Kylian Mbappe seems to make his club World Cup debut when his Real Madrid side opposite Juventus in the last 16 in the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, in a large boost for the 15-way European champions.
“It is a great opportunity,” Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso told a press conference on Monday when he was asked if the France attacker, who all missed the group matches with acute gastro -centeritis, would appear.
Mbappe's return comes as a real Madrid look to build on a team stimulated by the recovery of Dani Carvajal and Eer Militao.
“Both Dani and Eder come back after a long recovery. It is an advantage for them and the whole team to feel that they are close and involved,” said Alonso.
“In this decisive stage, everyone – starters and those who support – play an important role.”
Alonso, who took over earlier this month, said that the priority of the team begged a collective identity.
“We want a team that works as one, with the 11 players fully dedicated, whether we have the ball or not. Our collective power will make individual talents such as Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrigo and Bellingham shine,” he added.
Juventus coach Igor Tudor meanwhile recognized the size of the challenge, but insisted that his side had come to compete, not just to prepare for the following season.
“We have a team at the highest level. The draw was not the best possible, but it must be accepted,” Tudor told a press conference.
“We have to believe, run a lot, sacrifice, make no mistakes and have a little luck. I believe, the players believe, and we will see what happens when the game starts.”
Xabi Alonso speaks with media before Juve ClashFranck FIFE / AFP / StatsPerform
Tudor praised the recent tactical evolution of Real Madrid under Alonso and compared it with Alonso's successful work at Bayer Leverkusen.
“Their last game was very similar to what Leverkusen did – similar plays, systems and style. Xabi Alonso has quickly implemented these ideas,” he said, and noted that Madrid still has “some weaknesses we can exploit.”
The winners compete against the victors of the collision between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey, who will be confronted in Atlanta on Tuesday.