Xabi Alonso’s time at Real Madrid so far has received mixed reactions. There’s a section of fans who love him, while another has started to express doubts. The good thing is that the manager has changed certain things for the better, and the results are beginning to show.
Los Blancos have enjoyed a near-perfect Champions League run so far. Domestically, they’ve had their struggles in parts but remain on top of the table with a comfortable points difference. Much of the criticism directed at Alonso has been valid, but overall, it has been a rather convenient ride. Not perfect, but with room and potential for improvement.
Xabi has brought a clear change of style, and it’s evident that the stature of several players has shifted as a result. Some have benefited, while others have seen their fortunes decline. Here is a look at two winners and two losers from Xabi’s time at Real Madrid so far.
Xabi Alonso made 2 winners and 2 losers at Real Madrid
1. Arda Guler – Winner
This is the clearest winner of them all. Xabi has completely transformed Guler’s situation, and it’s heartwarming to see the young Turk living up to expectations. Real Madrid are a different side when Guler is on the pitch, and Xabi fully understands and trusts what he brings to the team.
Guler has become a constant presence, whether in wins or losses. Of course, there’s still room for growth, but this is the first season he’s been trusted completely, and fans should give him some leeway. He’s been instrumental in creating chances and clearly grasps what the manager expects from him.
His link-up with Kylian Mbappe is already bearing fruit. The pair are even being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Özil’s partnership from years past. Los Blancos owe much of their creativity, chance creation, and goals to this young magician. Under Xabi Alonso, Guler looks destined to become one of the best players in the squad.
2. Ferland Mendy – Loser
It’s hard to imagine Ferland Mendy reclaiming his spot at fullback anytime soon. There’s an improved Fran Garcia ahead of him, and the ever-reliable, almost irreplaceable Alvaro Carreras above them both.
Mendy was one of Carlo Ancelotti’s trusted players, and his style suited the Italian’s system. But as soon as Xabi’s arrival was confirmed, it was clear who would be among the first casualties.
Mendy simply isn’t the fullback Xabi wants in his team. The Frenchman is a solid defender, but the manager demands more than just that. Carreras, on the other hand, contributes effectively in both attack and defense, clearly outshining Mendy in every aspect.
3. Aurelien Tchouameni – Winner
Tchouameni, in the truest sense, is Xabi Alonso’s eyes and mind on the field. Under Ancelotti, his potential was acknowledged but somewhat underused. Alonso’s approach is the opposite.
He understands that Tchouameni provides the defensive balance his attack-oriented team needs. His ability to link defense and attack, while maintaining control and composure, makes him indispensable.
Under Xabi, Tchouameni has become the glue that holds the team together. The squad’s power lies across all positions, but Tchouameni ensures cohesion. He dictates the tempo and rhythm of play, serving as a modern-day replacement for Toni Kroos - not stylistically, but intellectually, as the collective brain of the team.
4. Endrick – Loser
Endrick was promised more opportunities when Xabi Alonso took charge, and it initially seemed like he would finally get the minutes that Ancelotti never gave him. However, the rise of Gonzalo Garcia and the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe have once again stalled those plans, perhaps indefinitely.
Just like last season, Endrick remains on the bench, still waiting for the chance he joined Real Madrid for.
The best and perhaps only realistic option for the young Brazilian now is to seek a loan move until the end of the season, giving himself a shot at earning a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad. From a broader perspective, his future at Real Madrid currently looks uncertain.