In the annual readers’ poll conducted by respected journal kicker for the title Newcomer of the Year, a sensational 51.5 percent of the 181,722 votes went to Bayern starlet David Alaba. It was a dream result for the 20-year-old Austrian, who earned regular status at left-back for FCB in the second half of last season with a string of consistently strong performances.
David’s fellow pros also hailed his achievement, as the poll conducted by the professional footballers’ union (VDV) among players in the top four divisions in Germany also placed Alaba in top spot with 27.4 percent of the votes, ahead of Mönchengladbach's Patrick Herrmann on 16.6 percent. However, the Munich starlet is only too well aware that achievement in the past means nothing in terms of future success.
“It's pre-season and everyone starts again with the slate wiped clean," Alaba said after Friday morning training. “In the new season, every player has to prove himself again. It's a new year for all of us," he continued, noting that “very good new players have joined us. Each individual has to give it all he has and try for a place in the team."
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