Versatile FC Bayern München player David Alaba has retained his Austrian footballer of the year crown, edging out Christian Fuchs and prolific FK Austria Wien forward Philipp Hosiner.

The 20-year-old Alaba sat out the first two months of this season with a broken foot, but his contribution before and since his comeback was heralded by the ten Austrian Bundesliga coaches who vote for this award. "Aside from his incredible talent, I'm impressed by the joy with which he plays," said SK Rapid Wien boss Peter Schöttel. "I get the impression that he's having a lot of fun every game he plays."

Alaba said the recognition was "a great honour", adding that "so many Austrian players have played superbly this year". FC Schalke 04's Fuchs and Hosiner, who already has 21 league goals to his name this season, were chief among them but for his performances in midfield for Austria and left-back with Bayern, Alaba was the standout choice.