Carlo Ancelotti is already cooking with Vinicius Junior as his main man for Brazil. Not that anyone can really be surprised, considering their long-term Real Madrid connection, but it's still delightful for Xabi Alonso to watch.
As a well-established Spain international himself, Xabi Alonso recognises the merit of players representing their countries, and being proud while doing so. This is no different at Real Madrid.
Looking at the situation from a fan perspective, it would be easy to falsely assume a weird feeling between Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti. This couldn't be further from the truth, as there is mutual respect between the two Real Madrid legends.
That said, Carlo Ancelotti could hand Xabi Alonso a favour in his new role, considering he'll continue to work with a handful of Real Madrid players.
Carlo Ancelotti may have just forced Xabi Alonso into a Vinicius Junior rethink
Last night, Brazil got a win over Paraguay in the World Cup qualifiers. It was a narrowly edged win, with Vinicius Junior scoring the only goal of the match.
For Carlo Ancelotti to get his first Real Madrid goal from Vini, on his birthday, was nothing short of poetic. However, fairytale aside, Real Madrid fans are leaning more in favour of deploying Vinicius Junior through the middle of the attack after last night's performance.
The realisation came from Vini's exceptional movement for the goal. He found himself free in the box for an easy finish, however, it was the movement off the ball which made it easy for him to strike home.
It is an underrated part of Vini's game, his ability to exploit space. He is obviously a great dribbler with the ball at his feet, but fans mustn't overlook his movement off the ball either. It makes him a great option through the middle of attack.
Last season, Vini divided his responsibilities between being the centrepiece and playing out on the left. This season, though, his fate is in Xabi Alonso's hands.
Alonso has already planned talks with Vini about his work rate off the ball. So, it's clear from the early stages that the Spanish coach is planning to apply his own trademark to this front three.
Whether or not permanent positional changes are on the cards remains to be seen, but it's a strategy Alonso is already looking to apply to get the best out of Arda Guler, so don't rule out Vini either.
After all, it would make Rodrygo's request to play on the left that little bit easier to fulfil. Not a guarantee, still.