Matt Miazga secures loan move to Deportivo Alavés

Matt Miazga is on the move again. The USMNT centerback continues his European footballing tour as La Liga side Deportivo Alavés announced they had acquired Miagza on loan from Chelsea FC.

Alavés are looking for defensive reinforcements as they finished the 2020-21 campaign in 16th position, four points out of relegation. That was due in large part to their leaky defense, which gave up 57 goals, tied for third worst in the league.

The 2021-22 season got off to a rough start for Alavés, as they had to face Real Madrid in their season opener. Their defense once again struggled in the 4-1 loss. Miazga joins Florian Lejuene and Victor Laguardia as main centerback options. Lejuene was on loan from Newcastle last season, and the club was happy enough with his performance to complete a permanent deal for him over the summer. Victor Laguardia was a consistent starter last year for Los Babazorros, starting 31 matches. The incumbent pair are both in their early 30s, so age may be a factor. Still, they started the opener against Real Madrid over 23-year-old Tachi, who was with the club last season and saw limited playing time.

La Liga becomes Miazga’s 7th league stop, having previously made appearances in the Premier League, EFL Championship, the Dutch Eredivisie, France’s Ligue 1, Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, and Major League Soccer. In La Liga, Miazga will have the opportunity to match up against fellow Americans Sergiño Dest of FC Barcelona and Yunus Musah of Valencia FC, as well as his little buddy old friend Diego Lainez of Real Betis.

What do you think of the move? Good opportunity for Miazga to take another step in a top league or is it too little too late for the centerback? Hit the comments section below and let us know.