Xabi Alonso, who may be without Kylian Mbappé, will start things as a Real Madrid head coach with a 4-4-2 against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup. Admittedly, in today's game, rigid formations are almost a contrast in terms. But they still give us a rough idea of what we can expect. That much discussed setup with three central backs? If it happens, it will be later – certainly not in his debut.
Will Kylian Mbappé play for Real Madrid against Hilal?
That debut will come across the Saudi Arabian club (3:00 pm et) on Wednesday. And there remains a big question in front: will it be Mbappé or Rodrygo, starting next to Vinicius Jr.? It depends on how quickly the Frenchman recovers from the flu. A decision of the game time, but a huge one.
That lock can be the lifeline of Rodrygo in the starting XI. Because earth güler is currently winning the battle on the right wing.
Alonso sees the Turkish star as a jewel who is worth polishing, and all signs indicate that he will get the nod in the first game of the new coach who is in charge. When Mbappé is ready, Rodrygo would probably start on the couch. What happens as soon as Wonderkid Franco Mastantuono becomes an official member of the Mix in Madrid? That is a story for another day.
For now: Carpe Diem.
Two debutants in the defense
The rest of the Line -Up mainly writes itself, with injuries and continuous recovery that limit the options. Thibaut Courtois remains in goal, behind an improvised but intriguing back line. Trent Alexander-Arnold is locked up right in the back, while fellow debutant Dean Huijsen gets the start as the left-sided middle behind.
The other two places go to Raúl Asencio – standing for Éder Militão, David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, none of them are fully fit – and Fran García on the left, with Ferland Mendy excluded for the entire tournament.
Alonso's Jude Bellingham Mystery
In midfield, the Aurelien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde is the heavy work, with Jude Bellingham somewhat shifted to the left. The exact role of Bellingham in the Alonso system is still a mystery to solve.
In the front there is no debate about Vinicius Jr. – He is the first name on the team magazine. The only unknown? Who stand next to him in line.