How Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid is set to look for the new season

In record time—much like Real Madrid’s lightning-fast preseason—Xabi Alonso’s influence has become unmistakable. The friendly in Tyrol felt like a continuation of what first began to emerge at the Club World Cup, which served as a testing ground for the manager. The coach has already put his stamp on this Madrid side, devising solutions that bear his unmistakable signature.

Without much fanfare, and despite the squad still finding its physical rhythm, Madrid showed in Tyrol a clear intent to press high immediately after losing possession. The first two goals—scored by Militão and Mbappé—came directly from this approach.

Mbappé’s strike, in particular, originated from a Vinicius ball recovery, with the Brazilian having already been spotted tracking back diligently. Another recurring trait: Madrid presses in the opponent’s half whenever the opposing goalkeeper opts to build from the back.

Xabi has placed his trust in Dean Huijsen from the outset. “Yes, he’s told me what he wants from me, even with the ball,” the 20-year-old defender told AS. With no direct replacement for Kroos in the squad, Huijsen’s role in building play is essential. Against Tirol, he led the team in total involvements (120) and passes completed (111), far ahead of Militão (73) and Güler (71), and did so with a 94% success rate. He also attempted the most long passes (16), confirming his status as the starting point of Madrid’s buildup—a responsibility Xabi has fully entrusted to him.

It’s a calculated gamble from the club that Alonso has successfully translated onto the pitch. He’s even positioned Tchouaméni in central midfield—a role the Frenchman had never played for Madrid under Ancelotti, where he was mostly used as an interior. Judging by his performances at the Club World Cup and in Austria, the experiment works. Against Tirol, Tchouaméni stood out: he registered more shots (five) and created more chances (four) than anyone else, including the assist for Mbappé’s second goal.

Under Xabi, Tchouaméni has become a transformative piece. He’s the player who can seamlessly turn a back four into a back five without requiring a substitution. The only drawback? He has no true backup in the squad. Last season he was even booed at the Bernabéu; now, he’s indispensable. In Tyrol, he impressed both in attack—setting up Mbappé’s second—and in defense, with a last-minute tackle that prevented Austria’s best chance. Focused, agile, and decisive, he looks reborn.

Xabi knows Tchouaméni’s absence would leave a tactical void, so he’s testing David Alaba as a potential understudy. The Austrian has experience in that role from his early years with Bayern and occasional stints for the national team. “It’s not my position, but I know it,” Alaba admits, aware that breaking into Madrid’s central defense is difficult. He has already played there in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leganés.

Another key contribution from Alonso has been promoting Castilla striker Gonzalo. When Mbappé was sidelined with gastroenteritis at the Club World Cup, Xabi trusted the youngster to lead the line—much like Ancelotti once relied on Joselu as a Plan B. Gonzalo responded with four goals and an assist, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. Alonso has fought to keep him in the squad despite the €35 million signing of Endrick.

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In Austria, Gonzalo continued his form with two goals and an assist. The main tweak? He now drops deeper to link play more often, increasing his involvement without losing his instinct as a pure No. 9—albeit one wearing the No. 10 shirt.

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