The arrival of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid's bench is not just anything. The former player and now coach has a huge challenge: to return the team to the top of world soccer.
To achieve this, he is already preparing a revolution from day one. One of the big changes will come in defense, where there are already surprising decisions that have left more than one person speechless.
A new air for the white defense
Real Madrid knows that last season they had problems in their defensive line. That's why Xabi Alonso's arrival comes with a renewal in that area. The signing of Huijsen, a young center-back with a lot of potential, has already been confirmed, and he is set to be a key piece in the defense.
Xabi wants to build a solid team that not only shines in attack but is also impenetrable at the back.
The coach's intention is to form a starting defense made up of Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger, two defenders with complementary characteristics. Meanwhile, Éder Militão, another player with great experience, will become the alternative. With this new structure, Madrid seeks to reinforce their security and be more competitive in major events.
The blow for Asensio: out of the starting eleven
One of the names that surprises the most in this new era is Raúl Asensio. The young center-back has been a regular in the starting eleven during Carlo Ancelotti's era, where he managed to establish himself and show moments of great level. However, Xabi Alonso has been clear: Asensio will not be a starter with him.
Why such a radical decision? The new coach believes that Asensio has aspects of the game that he must urgently improve. For Xabi, the player's current level doesn't fit with the demands he intends to impose. Although the player still has opportunities, his role will be more secondary, relegated to the bench while he seeks to recover his best version.
Deep changes for a renewed Madrid
Beyond the defense and the Asensio case, Xabi Alonso is clear that he must make changes in several areas of the team. There is no room for comfort or inertia. The locker room must adapt to a more demanding and competitive style, with players who respond day by day.
This philosophy implies that some footballers who were important for Ancelotti could lose prominence. The competition will be fierce, and only those who perform consistently will be starters. Xabi wants a winning Madrid, a team that once again dominates in Spain and Europe, and for this, he is willing to make difficult decisions.