Real Madrid’s David Alaba ‘in his worst form’ in SEVEN years, Spain stats say

Real Madrid’s David Alaba is statistically in his worst form in seven years, data reported in Spain shows.

Reigning European champions Real are three points behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga and have kept just three clean sheets all season – despite a strong start to the season.

They have struggled with defensive problems with Thibaut Courtois missing playing time through injury, while Antonio Rudiger’s arrival in the summer meant the four were less laid back than last season.

David Alaba is well below his performances of last season, according to new data

Alaba formed an authoritative partnership with Eder Militao at the heart of Real’s defense last season but while Carlo Ancelotti was keen to continue the pairing, the Austrian has suffered from a major drop in form.

Diario AS have released data from Olocip which shows the 30-year-old is putting in his worst performances in seven years.

The stats show Alaba adding a .100 defense score, meaning his actions help prevent a goal every 10 games, which is well down from last season’s .275 — and also far from his previous low of .270 in the same period is removed.

The Austrian was part of a defense that has kept just three clean sheets this season

Even when the defender is in possession, the numbers don’t read much better. In terms of game construction, Alaba’s 00.6 number has dropped dramatically from 00.12 last season.

Ancelotti’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat by Villarreal last weekend, their defensive performance being criticized by the Spanish press, while Alaba’s problems continued as it was his handball that led to a Genaro Moreno penalty that decided the game.

However, the Austrian now faces a break on the touchline after Real Madrid confirmed Alaba has suffered a calf injury.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men sit three points behind leaders Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table

In a statement, the Spanish giants said: “Following the tests carried out today by Real Madrid medical services on our player David Alaba, he has been diagnosed with a right soleus injury. Development pending.’

There was no indication of how long Alaba is expected to be out, but suggestions from reports in Spain predict he could be out for up to three weeks.

It will mean Rudiger could move to a more natural place in the center of Real’s defense for Real’s forthcoming games against Valencia in the semifinals of the Supacopa de Espana and another clash with Villarreal in the Copa del Rey.