Alaba joins Carvajal in Arbeloa's growing list of disgruntled stars
The Austrian defender has expressed frustration over limited playing time as his Real Madrid career winds down, creating another headache for the manager.
Another day, another unhappy camper in the Real Madrid dressing room as David Alaba has reportedly joined Dani Carvajal in expressing frustration over his lack of minutes under manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
Déjà vu at the Bernabéu
It seems Arbeloa’s got another plate of trouble on his hands. Following the ‘Carvajal situation’, the Austrian centre-back has now voiced his discontent about his diminished role in the squad. The difference? Alaba’s case is less public, less complex, and ultimately less problematic for the gaffer – primarily because the defender’s days at Madrid are numbered with his contract expiring this summer and no renewal on the horizon.
From key man to bench warmer
Alaba’s return from injury hasn’t gone according to his script. Despite Madrid’s ongoing defensive issues, the Austrian has struggled to force his way back into the team since coming back from a muscle injury on December 20th against Sevilla.
The numbers tell a proper sorry tale:
- 11 consecutive call-ups to the squad
- Only 5 appearances off the bench
- A measly 65 total minutes on the pitch
For a player of Alaba’s calibre and standing, that’s absolute bread and butter compared to what he’s used to. His vision for his role clearly doesn’t align with Arbeloa’s plans, especially now that the manager has Asencio, Huijsen and Rüdiger at his disposal.
From fairytale to nightmare
What started as a dream move to the Spanish capital has turned into a bit of a mare for the former Bayern Munich star. After two solid seasons as a defensive leader and even captaining the side during their Champions League triumph (the famous ‘Decimocuarta’), everything went pear-shaped following his serious knee injury in December 2023.
Since then, it’s been one injury after another, preventing him from finding the consistency needed to reclaim his importance in the squad. In what appears to be his final season at the club, Alaba can’t catch a break, and the club has seemingly made the decision not to offer a new contract, making his departure a foregone conclusion.