Profile - David Alaba Bayern's New Left Defender

For months Bayern Muenchen coach Jupp Heynckes has struggled with whom to place in the left back position.  David Alaba, who often substituted as a midfielder for the German record champion, became a temporary substitute as a left defender.  With a club record of the youngest player with 50 Bundesliga games, Alaba has had an impact and earned a permanent spot on the Bayern team.  His fighting spirit, engagement and skill as a defender appear to have made him the number one choice of the Bayern bosses.  So who is this young talented player?

David Alaba was born in Vienna Austria on the 24th June 1992, the son of a Fillipino mother and a Nigerian father.   He started playing soccer at his neighbourhood club SV Aspern, before joining the Austria Vienna youth program at age 10.  After rising through the ranks, he became a substitute on the senior team in 2008.  He played five games for the Austria Vienna Reserve before moving on to Bayern Muenchen, where he played for the U-17 and U-19 teams.

For the 2009-10 season, David moved into the Bayern Reserve team and played his first 3. Liga game against Dynamo Dresden in August 2009.  Alaba hasn't looked back since then.  In 2009-10 Alaba trained full time with the Bayern Bundesliga squad.  During 2011 he gained additional experience, while on loan to Hoffenheim.

Now back in Bayern, he has established himself as a valuable player.  With 17 caps for the Austrian National side and 50 Bundesliga games under his belt, this young man can only get better and has a great career ahead of him.