The Tolosa-born coach will opt for a more logical structure, taking into account the Real Madrid squad’s current resources.
Xabi Alonso already has a clear playing plan in mind for his new tenure at the helm of Real Madrid, which is a departure from what many expected. Although his time at Bayer Leverkusen was characterized by a system with three center backs and two wing-backs, at Valdebebas they are already working under the premise that, according to the newspaper Marca, the Tolosa-born coach will use a 4-3-3. A more logical structure, taking into account the Real Madrid squad’s current resources.
A SYSTEM OPEN TO CHANGES
The truth is that a five-defense formation seems unviable at this time. The injuries to Militao, Rüdiger, and Alaba leave Real Madrid’s defensive core in a state of disrepair, where the only healthy center backs are currently Asencio and Huijsen. They could be joined at the Club World Cup by some players from the reserve team, such as Jacobo Ramón or Aguado (who has been converted to a full-back in recent months), albeit on a temporary basis. Furthermore, Xabi Alonso wants to return Tchouaméni to his natural position, midfield, ruling out his use as an improvised center back.
This change in structure doesn’t mean the 4-3-3 will be immutable, but it will be the foundation from which Real Madrid’s new project will be launched. Versatility, as always, will have a place, even during matches, as the Basque coach himself insisted during his presentation. The Tolosa native’s roadmap initially focuses on tactical balance and control from midfield, using the system that has brought Real Madrid so much success in recent years.
