Xabi Alonso's arrival has shaken the transfer window, with Real Madrid suddenly becoming more active than usual. After what feels like eons, the club has made two solid defensive additions, with more on the way.
It is clear that the Spanish manager has a firm plan for his brewery and knows what he expects from this team. He has played for Los Blancos for many years and is familiar with the club's needs and expectations.
After personally assisting in the signing of Dean Huijsen, the manager has requested another post.
According to journalist Rodra (via Inaki Angulo), Xabi Alonso wants to sign a striker that shares Joselu's position and style.
Xabi wants to sign a striker that resembles the Spanish veteran who made the Bernabeu fall in love with him two seasons ago, and his abilities and value to the team go without saying.
Xabi's need for a striker is plain, which clarifies many things
Xabi's demand for a striker reveals something. Despite his enormous goals this season, Kylian Mbappe appears to be more comfortable and much better operating from the wings.
Furthermore, in some of the most important games, Real Madrid did have trouble scoring goals. Yes, most of it can be attributed to Carlo Ancelotti's tactical absence and mishandling, but the players are somewhere to blame for the poor performance.
Endrick, too, performed averagely, though it might be argued that he had far fewer opportunities to stand out. But the fact is that Real Madrid require a striker, and it is encouraging that Xabi knows this.
Furthermore, the manager's desire to fill the post indicates something else. He does not expect Endrick to work full-time right now. The Brazilian is still young and needs a lot of polishing before becoming a regular, so it's understandable not to fully trust him right now.
Rodrygo and Brahim's positions remain under risk, with rumors of their departure surfacing time and again.