Real Madrid have probably the best young manager in world football at the moment.
Xabi Alonso helped Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title ever in just his second season at the club - and that too, in invincible fashion.
He helped them finish second in his third season, and then joined Real Madrid, where he has able to take them to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in just five games with the club.
Real Madrid fans are delighted with the style of play they are already seeing with the club, and have also been fond of the improvements in so many players, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler.
Even Arsenal’s new signing can’t hide his admiration for Xabi Alonso
He was already exceptional as a footballer, though, and it does not take a genius to figure that out. In fact, Arsenal's newest signing and long-time Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi was asked about his favourite Spanish football player of all time, and the Spaniard named Alonso in the answer.
That just goes to show how big of an influence Alonso had on so many players from this generation.
I mean, he was a regista. It is a very tough role to play for any footballer, and he used to play it exquisitely. Being from the Basque Country, Zubimendi would have similarities to Alonso in the first place, but it is great to see him recognise the Real Madrid manager's talents.
There were plenty of rumors that Real Madrid wanted him at the club in the last few months. When Alonso joined, those rumors grew more and more, even though it was already reported by big journalists like Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein.
He ended up joining Arsenal anyway, but it is still good to see that the Spaniard respects and admires Alonso.
Who knows, their paths could well cross in the future, but for now, it will only be as rivals.