Real Madrid Confidencial The 4 players who can break into Xabi's starting eleven at the World Cup
Xabi has already chosen his men for the World Cup, but there may be changes
Xabi Alonso seems to have found his preferred starting eleven, at least during the Club World Cup. It's true that he has insisted this is the end of the season, with all the conditions involved. However, it also seems that it will help lay the foundations for the Real Madrid he wants to show us.
Only 4 players seem likely to alter this starting eleven during the next matches in the tournament. The first is Mbappé, who already played a few minutes against Juventus in the second half. He needs to keep getting up to speed, but his return could send someone to the bench.
This is undoubtedly the biggest question Xabi Alonso may have right now, although it wouldn't be the only one. Asencio started as a starter, but his mistakes and Rüdiger's recovery sent him to the bench. Rodrygo has also lost his spot, but if he regains his confidence, he could break into the starting eleven.
Finally, it's necessary to see how the injured players return, some of whom are in the final stretch of their recovery. Carvajal is the one among them who would have the best chance of starting a match. However, nothing can be ruled out in the rotations at this stage of the season.
A starting eleven that is already working for Xabi Alonso
It's true that the debut against Al Hilal didn't leave a very good impression despite the 1-1 draw. However, Xabi knew how to make the right changes so the team would start to work. At times, we are seeing what the Basque wants, despite the few training sessions.
Courtois will keep being undisputed, since Lunin hasn't played any minutes in the tournament. Trent on the right and Fran García on the left also leave little doubt as wingbacks. With Huijsen and Rüdiger as center backs, plus Tchouaméni's help depending on the moment.
Fede Valverde and Arda Güler form a double pivot that features Bellingham as the playmaker with a lot of mobility. Up front, Vinicius and Gonzalo are the men in attack. This is the preferred starting eleven that Xabi Alonso seems to have found in the tournament.
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