“David Alaba has shaped an era at Bayern Munich” — Leon Goretzka, Manuel Neuer pay tribute to Real Madrid defender

As fans from Germany, Austria and Switzerland enjoy the premiere of Bayern Munich’s Amazon Prime documentary: “FC Bayern – Behind the Legend”, news outlets have begun publishing some interesting details from the series. TZ captures one such scene in which several key members of the squad express their thoughts on David Alaba’s tenure at Die Roten. As expected, the players spoke highly of the legendary defender.

Just as he played as Hansi Flick’s ‘defensive organiser’, Alaba was also a leading figure in the dressing room. His personality has left a deep impression on midfielder Leon Goretzka, who hopes to take on a similar role within the club:

“David has of course been a focal point for everyone in our team, bringing together all the team parts that inevitably always exist. I don’t really know any player with whom he doesn’t get along well,” said Goretzka. “I’ve never seen it like this before, how he contributes to this team structure, how it all holds together. I hope that we have learned this from him and can carry it forward in the coming years.”

Goretzka also expressed admiration for how his old pal oozed composure and displayed grit on the field. “What he has shown for performances in the last year and a half speaks for itself,” said the 26-year old. “He has always thrown himself into it, even if it has pinched here and there. He’s always dragged himself back onto the pitch and tried to do his bit to make sure we’re successful. He has absolutely shaped an era at Bayern.”

Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images

Goretzka’s sentiments were echoed by club captain Manuel Neuer and midfield linchpin Joshua Kimmich. “To lose such a player in this team is brutal for me,” lamented Neuer. “We will miss him a lot in sporting terms, but what hurts me most is that this person David Alaba will no longer be playing for us next season,” added Kimmich.

After playing a key role in Bayern Munich’s one of the most successful eras, Alaba replaced Sergio Ramos as Real Madrid’s new #4 this season.