Xabi Alonso has reportedly finalized his preferred starting lineup as Real Madrid’s new manager, with one notable omission.
The Spaniard led his first training session after officially taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.
With only a handful of fully fit senior players available, Alonso called up several youth team members to fill the squad, putting them through an intense assessment to gauge their readiness for potential inclusion in the Club World Cup squad. ..Continue Reading
Facing a competitive summer tournament as his first challenge, Alonso has had to make swift decisions regarding his squad.
Reports indicate that he has already outlined his ideal starting XI for the upcoming season.
New arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen are expected to feature, along with Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, who is close to rejoining his former academy club.
However, the biggest surprise is the inclusion of 17-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono in Alonso’s preferred lineup.
The Argentine youth international is nearing a move from River Plate but cannot officially join Real Madrid until he turns 18, meaning he will likely miss the opening round of La Liga.
Thibaut Courtois remains the first-choice goalkeeper, while either Eder Militao or Antonio Rudiger will partner Huijsen in central defense.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are set to anchor the midfield, with Mastantuono and Jude Bellingham positioned further forward.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will lead the attack, leaving no space for Brazilian winger Rodrygo, who was a regular starter under Ancelotti.
Rodrygo, who netted several goals across all competitions last season, has been linked with a potential departure from the Bernabeu, with Arsenal among the clubs reportedly interested in securing his signature.
