Real Madrid star has dropped to 5th-choice in Xabi Alonso’s squad | OneFootball

A high-profile member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid is now considered to be fifth-choice in his position.

That’s according to Diario AS, who highlight David Alaba as the player in question.

Stopper Alaba is for his part sidelined long-term once more at present.

Owing to a series of setbacks and muscular problems in the aftermath of a serious knee injury suffered late in 2023, the Austrian has taken to the pitch just 14 times in the last 18 months.

He played no part in Real Madrid’s recently-completed Club World Cup campaign, in the process missing out on a chance to convince manager Xabi Alonso of his talents.

And as alluded to above, such struggles, accompanied by a prior drop off in form, have had a major impact on Alaba’s standing in Los Blancos’ ranks.

As per a report from AS:

‘In the current defensive hierarchy established by Xabi Alonso, he has been overtaken by Rüdiger, Militão, Huijsen, and Asencio, while youngsters like Joan Martínez will soon claim his place.’

Conor Laird – GSFN