The Mariano Mystery: Striker's Alaves Future in Serious Doubt
Former Real Madrid forward Mariano Díaz finds himself frozen out at Alavés with consecutive omissions raising questions about his future as the January window looms.
The Mariano Mystery: Striker’s Alavés Future in Serious Doubt
Former Real Madrid forward Mariano Díaz has found himself in manager Eduardo Coudet’s doghouse, with consecutive squad omissions raising serious questions about his Alavés future just as the January transfer window approaches.
Frozen Out
The alarm bells started ringing hours before Alavés’ Copa del Rey clash with Sevilla when Coudet left both Mariano and Moussá Diarrá out of the matchday squad. These weren’t fitness-related absences either - the gaffer himself confirmed it was purely a “technical decision” after the match.
Rather than being a one-off, Coudet has doubled down by excluding both players again for Saturday’s final fixture of 2024 against Osasuna in Pamplona.
Not What Was Promised
When Alavés secured Mariano’s signature on a two-year deal after his Real Madrid exit, expectations were sky high. The Dominican Republic international was meant to be the bread and butter up front for the Basque outfit. Instead, he’s found himself as Coudet’s last-choice striker.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where academy product Aitor Mañas was preferred alongside Toni Martínez in the Copa del Rey matchday squad. That’s proper dog and bone territory for a player of Mariano’s pedigree.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Mariano’s Alavés stats make for grim reading:
- 0 goals in 9 La Liga appearances
- Just 284 total league minutes
- No minutes in the last three league matches
- Last started in the defeat at Girona (subbed at half-time)
- Only appeared for 10 minutes against Celta since then
Meanwhile, Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez have comfortably outperformed him in the striking department.
January Exit Looming?
The timing couldn’t be more telling with the January transfer window just around the corner. Something has clearly transpired behind the scenes, though the specifics remain under wraps.
Mariano arrived at Mendizorroza hoping to revive his career after years warming the bench at Real Madrid. Instead, he’s found himself in an eerily similar situation - watching matches in street clothes rather than making an impact on the pitch.
For a player who generated genuine excitement upon his arrival, the lack of goals and playing time suggests this marriage might be heading for a quick divorce when the transfer window opens.