Austria national team captain David Alaba has praised his compatriot Konrad Laimer for his impressive start to the season with Bayern Munich. The Real Madrid defender, who shares a long-standing friendship with Laimer, highlighted the midfielder’s mentality and attitude as key qualities that make him an important player for both Austria and Bayern.
Laimer shining for Vincent Kompany's Bayern
Laimer joined Bayern on a free transfer from RB Leipzig in 2023 and has made 99 appearances for the German champions, helping the club win the 2024-25 Bundesliga title. This season, he has scored one goal and provided two assists, contributing to Bayern's perfect start to the current campaign. While Alaba and Laimer never played together at Bayern as the former had already left by the time his Austria co-star joined, the defender has praised his performances.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlaba's praise for Laimer
In a pre-match interview, Alaba hailed Laimer for his development in Bayern’s jersey, saying, “What Konny is doing is outstanding. It's no secret to us what kind of player he is and what a world-class player he has developed into. He shows his performance week after week and game after game.”
Laimer's importance to Austria
Austria are currently level on points with Bosnia in their World Cup qualification group, having played a game less. Alaba, who has known Laimer for six years in the national team, outlined how Laimer’s versatility and mentality are very important for the Austrian side in their pursuit of qualification.
"He is very important to us and has also taken on a key role at FC Bayern," he added. "His mentality, his attitude, and his professionalism are unique. He really gives his all and pushes himself to the limit from the first minute in every training session and in every game. He also has the quality to play in multiple positions."
AFPAustria's next challenge
Austria are set to take on San Marino on Thursday, and Alaba will hope that Laimer can use his experience and technical ability to help the national team go top of the group to boost their hopes of sealing a place in the 2026 World Cup.
