Ceballos or Güler, only one can remain: Xabi Alonso begins his casting in midfield

Real Madrid begins this Monday a preseason that needs to be effective in a very short time. On August 19, they'll face Osasuna in the first league match and have little time to prepare for it. Xabi Alonso knows this and will look to make quick decisions with some dilemmas.

One of them concerns the midfield and who will be responsible for building the play from the back. A year ago, Kroos announced his retirement, and this summer it was Modric who packed his bags. They were left at the white house without two players with a lot of creative talent.

But Xabi Alonso knows who should fill that spot, although he'll have to choose one of them. Ceballos or Arda Güler are his chosen ones according to what Defensa Central has learned from close sources. However, during the preseason he'll test them to decide on one of the two.

Despite the doubts about Ceballos, the player from Utrera ultimately hasn't left the white team. Betis tried, once again, to sign him, but the price and his salary made it unfeasible. So he starts the season fighting to earn a spot in the starting eleven.

Güler is the favorite, but left some doubts at the Club World Cup

During the Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso showed that Arda Güler was his favorite for playmaking. Ceballos wasn't a starter in any match and saw his minutes reduced considerably. Meanwhile, the Turk did start, leaving a very good impression.

But in PSG's rout, doubts returned about the young Turk in that position. He needs to gain physical strength and was outmatched by the Parisian midfield, which controlled the match from there. Although it's true that day Trent and Huijsen were missing, who seem to be key.

In the preseason, Xabi wants to test Güler, who has been working on his physical condition during the holidays. He'll also count on Ceballos, who has already shown his ability to perform. A more veteran option and more accustomed to playing in such an important position.