Pep Guardiola stresses David Alaba importance

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has stressed the importance of defender David Alaba and has labelled him an "outstanding player".

Alaba has been out of action since November with a knee injury and is now ready to play, according to his manager.

Guardiola insists that the Austrian is an integral part of the squad and praised the 22-year-old's consistent performances.

"If tomorrow was the Champions League final he would play," the 43-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"We ask him every day how his knee is, everything is great. With him we are a better team, he can play anywhere. He is outstanding.

"On a scale of one to 10, he has always been an eight or a nine, sometimes 10. He is one of the most important players for Bayern Munich."

Alaba is likely to play when Bayern return from their mid-season break to face Wolfsburg on January 30.