Álvaro Carreras's coach speaks, message for Xabi Alonso: 'Stopping Yamal...'

Javi García knows Álvaro Carreras very well. The former Real Madrid and Benfica player was Roger Schmidt's assistant at the Lisbon club during the 2023-24 season. There, he worked alongside the Galician full-back and doesn't hesitate to praise his talent.

Now, already focused on his career as a coach, García has spoken about Real Madrid's new signing. He has also wanted to send a direct message to Xabi Alonso.

Xabi Alonso needed a profile like Carreras

Javi García sees Carreras as a very useful profile: “Álvaro can play as a full-back, wing-back, or third center-back. He has tactical intelligence and understands what the coach asks of him,” he says.

The coach from Murcia highlights the versatility of the former Benfica player. According to him, Xabi Alonso will know how to get the most out of him: “I'm convinced he'll manage to bring out the best in many players this season. Álvaro included,” he adds.

Carreras was developed in Real Madrid's youth academy. After a stint in England and Portugal, he returns home as a very valuable piece. For Javi García, his signing is “a fantastic addition.”

He has already stopped Lamine Yamal

The former midfielder also spoke about the possible duel between Carreras and Lamine. He doesn't hide: “Stopping Yamal is complicated for any full-back in the world. But Álvaro already did it in the Champions League and he can do it again.”

He has total faith in his former player. “He's very smart on the field, he has personality, and technically he's very good,” he explains. He believes the pressure of the price tag (€50 million) won't affect him: “He has character, he has a competitive ego, and off the field he's a phenomenon.”

Regarding the national team, Javi García is also clear: “Spain doesn't have a fixed left-back. If he keeps growing at Madrid, he can be number 3 for La Roja.”

Finally, when asked about Kroos's legacy, the coach from Murcia is realistic: “Kroos is irreplaceable. His absence is noticeable. But Xabi will know how to face that void,” he concludes.

Álvaro Carreras is already training under Xabi Alonso's orders. Those who know him, like Javi García, are convinced that he's ready to succeed. Even to stop the best.