Skip to main content

Belgium Pro League

Bayern's Alphonso Davies envisions long-term future at left-back

Davies started his career as a winger but has been frequently deployed in defence due to long-term injuries for centre-backs Niklas Sule and Lucas Hernandez, the latter of whom can also play on the left side of a back four.

Following a string of impressive performances the 19-year-old Canada international was last week handed a two-year contract extension, meaning his deal at the Allianz Arena now runs until 2025.

Davies does not expect to be playing higher up the pitch again any time soon, though, and detailed how regular left-back David Alaba, who has been shifted into the centre of defence, has helped him adapt.

"I'm proud of my achievement but right now thinking about it, it's all because of the team I'm with," Davies said at a news conference on Tuesday.

"The team's playing well, everyone's playing well, and I also have a world-class left-back playing next to me helping me out as well. Having all those factors in place just makes it a lot more fun.

"I came out as a winger, I played as a winger a couple games. Right now, my main attribute is left-back, I'm enjoying the position. I'm enjoying every moment of it but in the future I still see myself as a left-back. I don't see it changing any time soon.

"Obviously David's been a top player for a long time, especially at the left-back position. Having him as my centre-back – he knows how to play at left-back, so I take feedback and advice from him.

"He helped me out a lot, keeping me in shape, keeping me where I'm supposed to be on the field, just giving me all the advice he got in his previous mentorship with whoever it was."

The Bundesliga has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic since March 13 but could return as soon as May 9 with games behind closed doors.

Davies, whose primary focus during the hiatus has been learning German, is not against playing in empty stadiums in the circumstances

"If it happens it's going to be different. The fans are part of us but it's for the safety of everyone I guess, so I don't really mind it," he said.

Having scored 30 goals and assisted 11 in 60 Pro League appearances for Gent, Davies' international team-mate Jonathan David has been linked with a move to Bayern, Inter, Arsenal and others.

Davies has no doubt David would be able to translate that form to the Bundesliga.

"Jonathan David has a lot of qualities, as you can tell in the Belgian league he's been scoring and assisting," said Davies.

"I think if he moved over here it'd be no problem for him to play at this level. Having him on the men's national team as well is a great honour for me to play with him."

Coronavirus: It makes no sense – Nasri denies reports of going AWOL during self-isolation

The Pro League in early April suggested the 2019-20 season be cancelled and a meeting to determine its fate is due to be held on Friday.

Anderlecht last played on March 7, defeating Zulte-Waregem 7-0 at home, though Nasri did not feature in the matchday squad.

Nasri has been at the centre of media rumours this week, however, after reports in Belgian publication Derniere Heure claimed the former Manchester City and Arsenal playmaker had not been in regular contact with player-manager Vincent Kompany.

But Nasri has dismissed the rumours, insisting he has been keeping in touch with Anderlecht.

"It makes no sense," Nasri said during in a live interview on Instagram.

"Where did you see someone disappear? Because that is what I thought I saw or heard said: someone who has disappeared or no longer gives any sign of life. 

"I speak to the chief medical officer every day. He is the one who sends me the sessions I have to do. I also speak with Vincent Kompany."

Nasri joined up with former City team-mate Kompany at Anderlecht in 2019 but has failed to revive his career in Belgium, having made just eight appearances in all competitions.

It makes no sense – Nasri denies reports of going AWOL during self-isolation

The Pro League in early April suggested the 2019-20 season be cancelled and a meeting to determine its fate is due to be held on Friday.

Anderlecht last played on March 7, defeating Zulte-Waregem 7-0 at home, though Nasri did not feature in the matchday squad.

Nasri has been at the centre of media rumours this week, however, after reports in Belgian publication Derniere Heure claimed the former Manchester City and Arsenal playmaker had not been in regular contact with player-manager Vincent Kompany.

But Nasri has dismissed the rumours, insisting he has been keeping in touch with Anderlecht.

"It makes no sense," Nasri said during in a live interview on Instagram.

"Where did you see someone disappear? Because that is what I thought I saw or heard said: someone who has disappeared or no longer gives any sign of life. 

"I speak to the chief medical officer every day. He is the one who sends me the sessions I have to do. I also speak with Vincent Kompany."

Nasri joined up with former City team-mate Kompany at Anderlecht in 2019 but has failed to revive his career in Belgium, having made just eight appearances in all competitions.