After a failed season in high widths, Real Madrid enters a new era. The legendary Carlo Ancelotti has given way on the bench to a man supposed to embody the renewal: Xabi Alonso. Formerly of the house, the 2010 world champion will live his first match on the bench in official competition for the entry into the Merengue in this club world, this Wednesday, against Al-Hilal.
All observers will scrutinize the choices of a technician renowned for his offensive precepts and his perfectionism. And in this context, two specific points will animate this pre-match for the first composition concocted by Spanish: the tactical system and the choice of men.
Xabi Alonso at Real: first doubts, first friction
During his years on the bench of Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso had opted for a defense at 5 by focusing on ultra-offensive side profiles. Does the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold are part of this logic, but will the new Real coach impose this tactical scheme from his first?
Mbappé remains essential
Another question: Xabi Alonso's impact on offensive stars. Unbalanced last season, this Real will have to reinvent itself and become much more hardworking without balloon. Xabi Alonso has already leaned his message in the Spanish media and will be uncompromising on this aspect. Not enough to question the tenure of Kylian Mbappé, however, even if his feverish state has cast doubt on his availability.
European gold shoe, the captain of the Blues will remain the number 1 danger on the offensive level. And he will have a large opportunity to give guarantees to his coach at the defensive level. For the rest, usual executives are expected, like Courtois, Bellingham, Valverde, Tchouaméni or Vinicius0
The expected composition for Real Madrid : Courtois-Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia-Tchouameni, Valverde, Ceballos-Bellingham-Mbappé, Vinicius.
