🚨 Xabi Alonso plans to continue deploying defender David Alaba in a central midfield role during the 2025/26 season, following experiments in pre-season friendlies against Leganes and WSG Tirol, according to Diario AS. Alaba’s shift to midfield, where he has prior experience from Bayern Munich and the Austrian national team, is driven by his limited mobility after an ACL and meniscal injury sidelined him for over a year. Alonso sees Alaba as a valuable backup to Aurelien Tchouameni in defensive midfield, leveraging his vision and distribution to compensate for his reduced pace, which is less critical in this position. Despite Real Madrid’s openness to selling Alaba due to his €13 million annual salary and injury concerns, his adaptability could secure his place in Alonso’s squad, though no firm decision on his future has been made.

Sure! Here’s a detailed, very long explanation unpacking all the elements of that news about Xabi Alonso, David Alaba, and Real Madrid’s plans for the 2025/26 season:

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Background Context:

David Alaba is a highly versatile footballer known primarily as a defender but with a rich history of playing in multiple roles across the pitch. He spent many years at Bayern Munich, where his technical skill, tactical intelligence, and adaptability allowed him to play not only as a central defender or fullback but also in midfield positions. He’s also been a key player for the Austrian national team, where he similarly operated in midfield roles.

Alaba’s recent injury troubles, particularly a severe ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear combined with meniscal damage, have sidelined him for over a year. Such injuries are serious and often impact a player’s mobility, agility, and explosiveness — critical traits for a defender tasked with quick recovery runs, one-on-one duels, and covering large areas of the pitch.

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The Tactical Shift:

Xabi Alonso, the coach, is now planning to continue deploying Alaba in a central midfield role for the upcoming 2025/26 season. This decision follows experiments during pre-season friendlies against teams like Leganes and WSG Tirol, where the coaching staff observed how Alaba adapted to the position.

This shift is significant because it represents a tactical and physical adjustment tailored to Alaba’s current abilities post-injury:

1. Reduced Mobility, Different Demands: Defensive midfield roles generally require less explosive sprinting or rapid changes of direction than those of defenders who have to frequently track attackers. While mobility is still important in midfield, the emphasis shifts more toward positional awareness, anticipation, and distribution. Alaba’s injury has limited his mobility, so placing him in midfield can help him manage his physical limitations better.

2. Leveraging Alaba’s Strengths: Alaba has always been praised for his footballing intelligence — his vision on the field, his ability to read the game, and his excellent passing range. In midfield, these attributes become even more crucial, especially for a player covering a defensive midfield role. Here, the player acts as a pivot between defense and attack, intercepting passes, breaking up opposition plays, and initiating their team’s buildup with precise distribution.

3. Backup to Tchouameni: Real Madrid already has Aurelien Tchouameni, a highly regarded defensive midfielder. Alonso envisions Alaba as a backup in this role, which means Alaba doesn’t need to start every game but will be ready to step in when needed. His presence adds depth to the squad, and his experience is invaluable for maintaining stability and quality in the midfield.

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Real Madrid’s Financial and Sporting Considerations:

Despite this promising tactical plan, the club is open to the possibility of selling Alaba. This is influenced by several factors:

High Salary: Alaba reportedly earns about €13 million per year, a considerable wage for a player who may no longer be a guaranteed starter and whose injury history adds some risk.

Injury Concerns: The long-term impact of Alaba’s ACL and meniscus injuries is uncertain. Clubs often hesitate to invest heavily in players recovering from serious injuries due to the possibility of recurring problems or loss of previous performance levels.

Given these financial and medical factors, Real Madrid might explore offers to move him on. However, his ability to adapt to a midfield role and still contribute meaningfully on the pitch enhances his value to the team.

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No Firm Decision Yet:

While Alonso appears inclined to continue using Alaba in this new role, and the player himself seems to be responding well to the positional change, no final decisions have been made regarding his long-term future at Real Madrid. This uncertainty likely depends on:

How Alaba performs throughout the season in midfield

Whether the club receives attractive offers from other teams

The overall squad needs and balance

Alaba’s own willingness to stay and accept this modified role

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Summary:

In essence, this development reflects a nuanced approach by Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid to manage a talented but physically limited player by reshaping his role to maximize his strengths and minimize his limitations. It shows the club’s pragmatic balancing act between tactical innovation, player welfare, and financial considerations.

Alaba’s experience, vision, and passing ability make him a valuable asset in midfield, even if he can no longer fulfill the demanding physical role of a defender as effectively as before. Meanwhile, Real Madrid remains open to the possibility of transfer negotiations, making this a situation to watch closely during the 2025/26 season.

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If you want, I can also explain more about the specifics of the defensive midfield role, the impact of ACL injuries on players, or Alonso’s coaching style and philosophy!