Trent Alexander-Arnold joins, but major defensive reinforcements still required.
June 1st, 2025, will mark the official dawn of the Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid. No longer the student of Mourinho or Ancelotti, Alonso ascends to the Bernabéu throne with unshakable clarity and ambition. His first act? A bold three-player wishlist on President Florentino Pérez’s desk:
A central defender to lead and stabilize the backline
A new left-back with elite one-on-one defensive capability
A right-back, now fulfilled with the stunning acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold
Xabi’s tactical shift toward a 3-4-3 system, inspired by his success at Leverkusen, places heavy demands on wide defenders, making Trent’s creative arsenal invaluable. His role will mimic that of Jeremie Frimpong — who thrived under Alonso — transforming Madrid’s right flank into an attacking engine.
However, Real Madrid’s center-back crisis remains glaring.
Alaba is plagued by injuries
Rüdiger is overworked
Nacho lacks pace
Militão is inconsistent under pressure
Alonso seeks a left-sided leader at the heart of defense — strong in duels, reliable in distribution, and tactically astute.
On the left, Fran Garcia has underwhelmed, leaving Ferland Mendy exposed and overused. Xabi sees this spot as a weak link that must be addressed before Madrid heads to the Club World Cup in the U.S. — a tournament that could crown a new Madrid dynasty.
His arrival marks a philosophical transformation at Real Madrid:
Out with tradition
In with speed, precision, tactical versatility, and surgical squad evolution
If Pérez delivers, Xabi Alonso’s revolution could redefine the club’s identity for the next decade — and begin with
global dominance on American soil.
