Xabi Alonso has shape and surprise starter in mind for Real Madrid

The whispers around Valdebebas had long suggested that Xabi Alonso’s grand return to the Santiago Bernabéu dugout was penciled in for a post-Club World Cup commencement. The notion was that the Basque tactician would be afforded the luxury of a full pre-season, allowing him to meticulously imprint his philosophy on a squad brimming with talent but perhaps in need of a fresh tactical blueprint. However, football, as ever, threw a curveball. Alonso has taken the reins earlier than anticipated, a swift transition that, while perhaps not his initial preference, has undeniably granted him an invaluable early glimpse into the fabric of his new side before the summer transfer window truly ignites. This early immersion is proving to be a critical period of evaluation, allowing the former midfield maestro to identify not just the strengths, but also the nuances and potential areas for strategic overhaul.

Alonso's managerial tenure at Bayer Leverkusen was characterized by a distinct tactical identity: disciplined pressing, fluid positional play, and a relentless pursuit of control in central areas. It’s this "shape" that Real Madrid fans can expect to see begin to materialize. Gone might be the reliance on individual brilliance alone, replaced by a more cohesive, unit-based approach that emphasizes intelligent movement off the ball and swift transitions. Early training sessions and internal scrimmages have reportedly focused on quick circulation, pressing triggers, and the creation of numerical advantages in midfield. Alonso, a deep thinker during his playing days, is known to value footballing intelligence above all else, and his ideal Real Madrid will likely be a team that not only dominates possession but also understands when and how to exploit spaces, reflecting his own cerebral approach to the game.

Perhaps the most intriguing revelation from Alonso’s nascent tenure is the identity of a potential "surprise starter." Amidst a galaxy of established stars and high-profile signings, the early word suggests that Arda Güler, the prodigious Turkish attacking midfielder, could be a beneficiary of Alonso's keen eye for talent and tactical fit. Güler, whose initial season was hampered by injuries and limited opportunities, possesses the exquisite close control, vision, and incisive passing that could perfectly complement Alonso's desired midfield fluidity and attacking thrust. While many anticipated a more gradual integration, Alonso's willingness to potentially elevate Güler over more seasoned campaigners signals a clear intent: meritocracy and tactical suitability will dictate his selections, not just reputation. This move would not only inject a fresh dose of creativity into the Real Madrid lineup but also send a powerful message to the squad that every player, regardless of their current standing, has an opportunity to carve out a pivotal role under the new regime. It’s a bold statement, indicative of a manager ready to stamp his authority and build a team in his own image, even if it means surprising a few along the way.