Real Madrid: A headache already looms for Xabi Alonso

 

Yesterday, the Club World Cup offered us a day full of firsts. At 6 p.m., Rayan Cherki made his debut in the Manchester City jersey. Three hours later, a few more people gathered to witness Xabi Alonso's debut on the Real Madrid bench against Al-Hilal. In the end, the Alonso version of Casa Blanca didn't really convince (1-1) , even if it's obvious that a balance sheet can't be drawn up after a single match played in a competition where a large part of the players are washed out.

Nevertheless, some questions were quickly raised, particularly by the Spanish press. This concerns the central defense sector. In short: what will Xabi Alonso's central defense be for the 2025/2026 season? Recruited this summer from Bournemouth in exchange for €50 million, Dean Huijsen seems to have scored points. Similar to what happened with Spain, the former Cherries player rose to the occasion from his first match. Serene, Huijsen once again demonstrated exceptional passing skills. The player already nicknamed the "Chill Guy" in Madrid was also rather pleased with his debut for the Real Madrid side after the match. " I think I played well for my debut. I think we were better and could have gotten a better result. It wasn't possible, and we have to keep working. "

Competition is fierce

Raul Asencio, however, can't say the same. Guilty of winning the penalty that led to Al-Hilal's equalizer, Madrid's revelation of the 2024/2025 season was substituted at halftime. A change that was not a punishment, according to Alonso. "He's been on antibiotics for a few days and suffered a lot. Hence the change. It was very hot. It's not an excuse, but it's not the best time to play, even though we know the reasons. Vinicius has also been suffering from cramps since the 70th minute, and Al-Hilal is also exhausted." However, while Huijsen seems set to be the starting left-back, the question remains about the right flank. As mentioned above, Asencio has been Real Madrid's revelation this season. And despite his legal troubles, the player will soon extend his contract until 2031. On paper, Asencio is supposed to be a good match for Huijsen and Florentino Pérez has undoubtedly sealed the future of the Casa Blanca in this position.

But before looking to the future, and as we reported a few weeks ago , Asencio is still far from having a guaranteed starting spot. AS also indicates that Antonio Rüdiger is vying for a starting spot for this Club World Cup after his meniscus surgery last April. At 32, the German remains determined to prove that he is still one of the mainstays of the Madrid rearguard. We also revealed that he too could extend his lease . More experienced than his young teammate, Rüdiger also has more vice, something that the Merengue defense lacked yesterday. While waiting for the return from injury of David Alaba (who is applying for the left side) and without forgetting Eder Militão, what choice will Xabi Alonso make? Should he maintain his faith in youth or will he decide to call on an old hand? The answer will be next Sunday against the Mexicans of Pachuca.

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