Real Madrid: 5 players most responsible for first place status after 7 LaLiga matches

CB David Alaba

David Alaba is a newcomer to Real Madrid, whereas the first three men on this list of five have been with the club for at least three seasons. Yet Alaba looks just as “at home” as his teammates. Karim Benzema is the man wearing the armband in most matches, but Alaba has been just as vocal and commands plenty of respect from his teammates.

That’s not by accident, of course. Alaba is a captain for the Austrian national team, which is heading into another successful period. And he was a world-class player for Bayern Munich at both left back and center back, winning trebles and excelling in the Bundesliga year-in and year-out.

A model of consistency, Alaba has brought that same class to both positions at Real Madrid. After starting the season at left back, Alaba has settled into his expected role at center back, producing some world-class displays, specifically in Saturday night’s clean sheet draw with Villarreal. 

Alaba’s reading of the game is second to none, and his ability to impact the build-up play is just as magnificent. It was a controversial decision to see Sergio Ramos leave the club and Alaba take his place, but Florentino Perez has seemingly been vindicated in his decision to give a big contract to the younger Alaba. Because right now, I don’t think there’s a single Madridista who would change the way things shook out this summer.