A man with short hair and a mustache appears in the foreground with a serious expression, while in the background several players wearing white uniforms can be seen on a playing field.

Álvaro Benito says what many are thinking after Xabi Alonso's debut: 'We need...'

Real Madrid doesn't get past a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in the first match of the Xabi Alonso era

19/06/2025 17:00:00h

There were many hopes placed on Xabi Alonso's debut as coach of Real Madrid, but the reality is that his first match hasn't fully convinced. He has had little time to work with the squad, something that was evident in the 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal. Álvaro Benito, former Madridist footballer, who has a highly respected opinion in the media, spoke after this match. Speaking on "El Larguero" on Cadena SER, he was clear regarding the first match of the Club World Cup.

Little time for Xabi Alonso

Benito has shown understanding after the first details of the new Real Madrid, stating: "Nothing really caught my attention, it was the expected outcome. Thibaut Courtois said it very well and everyone has to understand it. In three or four training sessions with the full team, it's impossible to see any substantial change."

Short-haired man with a light beard and a serious expression, wearing a dark jersey and a blurred background

Xabi Alonso stumbled in his debut | Getty Images

In this regard, he commented on the beginning of Xabi Alonso's tenure: "It's about starting to plant a seed of what the idea should be. The idea of changing a model and having the players gradually internalize it."

Álvaro Benito continued by raising the first important questions: "The first question about Xabi Alonso's Madrid was a bit about the structure, the system. The 5-3-2 with three center-backs was unlikely to be used, and if that's Xabi's idea, it'll require much more time. It requires complex and deep tactical work."

Two players compete for the ball during a match in a packed stadium, one wearing a white uniform and the other wearing a blue uniform.

Real Madrid was not up to the task against Al-Hilal | Getty Images

"Taking into account the players Real Madrid has in its squad... The most logical thing is that if a right winger is performing well, whether it's Rodrygo or Franco Mastantuono, the most logical thing would be a 4-3-3," he continued.

"It's necessary..."

Asked about the need for signings, Álvaro Benito replied: "Maybe a creative number 8 is missing. I don't know if there is one, one that could be signed at the level for Real Madrid and compete for a starting spot. I can't think of any. Everything will depend on how well the team can function collectively."

The former footballer concluded by saying: "If Xabi Alonso manages to make Real Madrid a very collective team... That everyone runs, that they have a clear plan in mind, that it's a versatile team capable of running, dominating, and defending... I don't see the signing as necessary as if it were a team with a bit of anarchy like it's been in recent years, in which Real Madrid has relied on quality."

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