After falling short in multiple competitions, the club parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti and appointed former player Xabi Alonso as their new manager. ..Continue Reading
Determined to improve ahead of the Club World Cup, Madrid have already secured key signings, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono.
Additionally, they are expected to finalize a deal for Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras in the near future.
With these reinforcements, Alonso now has a wealth of talent at his disposal. According to Spanish journalist Manu Carreno, the 43-year-old has already envisioned his ideal starting XI for the upcoming season.
Carreno shared Alonso’s preferred lineup on Cadena SER’s sports program, emphasizing that it is designed for the start of La Liga rather than the Club World Cup in the United States.
Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed choice in goal, trusted by Alonso to anchor the defense. However, the backline has undergone significant changes.
New arrivals Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen are included in Alonso’s best XI, along with Carreras, who is yet to officially sign but is expected to complete his move soon.
Huijsen will be partnered in central defense by either Eder Militao or Antonio Rudiger.
Dani Carvajal, once fully fit, will compete with Alexander-Arnold for the right-back position, while David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Fran García provide additional defensive options.
In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni has established himself as one of the world’s top players since joining Madrid, and Alonso wants him to start alongside Federico Valverde, who was forced to play at right-back last season due to Carvajal’s injury.
Jude Bellingham is a key figure in Alonso’s lineup, joined by new signing Mastantuono.
Despite being just 17, the Argentine has already played over 60 matches for River Plate and earned international caps, making him a strong candidate for a starting role.
While Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Dani Ceballos are not included in Alonso’s preferred XI, they are expected to contribute significantly throughout the season.
Kylian Mbappe had a stellar debut season at Madrid, scoring 43 goals and providing five assists in 56 appearances.
He is set to feature alongside Vinicius Jr, who, despite not matching his previous form, remains one of the world’s top attackers.
Rodrygo is notably absent from Alonso’s best XI. The Brazilian, who has been at the club since 2019, has been linked with a high-profile transfer this summer.
Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz and Endrick will also be available as attacking options.
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