Real Madrid's first game under Xabi Alonso in the Club World Cup is less than a week away. The team will fly to the United States soon for the tightly scheduled tournament, and it will be interesting to see the first game of the new era under Xabi.
Xabi has come to Real Madrid with high expectations and numerous promises. And I believe that winning the Club World Cup will be the finest way to fulfill those commitments for starters.
Real Madrid have also made several additions, thus it is crucial to know what the best Real Madrid XI may be for the Club World Cup. So here's an honest attempt to guess what would be the finest group under Xabi:
GK - Thibaut Courtois
The undisputed starter. There's no reason why he shouldn't be Los Blancos' first choice in goal. Courtois is one of Real Madrid's most reliable players, consistently delivering on the biggest occasions. Xabi recently involved the Belgian in a special training and Club World Cup would be the best place to see the outcome. This is an easy one.
RB - Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent was just unveiled in the white shirt, and I'm beyond excited. He's here to start from the first game, and I believe he's demonstrated why. Furthermore, Real Madrid did not shell out nearly 10 million to get him just for the Club World Cup, only to bench him. Furthermore, the other alternative is Lucas Vazquez, and I'd rather the team remain without a right back than play him.
CB - Raul Asencio
Asencio demonstrated last season why he deserved to be the first-choice center-back. He's young, ferocious, and very capable of pulling it off. I will blame Carlo Ancelotti for a hundred things but thank him for giving a chance to Asencio.
CB - Dean Huijsen
The most expensive center-back in Real Madrid history, and deservedly so. His job under Xabi Alonso will be special. Apart from his towering appearance and solid defense, Huijsen is known for his great ball passing ability, which we know Xabi enjoys. I am excited to see how he pairs with Asencio.
LB - Fran Garcia
The second-best option right now. Real Madrid had intended to bring Alvaro Carreras to the United States, but Benfica scuppered the plan by keeping him instead. Nonetheless, he'll come in July. For the time being, Fran Garcia appears to be Los Blancos' most available and capable left-back to fit into the Xabi Alonso system. He's decent and has offensive abilities, although Ferland Mendy lacks the latter, which I don't think Alonso appreciates.
DM - Aurelien Tchouameni
Tchouameni remains the Merengues' top defensive midfielder, and he should start every game he can at the Club World Cup. He gives much-needed balance to the game and maintains the ball under control at all times. He's very dependable and enjoys exploring in the front when he feels lucky. An easy choice, I'd say.
CM - Luka Modric
These are the last few games in which Modric will wear white. Mind you, I don't pick him just for the sake of that; I believe he is still Real Madrid's best midfielder. I will always be an advocate for the fact that Florentino Perez forced him out a year too early. Modric offers a level of calm to the midfield that no other young or veteran midfielder currently does.
AM - Jude Bellingham
I'm in the mood for a gamble, so let me start with this. Bellingham was ordinary last season, but we know it wasn't a fullstop. There is more to his narrative, and I am confident that this will be a season of revival. I was torn between Valverde and Bellingham in this situation, but my anxieties won. I might be completely incorrect, but let a man take this chance, will you?
RW - Arda Guler
This season will be the year that the world discovers Arda Guler's magic. Another gamble here: I believe the Turkish boy will fight for the Ballon d'Or next season. I know it's an ambitious goal, but I also know he's capable of competing. Regarding the position, I do not believe Rodrygo is fit enough to begin just yet. And by the end of last season, Guler had demonstrated that he is too talented a player to overlook.
ST - Kylian Mbappe
The 2024-25 Pichichi winner will take the team's crown. This is an easy decision; there is no argument. I don't believe I need to write much about it. You understand me.
LW - Vinicius Jr
Vinicius' performance previous season was average, but his qualities were not hidden. I feel under Xabi, he will be a completely different player. He must start all Club World Cup games. Expectations have just heightened for him.