3 Real Madrid players who must step up in the second leg vs. PSG with Ferland Mendy and Casemiro out

2. CB/LB David Alaba

The second player on this list is none other than the current number 4 of the club, David Alaba. It was yet another immense performance from him in defense against PSG in the first leg. Alas, his attacking teammates couldn’t help shape his efforts at the back into something more tangible. However, with Casemiro and Ferland Mendy out, I am certain that David Alaba will have to work much harder in the second leg.

Firstly, carrying forward the discussion from the first slide, Alaba could possibly shift to the left-back position for the second leg or he even might stick to his traditional central role. Alaba has been crucial to the club in that central role and I think fans would be okay to gamble playing Nacho up against PSG’s right-wingers if that would mean having David Alaba at the center-back position.

If Alaba moves to the left-back role, we’d expect much more attacking involvement from the Austrian. He’d quickly have to form the partnership with Vinicius Junior and wreak havoc from the left if at all Real Madrid are to salvage this tie. On the other hand, Casemiro’s absence means that Alaba will also have to be extra cautious defensively and if he sticks to his usual central role, we might see a little more of Alaba’s signature long balls. In the absence of a deep-lying playmaker, Alaba will have to show a little more leadership in the buildup.

Much like Nacho, it doesn’t matter where Alaba starts against PSG, he will need to be at a level above his usual self. Creative duties, extra caution on counters, and the possibility of playing as a traditional fullback and advancing every time an attack takes shape on the left, Alaba has a lot to take care of in the upcoming second leg. He must indeed step up to his very best.