Former Real Madrid star David Alaba reflects on leadership role after leaving Bernabeu: ‘The role of big brother’

Former Real Madrid star David Alaba reflects on leadership role after leaving Bernabeu: ‘The role of big brother’ Real Madrid signed David Alaba on a free transfer at a time when he was one of the finest centre-backs in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. However, his time in the Spanish capital was ruined by an ACL injury, after which he never got back to his previous level. The Austrian left Madrid at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract and has now joined Udinese in Serie A. Alaba has now reflected on the leadership role he played at Real Madrid after completing his move to the Italian club. Alaba reflects on Real Madrid role As quoted by Mundo Deportivo , Alaba discussed his Madrid experience and insisted that taking responsibility for younger teammates came naturally to him. “It is not the first time in my career that I am going to take on the role of big brother. It has happened to me before,” Alaba said. “I am a person who has always liked taking responsibility, also with the Austrian national team, where I am one of the most experienced players.” David Alaba reflects on his role in the Real Madrid dressing room. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Alaba then specifically pointed towards his time in Madrid and Munich when explaining why his new responsibilities will feel familiar. “Personally, I have always tried to play that role, also at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, so it is nothing new for me,” he added. It offers an interesting insight into how Alaba viewed his responsibilities during his years at the Bernabeu. He may not have played as many minutes as he would have liked, especially towards the end, but his experience remained valuable inside the squad. Madrid’s next generation must assume that responsibility Alaba’s departure also highlights something Madrid will increasingly have to manage as the squad evolves. The club have gradually moved away from the generation of experienced figures who understood every demand that comes with playing at the Bernabeu. Alaba didn’t get to play as much as he would have liked at Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Alaba was part of that group, alongside players such as Luka Modric, who could guide younger teammates through difficult periods. That responsibility will now have to be assumed by a few others in the dressing room. Jude Bellingham is already becoming one of Madrid’s major personalities. Captains like Fede Valverde and Vinicius Junior also need to take on the additional responsibility of being the “big brother” , as Alaba puts it. It also offers insight into the kind of influence the Austrian held in the dressing room despite his lack of minutes, and it remains to be seen how he gets on at Udinese.