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8 hours ago
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Real Madrid remain a work in progress under Xabi Alonso as the Spanish coach looks to mould his new squad.
The former midfielder kicked off his tenure in charge of Los Blancos with a 1-1 FIFA Club World Cup draw against Al Hilal in Miami.
The sweltering conditions in Miami stifled Alonso's charges as Gonzalo Garcia's opening goal was cancelled out by a penalty from Portuguese veteran Ruben Neves.
Kylian Mbappe's absence was a key concern for Alonso - with the France international missing due to a virus - and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted it will take time to adjust to the new regime.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen were both handed starting debuts as Alonso looks to trial different tactical systems in the USA.
The early signs point to a continuation of Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-3 set up, but Alonso's success at Bayer Leverkusen was built on a a 3-4-2-1 formation, and that could be his long term plan.
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A move to a back three would allow Alonso to deploy his defensive-minded players in a more central area which could facilitate Antonio Rudiger's return to the starting team.
Xabi Alonso's tactical plan at Real Madrid
Courtois is unquestioned in goal, with a front three of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, as the latter continues to resist an exit from Madrid.
The remainder of the team will be tweaked by Alonso and the roles of Huijsen and Rudiger are crucial as part of the defensive refit.
As per reports from Diario AS, German star Rudiger is battling to be fit to play a role at the Club World Cup after surgery cut short his regular season, but the 32-year-old will not be risked.
Alonso wants to ensure he's not overloaded ahead of the 2025/26 season, where he plans to use him in the middle of a back three, flanked by Huijsen and the returning Dani Carvajal.
That will allow Huijsen to utilise his passing skills to build into midfield, and free up Rudiger to operate as the organiser at the back, as part of Alonso's brave plans for change.
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