A bald man in a dark jacket and white jersey speaks in front of a group of players wearing green training uniforms with the Emirates Fly Better logo on the back.
Maldini and his prediction about Real Madrid's starting eleven | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Maldini reveals Real Madrid's starting eleven with Xabi Alonso against Al Hilal

Maldini is clear about Alonso leading, and Xabi's first starting eleven has already been analyzed by him

by

Didac Aguirre

Next season, although it's still a couple of months away from starting, already has all soccer fans extremely excited. Even more so for some, like Real Madrid fans, who, with Xabi Alonso's arrival, expect a change from what was seen last season. However, with the Club World Cup underway, Madridism will get a small taste of what that Real Madrid of the 2025/26 season will be like.

But it seems things aren't so unclear for someone like Julio Maldonado, better known as "Maldini," who knows exactly what Xabi's first starting eleven would be. The Donostia-born coach starts from the classic 4-3-3 and a well-defined tactical scheme. Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Valverde/Modric, Bellingham; Güler, Mbappé, and Vinicius are Julio's chosen ones.

Short-haired man with a beard looking to the right with a serious expression, wearing a gray sports jersey with white stripes on the shoulder and an outdoor blurred background
Xabi Alonso leading a training session | Real Madrid Confidencial

While he does make some variations, like a possible back five with Rüdiger as the third center-back and Aurelién leaving the line-up, these are just details in an otherwise clear starting eleven. One of the most obvious changes is on the right wing, where Güler replaces Rodrygo in a highly demanded switch.

Maldini's starting eleven

There's no doubt that, although in these first matches we'll only see a little, there will be significant changes regarding the team's performance. In this sense, the starting eleven plays an essential role in what will be Alonso's vision, who must make the most of his assets.

With these eleven players and few changes around them, it will be a reality that we'll see a new dynamic with the addition of these new players and schemes. Alonso knows he wants to hit the mark with these 11 warriors on his list.

Changes will be crucial

While some may have lost their way, like Rodrygo, they can still regain the coach's trust through hard work. The new season is just around the corner, but the Club World Cup will be the first step and Maldini knows it.

Soccer player controlling the ball during a match.
Rodrygo during a Real Madrid match | Real Madrid Confidencial

Now it's time to wait and see if the journalist gets it right or, on the contrary, fails completely in his prediction.

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