David Alaba
Real MadridCB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jun 24, 1992 (34)
Left
5'11"
172 lb
Struggles to keep up with Spain
Alaba recorded one interception, one block and one cross (zero accurate) and took one off-target shot in Thursday's 3-0 loss to Spain.
Analysis: Alaba had major troubles against a high-wattage offense, didn't put up many stats, and his only highlight was a goal-line clearance on Lamine Yamal, but the game had already been decided at that point. He has notched one or more clearances in every tilt, totaling eight and adding two tackles (zero won), four interceptions and three blocks. He'll be looking for a new team, as his contract with Real Madrid ran out.
Credited with assist in draw
Alaba assisted once to go with one corner and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Algeria.
Analysis: The Real Madrid center-back assisted Marko Arnautovic's goal with a perfect long ball that allowed the striker to get in behind the defense and score from close range. Alaba should earn most of his fantasy upside from defensive stats, and with a tough matchup against Spain on the horizon in the Round of 32, he might not be the best option to lead your defense, especially since Austria have yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament.
Plays full game
Alaba recorded one tackle (one won), three clearances and one interception in Monday's 2-0 defeat versus Argentina.
Analysis: Alaba was Austria's standout defender despite the defeat, producing several crucial interventions including a goal-line clearance and a last-man tackle. He remained composed in possession, completing 44 of 47 passes, while frequently stepping into midfield to create a man advantage in the center of the park.
Limited to under one hour
Alaba logged one shot (zero on goal), three clearances, two interceptions and one block across 59 minutes during Austria's 3-1 win Tuesday against Jordan.
Analysis: Whether or not Alaba is still acclimating to a recent knock, he did not excel against Group J's least proven team. Alaba's lone shot was erratic, and Jordan almost got on the scoresheet earlier due to his failed clearance attempt during stoppage time. Not long after the Jordan team scored, Austria manager Ralf Rangnick underwent a triple substitution, which included Kevin Danso replacing Alaba. Though he is relatively out of form for Austria's next game, being the team captain means his team will look to him to fend off defending World Cup champion Argentina come Monday.
In starting XI against Jordan
Alaba (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Austria's World Cup opener versus Jordan.
Analysis: Alaba recovered fully from a slight blow he suffered during a friendly prior to the international competition, and he could be expected to log meaningful time on the pitch Tuesday. The defender has helped his national team through ball recovery stats lately, but he's also valuable as a corner-kick taker, having provided one assist over four starts in the World Cup qualifying stage. His presence from kickoff leaves both Kevin Danso and Marco Friedl on the bench for now.
Rejoins squad in training
Alaba (undisclosed) reintegrated into team training after training separately in recent days and should be ready for World Cup opener against Jordan, according to Heute.
Analysis: Alaba had been training away from the main group in recent days as a precaution after he was withdrawn at half time in Austria's last friendly against Tunisia with slight muscle tightness, the kind of measure teams take to manage workload rather than risk anything. He has since reintegrated with the team and should be available for the opener against Jordan, a huge boost for Austria to have their captain and leader back.
Forced off at halftime
Alaba (undisclosed) was substituted at halftime of Monday's 1-0 victory over Tunisia after feeling a slight muscle tightness, with coach Ralf Rangnick opting against taking any risks with the Austrian captain, according to Sky Sport Austria. "With David we also need to take another look. He felt a slight hardening at halftime. That is why we did not take any risks."
Analysis: Alaba's condition will be assessed over the coming days before any further clarity emerges on his availability for Austria's opening World Cup fixture against Jordan on June 17, with about two weeks remaining for the captain to prove his fitness. The coaching staff will manage his return carefully given his importance to the Austrian setup, with the nature of the issue appearing precautionary rather than a cause for serious concern at this stage.
Leaving Real Madrid
Alaba will no longer play for Real Madrid in upcoming seasons, with the club making his departure official Friday.
Analysis: Alaba served for the Merengue team from 2021 to 2026 as a defensive contributor who helped obtain titles such as two UEFA Champions Leagues, two La Liga championships and two Club World Cups. Although his involvement was limited by injuries in the last few years, he scored four goals and eight assists across 118 appearances (100 starts) considering league and European action. Additionally, he averaged 1.1 crosses, 1.8 clearances, 0.7 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game over that period. Having transitioned from winger to center-back throughout his career, the veteran could be an attractive defensive option for many clubs in the near future.
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