Real Madrid has made significant moves in the summer transfer window following a less-than-satisfactory 2024/25 season, which resulted in the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and the return of former player Xabi Alonso as manager.
The club is focused on strengthening its roster ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup, having already secured deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono.
Additionally, they are poised to add Álvaro Carreras from Benfica to their lineup in the coming months.With these new additions, Alonso finds himself with plenty of talent to choose from.
Spanish journalist Manu Carreno recently shared that Alonso already has a clear idea of his ideal starting XI as the new season approaches.
After disclosing the XI on Cadena SER’s sports program El Larguero, Carreno mentioned, “This is the lineup Xabi Alonso envisions right now, not specifically for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, but for the opening of La Liga.”
Thibaut Courtois continues to be recognized as one of the top goalkeepers globally, so it’s hardly surprising that Alonso has confidence in him to guard the net. However, the defensive lineup ahead of him has seen significant changes.
New arrivals Trent and Huijsen have secured spots in Alonso’s preferred starting eleven, along with Carreras, who hasn’t officially signed yet but is anticipated to finalize a deal soon. Huijsen is expected to form a partnership at the back with either Eder Militao or Antonio Rudiger.
Additionally, Dani Carvajal will be available, ready to vie for the right-back position with Trent once he fully recovers from a lengthy injury.
Other players, including David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Fran García, are also in the mix for Alonso to consider.
Aurelien Tchouameni has quickly established himself as one of the top midfielders globally since joining Real Madrid in 2022. Coach Alonso is keen to see him paired with Federico Valverde in midfield, especially after Valverde had to fill in at right-back last season when Dani Carvajal was sidelined with a serious injury.
Jude Bellingham is a lock for Alonso’s starting lineup as well, joined by the new addition, Mastantuono.
Despite being just 17 years old, Mastantuono has already made a significant impact with over 60 appearances for River Plate and has earned caps for his national team.
This talented midfielder, who arrived with a €45 million price tag this summer, is anticipated to start right away.
Interestingly, while Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Dani Ceballos are not part of Alonso’s top choices, they are all poised to make important contributions as the season progresses.
Kylian Mbappe truly dazzled during his debut season at Real Madrid, netting 43 goals and contributing five assists across 56 appearances.
He has earned his place in Alonso’s top XI, which also includes Vinicius Jr. Though Vinicius struggled to maintain his outstanding performance from the 2023/24 campaign, he still ranks among the elite attackers in the world.
Rodrygo, however, is absent from Alonso’s best XI. The 24-year-old, who joined the club in 2019, has been the subject of speculation regarding a significant transfer this summer. Currently, Alonso can count on Brahim Diaz and Endrick as additional attacking options.