In record time-network such as the lightning-fast preseason of Real Madrid-Is the influence of Xabi Alonso became unmistakable. The friendly in Tyrol felt like a continuation of what started to appear for the first time at the Club World Cup, which served as a test field for the manager. The coach has put all his mark on this side of Madrid and comes up with solutions that have his unmistakable signature.
Without much fanfare, and despite the fact that the team still found his physical rhythm, Madrid in Tyrol showed a clear intention to press High immediately after losing possession. The first two goals – scoring by Militão and Mbappé – coupons directly from this approach.
The Mbappé strike in particular comes from a Vinicius recovery, where the Brazilian has already been seen diligently. Another recurring property: Madrid presses in half the opponent when the opposite goalkeeper chooses to build from behind.
Xabi has placed his confidence in Dean Huijsen from the start. “Yes, he told me what he wants from me, even with the ball,” said the 20-year-old defender as. Without direct replacement for Kroos in the team, the role of Huijsen is essential when playing building. Against Tyrol he led the team in total involvement (120) en passes (111), far for Militão (73) and Güler (71), and did this with a success rate of 94%. He also tried the long steps (16), and confirmed his status as the starting point of the structure of Madrid – a responsibility that Xabi has fully entrusted him.
It is a calculated gamble from the club that Alonso has successfully translated on the field. He even placed Tchouaméni on central midfield – a role that the Frenchman had never played for Madrid under Ancelotti, where he was usually used as an interior. Based on his versions at the club World Cup and in Austria, the experiment works. Tyrol stood out against Tchouaméni: he registered more shots (five) and created more opportunities (four) than anyone else, including the assist for Mbappé's second goal.
Tchouaméni has become a transforming piece under Xabi. He is the player who can seamlessly change a back four in a back five without requiring a replacement. The only drawback? He has no real back -up in the team. Last season he was even booed in the Bernabéu; Now he is indispensable. In Tyrol he impressed both in the attack-Die Mbappé's second set-up and for defense, with a last-minute tackle that was the best chance of Austria. Targetable, agile and decisive, he looks reborn.
Xabi knows that the absence of Tchouaméni would leave a tactical void, so he tests David Alaba as a potential understudy. The Austrian has experience in that role from his early years with Bayern and incidental stints for the national team. “It's not my position, but I know,” Alaba admits, aware that breaking into the central defense of Madrid is difficult. He has already played there in a friendly doors from behind closed doors against Leganés.
Castilla striker Gonzalo has promoted another important contribution from Alonso. When Mbappé was set aside with gastroenteritis at the club World Cup, Xabi the young person trusted to lead the border – Acelotti once trusted Joselu as a plan B. Gonzalo responded with four goals and an assist, ending as the top scorer of the tournament. Alonso has fought to keep him in the team, despite the signing of and Endrick of € 35 million.
In Austria, Gonzalo continued his shape with two goals and an assist. The most important tweak? He is now deeper to link the game more often, which increases his involvement without losing his instinct as a pure no. 9 – although it carries a number 10 shirt.