Some promising signs were seen in Real Madrid’s friendly against WSG Tirol, and Xabi Alonso now carries the responsibility of replicating that performance, or even making a stronger case, in the La Liga opener against Osasuna tomorrow.
Osasuna arrive with a new manager from Segunda Division, one known for high-intensity pressing tactics, so Madrid must find the right approach to handle that while also asserting dominance in their own way.
Xabi Alonso has no option but to target these three points, which seem like a relatively convenient opener. Rivals Barcelona have already collected their first three, in what was an easy but controversial match, so Los Blancos must keep pace from the very start if they want to win the league.
Here is the best lineup Xabi Alonso can come up with to secure the points:
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
An uncontested pick. Nobody does it better than the Belgian between the sticks. Courtois will soon renew his contract with Real Madrid, with the club even making a rare exception to their policy for him. He is the most trusted man in goal, and there is no doubt about his place in the XI
Right-back – Trent Alexander-Arnold
The best right-back Madrid have when it comes to creativity, something crucial for Alonso’s system. His defensive side can be questioned at times, but with proper coverage from the center-backs, it should not be an issue. I will go as far as to predict an assist from him on his La Liga debut.
Centre-back – Eder Militao
Militao played 60 minutes against Tirol and looked as if he had never been injured. Many doubted if he would return to his best form, but he has already answered those questions. He must start, and his partnership with Dean Huijsen looks solid.
Centre-back – Dean Huijsen
No doubts here. Huijsen is easily the most capable and reliable centre-back Madrid have brought in. Unless injury intervenes, he is going to be untouchable in the biggest games. Strong defensively, excellent in possession, and with an eye for spacing and passing, he is the definition of a modern defender.
Left-back – Alvaro Carreras
Although Fran Garcia impressed in the Club World Cup, Real Madrid must rely on Carreras as first choice. He is steady in defense and highly effective on the wing. His presence will also benefit Vinicius Jr, who missed this type of support in previous seasons with Ferland Mendy.
Right Midfielder – Arda Guler
Let me say this clearly: Arda Guler is going to be the central architect of any success Xabi Alonso achieves this season. Carlo Ancelotti was an outstanding manager, but he was guilty of underusing Guler. That changes now. The Turkish midfielder will not see the bench unless absolutely necessary. A landmark season is loading. He must start against Osasuna.
Central Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni
The most reliable defensive midfielder Madrid have had in a long time, and one Alonso already trusts to act as his eyes on the pitch. No need to explain further, he is a guaranteed starter.
Left Midfielder – Dani Ceballos
Ceballos is both calm and chaotic in the best way possible. He has the ability to dictate the tempo but can also surprise opponents with sudden creativity. With uncertainty surrounding his future and a potential return to Betis, Madrid should maximize his quality while he is still here.
Right Winger – Brahim Diaz
This will upset some, but Rodrygo’s time as a guaranteed starter is over. He no longer looks sharp enough to deserve that privilege. Brahim Diaz, on the other hand, has been consistently reliable and more involved in the creative play. He deserves the spot. Franco Mastantuono might get minutes later, which is exciting, but Brahim must start.
Striker – Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe scored twice against Tirol, a clear sign that his form is back. Gonzalo Garcia may get time off the bench in the second half, but Mbappe leads the line without question.
Left Winger – Vinicius Jr
Uncontested. Unprecedented. No explanation needed. Vinicius is the starboy, the face of the project, the heartbeat of the team. This is his revival season, and greatness is about to return to the pitch.