Real Madrid star tested in new role in behind-closed-doors friendly | OneFootball

A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid was on Friday tested in a new role by boss Xabi Alonso.

That’s according to Blancos insider Javier Rodríguez Pascual, who points towards David Alaba as the player in question.

Real Madrid, for those not aware, were in action earlier today.

Amid ongoing preparations for the fast-approaching new Spanish campaign, the capital outfit locked horns with recently-relegated Leganés in a training match behind closed doors.

When all was said and done, Real, it is understood, ran out comfortable 4-1 victors.

And as alluded to above, along the way, a head-turning personnel call on Xabi Alonso’s part was noted.

This came in the form of David Alaba being utilised in a midfield role in the middle of the park.

The experienced defender has previous experience of as much from his time with both Bayern Munich and the Austrian national team, but has almost exclusively lined out at the back since joining Real Madrid.

Fresh off another difficult campaign in 2024/25, could Alaba be in line for a new role for the season ahead?

Conor Laird – GSFN