Xabi Alonso has set Real Madrid’s return to work for August 4. As was the case with the Club World Cup, time will be limited as the Whites’ preseason will be an express one with only 15 days of preparation for the first game of the season against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, scheduled for Tuesday 19. On this occasion, he is not starting from scratch, as he is coming off an intense tournament, but there are decisions to be made and limited time to do so.
Defensive configuration
One of the decisions to be made concerns the defense. Everything seems to indicate that if he opts for a three-man defense, Tchouaméni will be the third man, as his hybrid role depending on the phase of the game has convinced Xabi Alonso, who sees him as a key player in his scheme. Another issue is who will form the center-back pairing. It seems clear that Dean Huijsen has arrived to be an undisputed starter, but his partner is more uncertain given the form of Rüdiger and Eder Militao. For now, Asencio and Alaba seem to be ruled out as options.
The full-back situation also seems clear with the signing of Trent for the right and Álvaro Carreras for the left, but Fran García’s great World Cup and the return of Dani Carvajal could cast doubt on this decision.
Replacement for Bellingham
Another key issue as the team returns to work is the absence of Bellingham for much of the start of the season. He is expected to be back in October, but he may not be at full fitness until the end of the year. Xabi Alonso must decide how to cover the absence of such a vital player as the Englishman. His absence will open the door to less regular players such as Ceballos and Brahim. In addition, the arrival of Mastantuono will also be an option depending on how the young Argentine adapts. There is also the option of Camavinga, who has not yet played under Xabi Alonso due to injury.
Choosing an architect
Real Madrid is still considering whether or not to go to the market for a reliable playmaker. This is the guiding light that the team has been missing since the departure of Toni Kroos.
The main problem is that the players the club likes are not on the market and are out of budget, so, for the time being, they will have to make do with what they have at home. During the Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso opted to give that role of architect to Arda Güler, who has shown incredible ability in attack to be that man who organizes the game given his vision and great touch on the ball.
However, without the ball and in defensive duties, his performance falters and needs to improve. The coach said he could do it, so he looks set to remain the starter in that position.
The role of Gonzalo
Gonzalo’s Club World Cup surprised many and has undoubtedly opened the door to the first team, especially in the absence of Endrick, who is out with injury until at least October. The young academy player wants to continue proving that being the top scorer in the tournament was no fluke. His prominence stemmed from Mbappé’s absence due to health problems, although in the match against PSG, Xabi Alonso put both of them on the pitch, so we will have to see what decision he makes and what role the academy player will play at the start of the season.
Xabi Alonso and the decision on Vinicius
Another issue to be addressed concerns Vinicius. The coach started him in all the Club World Cup matches, but against PSG, various sources suggest that if it had not been for Trent’s injury, the Brazilian would have been a substitute. His performance, defensive commitment, and teamwork, as well as the lack of compatibility between him and Mbappé, have called into question the player, who will have to step up if he wants to convince Xabi Alonso, whom the club has given carte blanche to manage egos and bench whoever he sees fit.