Maldini raves

Milan legend praises Alaba: “A really great player”

(Bild: EPA/PAOLO MAGNI)

Milan legend Paolo Maldini praises Austria's David Alaba in an interview with the "Krone": "The biggest weapon is his personality!" And: "He is a great player." The 53-year-old Italy hero also sees the Real Madrid star as a central defender.

Shielded and guarded by bodyguards. Only very few of the 30,000 fans noticed that one of the greatest defender legends in world soccer was sitting in Klagenfurt's Wörthersee Stadium on Sunday.

The "Krone", however, brought Paolo Maldini in front of the curtain during the 0:0 test match between Real Madrid and AC Milan. And the technical director of the "Rossoneri", a five-time (!) Champions League winner, took his time between the small talk with Real president Florentino Perez, chatting away without any airs and graces. Especially about one thing: Real Madrid's new defensive boss.

Maldini (right) chatted with "Krone" editor Claudio Trevisan in Klagenfurt. (Bild: Claudio Trevisan)

"Even stronger with age"
When asked about David Alaba, Maldini said: "He's a great, a really great player. David can play anywhere with his qualities - but as a central defender he is really strong for me. He's getting even stronger as he gets older, that's obvious!"

The 126-time Italian team player and 901-time (!) Milan player knows that Alaba, like Maldini in his day, excels both inside and at left back. "But it's difficult to draw parallels. David has many qualities that I like - he has a lot of speed, a strong left foot and a powerful shot. But what also makes him special is his personality," said the 53-year-old, who stayed in the VIP rooms with Milan president Paolo Scaroni ("Klagenfurt has a beautiful stadium!").

David Alaba can play anywhere with his qualities - but as a central defender he is simply top for me.

Paolo Maldini

Masked & hidden
Alaba stayed in the arena for a long time after his Real debut. Completely hidden, he celebrated with family and friends in a box until two hours after the game - and then meandered through the VIP rooms wearing a mask. ÖFB team boss Franco Foda also praised David: "A top performance. Safe at the back, well integrated at the front."