Xabi Alonso will take Real Madrid to the Club World Cup this summer. There’s no more debate about that, with Carlo Ancelotti leaving Real Madrid at the end of the month.
Even before Alonso takes over the reins from Ancelotti, Real Madrid have already started making moves to improve their defence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the first to arrive, followed closely by Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Real Madrid could also bring in Alvaro Carreras from Benfica to fill their left full-back position.
According to reports, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius will be the pillars of his attack.
Alonso’s preferred formation is the 3-5-2 — involving two forwards (Mbappe and Vini), a back three and two flying wingbacks.
At Bayer, Alonso’s wingbacks were Frimpong and Grimaldo. At Real Madrid, he will have Trent and Carreras.
Huijsen can play in the heart of Madrid’s defence with Antonio Rudiger, Militao, Raul Asencio or Dani Carvajal partnering him.
Carvajal can play at centre-back, having played there successfully under Ancelotti many times.
Here’s how Alonso could fit in all his new signings in the same XI, with that 3-5 tactic.
Xabi Alonso’s full backroom staff ahead of Real Madrid move have been unveiled