Real Madrid just played a warm-up game against Leganes, and reports confirm the scoreboard read four goals in favour of Madrid and one against them, with goals from Eder Militao, Brahim Diaz, Dean Huijsen, and Thiago Pitarch.
It has been reported that all Real Madrid players, except those injured like Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick, were given some minutes.
But there is another remarkable thing that the manager did. According to Miguel Angel Diaz, Xabi Alonso started David Alaba as a central midfielder. Alaba has been injured for a long time and has been plagued by fitness setbacks over the past season or so.
Xabi Alonso gave new job to Real Madrid's most expensive disappointment
Many say he is too poor and too out of form to play for Madrid again. Every time he returns from injury, he struggles to regain form before picking up another knock, and his hefty salary only worsens the case against him.
It has already been proven that there is little need for Alaba in defence, although Real Madrid do need a new centre-back signing. Still, it is unlikely that more signings will be made this summer window.
About Alaba, last season he showed that he had somehow lost the ability to defend. He made many reckless tackles and fouls, and he was directly responsible for the two free-kicks conceded to Declan Rice in the Champions League knockout tie against Arsenal.
But this new role he played in the warm-up match is intriguing. And it is not entirely new for him. He rotated between central midfield and centre-back during his time at Bayern, and he was effective in both positions for the Bavarians.
Of course, he is not the creative force Xabi is looking for as a backup, but as a backup CDM covering for Aurelien Tchouameni, he could be a useful option.
That said, this was only a friendly game, and we do not yet know the extent to which Alaba impressed or disappointed Xabi.
What we do know is that Xabi seems keen to use his versatility. This season could well be make-or-break for David Alaba.
Either way, it is his last season, and we all want him to leave without renewing. It is in his hands to decide whether he goes out as a hero or a villain.