TECHGUIDANCES
David Alaba has had an eventful 2018 so far. The Bayern Munich and Austria defender has been involved in two car accidents in as many months, and then suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee while playing for Austria. It’s taken a while for him to rebuild his fitness levels after such a difficult year, but he’s finally returned to the pitch for Bayern and proved that he’s still got what it takes to play at the highest level.
David Alaba’s 2018 So Far
Alaba’s 2018 started ominously. On New Year’s Day, he was involved in a car accident in Munich that, at the time, left him with a broken leg and facial cuts. He missed two months of training while he healed, and when he returned to action in March, he found himself lacking in confidence. The 24-year-old defender looked hesitant and unsure of himself, which his coach called “a bit of a mental block”. It took Alaba another three months to fully rebuild his mental and physical shape, and in July, he returned to training with his teammates with a renewed sense of purpose. By the way, if you are betting on sports and want to get a bonus code, go to https://odds2win.bet/bonuses/nepal/22bet and collect your bonuses.
Since then, Alaba has never been more assured of himself on the pitch. The defender has scored two goals in 14 appearances this season, his confidence increasing with each match.
Where Does David Alaba’s Confidence Come From?
In an exclusive interview with Eurosport UK, Alaba opened up about the reasons for his remarkable resurgence. “In the first two months after my accident, I was a bit hesitant. I couldn’t help but compare my previous performances with what happened afterwards, and I felt like I had to prove myself to everyone that I was still the same David Alaba that they knew and loved. I think that was the main reason why I was a little shy and quiet, even if I was training with the team. Now that I’ve gotten over that, I feel like I can relax a bit and be myself on the pitch, and that’s what teammates and the coaching staff also notice about me. Of course, I want to continue improving, but now that I’m feeling more comfortable, it’s easier for me to do so.”
The defender attributes his impressive start to a greater sense of belonging within the Bayern Munich squad. He feels comfortable in the company of senior players, having grown up in the shadow of legendary footballers like David Beckham and Franz Beckenbauer. Alaba credits his new-found confidence to making the right choices in his personal life, having resisted the temptation to drink or take drugs, which he feels could have masked his true potential.
What Does The Future Hold For David Alaba?
Despite all that has happened in 2018, Alaba still seems to have plenty of football left in him. The talented defender has recently signed a new deal with Bayern Munich, tying him to the club until 2022. This will likely be Alaba’s last contract with the German side, as he is yet to establish himself as a first-choice in Jupp Heynckes’ lineup. The coach often goes with what he calls his “golden core” of players, which in this case, happens to be Alaba and Niko Kovac’s main man, Joshua Kimmich.
“I feel like I’ve finally found my place in the team, and I want to keep improving and contributing as much as I can. It would already be an amazing accomplishment if I could keep fit enough to play in the Champions League next season. I still have ambitions to play in the top European leagues, and to achieve the biggest success I can before my time is up.”
