants during his time there.
During his decade-long stay in Germany, Alaba plied his trade in various positions under different managers such as Carlo Ancelotti, Hansi Flick and Pep Guardiola – giving him experience under some of the very best managers.
His winning mentality and experience will be crucial in the backline. His presence could also help develop younger talents such as Eder Militao, Victor Chust and Miguel Gutierrez since he can play in multiple positions.
As a leader, we’ve seen his qualities in the Euro 2020 as Austria’s captain. Obviously, he cannot impose his voice immediately in the dressing room, but his leadership characteristics are well known to all the senior team players.