Potential Adjustment in Real Madrid's Lineup Could Pave Way for Trent Alexander-Arnold's Inclusion
Revamped Article:
Xabi Alonso vs Real Madrid: Winging It with Trent Alexander-Arnold
Prepare for some shake-ups at the Bernabeu, as Xabi Alonso sets sail, and Trent Alexander-Arnold could well follow suit! Both Liverpool legends have announced their departure from their respective clubs.
Alonso, bid adieu to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen as their top gaffer, having snatched their first-ever Bundesliga title and second DFB Pokal in his inaugural season as a manager.
Now, he's setting his sights on Madrid, where an old teammate, Alexander-Arnold, lands as a Premier League winner at Liverpool, boasting a stellar reputation as one of Europe's top playmakers.
Despite his artful assist-making, Alex-Arnold's defensive abilities have been often called into question, but then again, Alonso's full-backs aren't exactly awestruck by solid defense either.
At Leverkusen, his wingback pair, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong, often spearheaded the offensive lines in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 setup, scarcely troubling themselves with the defensive grind.
latest football news
Sergio Ramos Ends Career with Munich Stoush as Defender Pens Emotional Farewell
Arsenal Secure Premier League Triple with Thrilling Comeback against Villa
Manchester United in Pole Position for TARGET, Fans Fume over Selection
Liverpool Confront Transfer Crunch as Star Turns Down New Deal
Andy Brassell, our European expert, ponders over Alonso's possible impact in Madrid,
"With a different breed of right-back in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Madrid's blowing the dust off tradition. They've got enough midfield talent, so one wonders if Alonso will shift to a three-back system."
If he does, Brassell believes Alonso may chase down ex-Leverkusen stars,
"Take Grimaldo, for instance. Creative, nimble, our left wing-back. He can slide into midfield, stretch the game, free up Mbappe and Vinicius. We may witness the Mbappe-Vinicius duo next season."
However, going three-back could present Madrid with a conundrum, given their recurring center-back injuries.
This season, heavyweights like Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba have been sidelined, making Madrid increasingly susceptible at the heart of their defense.
In their last skirmish against Barcelona, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni partnered academy graduate Raul Asencio, an unheard-of name until this season.
Brassell points out, "They'll need a center-back overhaul. The squad's a mess, and Alonso needs assistance to rebuild."
Reports suggest Alonso is keen on Dean Huijsen, a Bournemouth and Spain center back, to fill the void.
The 20-year-old has been a sensational defender this season, garnering interest from top European clubs. However, Huijsen comes with a £50million price tag, and Madrid will face competition from Chelsea and Liverpool for his signature.
Nonetheless, if Huijsen arrives, he could alleviate some of the pressure of a potential tactical shift in Madrid. Stay tuned for updates on the Galacticos' roster revamp!
- Xabi Alonso, the former Bayer Leverkusen manager, is aiming to join Real Madrid, following in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold who has left Liverpool.
- In Madrid, Alonso might implement a three-back system, with Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially occupying one of the spots.
- If implemented, this new system could see a creative midfielder like Jeremie Frimpong, formerly of Leverkusen, moving into the midfield, providing space for Mbappe and Vinicius.
- However, Madrid's recurring center-back injuries could pose a challenge to this tactical shift, with players like Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba often sidelined.
- Reports suggest that Alonso is interested in signing Dean Huijsen, a promising center-back from Bournemouth, to help address Madrid's defensive concerns, but competition from top European clubs including Chelsea and Liverpool could drive up the asking price.
