If Xabi Alonso ends up signing Alvero Carreras at Real Madrid, then it'll be goodnight for one of Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia.
Real Madrid is blessed with two very good left-backs in Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy. However, the problem is exactly that; they are very good, but they're not the best they can be.
The fact that Fran Garcia already has fans questioning whether it should be him or Ferland Mendy starting has already raised eyebrows about both players' futures. After all, they are both good enough to start for most clubs in the world, so they won't be interested in direct competition.
Let alone when you throw another spanner in the works, which Xabi Alonso might do.
Alvaro Carreras forces Xabi Alonso into nightmare Real Madrid decision
For the last few weeks, Real Madrid has been pretty consistently linked to Alvaro Carreras. The Benfica full-back would be signing with an eye on the first team, meaning Xabi Alonso will have a difficult decision on his hands: sell Ferland Mendy or Fran Garcia.
This season, Fran Garcia had the edge over Ferland Mendy, through no fault of Mendy's own. Mendy couldn't stay fit for a consistent run of games, meaning that Garcia got a chance to prove himself, and prove himself he did.
Not long after, Garcia started to make Real Madrid fans question whether he should start even when Mendy is fit. He just aided the squad harmony so much better, being involved in link-up play and even being clever enough to make overlapping runs past Vinicius Junior.
Based on recent form alone, Xabi Alonso should stick with Garcia and sell Mendy. However, even that decision would be incredibly unfair on Mendy, who might have had a better season if he had the opportunity to prove himself.
Mendy established himself into a key player under Carlo Ancelotti, and he is probably a better one on one defender than Garcia is. On the other hand, Garcia is the better attacker.
Fans would hope that Alonso brings an attacking approach with him, which would be a fresh switch-up from the overly defensive setup Anceliotti insisted on in his final season in charge.
Alonso's decision between Mendy and Garcia might just tell Real Madrid fans everything they need to know about how the club legend plans to approach his tenure.
It must be said that the left-back position is one that Alonso will have his eyes on. While both players are worthy of praise, they're nowhere near world-class level yet.