Xabi Alonso is set to bring fresh ideas to Real Madrid, introducing new tactics and formations that diverge from Carlo Ancelotti’s approach. But can these changes help improve the Spanish giants?
Managing at Real Madrid is never an easy task. Carlo Ancelotti delivered a Champions League and La Liga title in the previous season, but despite that success, the club decided to part ways with the legendary coach after falling short in both competitions this season. Real Madrid’s European journey ended in disappointment with a quarter-final loss to Arsenal, while Barcelona sits comfortably ahead by seven points in La Liga with just three games remaining.
As Ancelotti prepares to take over the Brazilian national team, Real Madrid has turned to former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who’s quickly making a name for himself as a top coach. Alonso's stint at Bayer Leverkusen saw remarkable success, with the Spaniard guiding the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2023-24, as well as winning the DFB Cup and the Supercup. Additionally, Alonso set a European record for consecutive unbeaten competitive games with 51 matches.
Now, Alonso faces the challenge of replicating his achievements at one of the biggest clubs in the world. To do so, he’ll need to craft a system that maximizes the potential of VinÃcius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, two of the most electrifying players in world football. VinÃcius, named The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024, and Mbappé, who has scored 27 goals in his debut La Liga season, have yet to fully click together. If Alonso can get them in sync, it could form one of the most devastating attacking combinations in football.
Alonso’s preferred formation at Leverkusen was a 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 system, which contrasts sharply with Ancelotti’s typical 4-3-3 or4-4-2 setup. For this tactical shift to succeed, Alonso will need to address several key areas:
1. Strengthening the Central Defense
Alonso’s system relies heavily on three solid central defenders, allowing the wingbacks to push high up the pitch. These defenders must not only be strong at the back but also adept with the ball at their feet to initiate attacks from deep.
Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Albiol, and Éder Militão are solid options, but Real Madrid may need to dip into the transfer market to strengthen this area further. The key will be finding defenders who are both reliable in one-on-one situations and comfortable in building play from the back.
2. A Dynamic Double Pivot in Midfield
In Alonso’s setup, the two midfielders sitting just in front of the defense act as a link between attack and defense, while also covering key areas to disrupt opposition play. These midfielders must be dynamic, mobile, and capable of covering ground quickly to transition from defense to attack.
Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga are ideal candidates for this role, but Real Madrid also has the versatile Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos to choose from. Whether the club will move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández remains to be seen, but having a strong double pivot will be crucial for Alonso’s system.
3. Wingbacks to Provide Width and Supply
Under Alonso, the wingbacks are expected to be the main source of attacking width and creativity. With Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly joining from Liverpool, the right flank is set to see a significant upgrade. However, Alonso will likely want to add a quality left-wingback to complete the setup.
This formation would stretch opponents and allow Real Madrid to hit teams on the counter with pace and precision. A 5-3-2/3-5-2 system would also allow Alonso to pair VinÃcius and Mbappé in attack, potentially unlocking their full partnership and creating chaos for any defense that stands in their way.
Conclusion: The Potential for Greatness
If Alonso can successfully implement his tactical ideas at Real Madrid, the club could see a significant shift in how they approach both domestic and European football. The key will be building a solid foundation at the back, ensuring the midfield is dynamic and defensively solid, and making the most of the explosive attacking talents at his disposal. If VinÃcius and Mbappé find their rhythm together, Alonso's Real Madrid could become an unstoppable force.
