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Xabi Alonso makes this decision about the defense: Here’s what’s going to happen next

Real Madrid G3 Newswroomby Real Madrid G3 Newswroom
07/01/2025 09:00

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One of the key issues at Real Madrid throughout the season was the performance of the defense. That is why it was a priority for the club to go to the transfer market to sign players who could improve this area and cover absences ahead of the Club World Cup. Now, little by little, players are returning and the coach is trying out different things in the starting eleven, which presents a dilemma for him as he will have to make decisions.

Ahead of the match against Juventus, Militao returns to the squad and Asencio is back after suspension, so we will have to see what decisions Xabi Alonso makes, starting with whether he repeats the three-center-back system used against Salzburg. On that occasion, the trio was made up of Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, and Dean Huijsen. The latter seems to be the only one who is sure to be in the heart of the defense against Juventus.

Dean Huijsen and a great World Cup

Dean Huijsen’s quality was well known, which is why the club decided to invest a whopping $58 million in the player, but his great performance during the World Cup has surprised many. Against Al Hilal, Huijsen was the one who brought order and vision to the game. It was well known that his passing and control of the ball were one of his strengths, and he has made that clear from the start with impossible through balls.

In defense, apart from one isolated mistake, he is proving to be solid and confident in his tackling. He is proving to be a very complete defender with personality who is putting on a show in every game. Looking at the statistics from the first two games of the World Cup, they speak for themselves: he led Real Madrid in total passes (127), passes to break lines (31), passes into the final third (11), clearances (10), and aerial clearances (6).

Asencio, from hero to villain

Asencio’s situation in those first two Club World Cup games was very different. The youth player’s performance in the tournament has not been the best after a great season in which he went from being an emergency option to an undisputed starter and one of the best center backs in LaLiga. This was a far cry from his performances against Al Hilal, where he conceded an avoidable penalty that cost the team a draw, and against Pachuca, where he was sent off in the first minute after committing a foul that showed that the new system of playing with a high defensive line is not the strong point of a player who is easily beaten at the back. Asencio returns after serving his suspension and it remains to be seen what decision Xabi will take with the player.

Rüdiger gaining ground

Throughout the season, Rüdiger has played with excruciating pain in his knee, which led him to undergo surgery a few weeks ago, but now he is back. Against Salzburg, he was in the starting lineup and showed the energy that characterizes him. His intensity and power make him an uncomfortable defender for the opposition and a very reliable weapon in demanding games like tonight’s.

Militao returns

The good news for the team is that Eder Militao returns to the squad after months out with a torn knee ligament. For his return against Juventus, the plan, agreed between the player, the coaching staff and the medical team, is for him to even play a few minutes if the game allows it. He is ruled out of the starting line-up regardless of the formation chosen by Xabi Alonso.

What about Tchouaméni?

In the match against Salzburg, Tchouaméni was the third center back. During the first half, playing in the center of the new three-man defense, he was not tested much in defense and was more of a midfielder when it came to bringing the ball out. In the second half, he had to put his creative side aside a little more to defend, and that’s where he showed a little more weakness. Xabi Alonso wants to make him a more complete player and improve his defensive side, so he could continue to opt for him in that position to help him grow in this regard.

Disclaimer: This is a journalistic article and may contain inaccuracies. Our content is based on information gathered from official sources and reputable media outlets. For more details, please refer to our Disclaimer Page.

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