Zubimendi's signing is Xabi Alonso's great obsession. The Basque coach considers it essential to reinforce the pivot position this summer. He wants a profile capable of controlling the pace of matches and protecting the defense.
Currently, there are three midfielders at Real Madrid who could take on that role. Each one brings different and unique qualities to the midfield. However, none of them is exactly what Xabi Alonso is looking for.
Camavinga stands out for his energy and ball recovery. Tchouaméni offers tactical security and defensive strength. The last one, Dani Ceballos, who is more creative, aims to make a difference with his technique.
Zubimendi makes his decision
What Xabi Alonso wants is a complete midfielder. A footballer with Camavinga's balance, Tchouaméni's solidity, and Dani Ceballos's quality touch. That's why he dreamed of Zubimendi.
But the problem is that his signing is very complicated. Arsenal have practically closed the deal and Real Madrid aren't willing to match that offer. Zubimendi is moving away from Bernabéu and Xabi Alonso has to find a solution.
An unexpected twist for Xabi Alonso's midfield
Given the difficulty of signing Zubimendi, Xabi Alonso already has his alternative. A midfielder who is highly valued at the white house. One who knows Valdebebas like no one else.
This is Dani Ceballos, who has made a key decision for his career. He has rejected a return to Betis despite having everything agreed for his comeback.
He prefers to stay in Madrid and fight for a place in the starting eleven. Xabi Alonso sees him as a useful and experienced piece to lead the midfield.
Dani Ceballos will play Zubimendi's role
Xabi Alonso has spoken with him and has shown him trust. He wants him to be his man of balance, his organizer. Not as a substitute, but as a protagonist.
Dani Ceballos accepts the challenge with excitement. He knows this could be his last great opportunity at Santiago Bernabéu. He isn't willing to waste it.
He has more than enough qualities to perform in that role, so Xabi Alonso trusts his tactical intelligence. Now everything depends on how he performs in preseason. If he convinces, he'll have a very important role from the start; if not, Madrid will consider other options.
For now, Zubimendi won't arrive, but Xabi Alonso isn't worried, since he has a reliable pivot ready to take on responsibility. Dani Ceballos has won a silent battle and has done so by betting on himself, something that is always valued at Bernabéu.