Xabi Alonso announces possible tactical change for tomorrow: Rodrygo involved

One of the big questions regarding Real Madrid's competitive future lies with the members of Santiago Bernabéu locker room. Xabi Alonso's pupils are adapting to the new formations and tactical approaches brought by the Tolosa coach, but there are still issues that need to be fully solved.

The one involving Rodrygo, which has had its effect on the 2025 summer transfer market, is perhaps the most striking. Xabi Alonso has only given Rodrygo minutes as a starter against Real Oviedo, after a lackluster Club World Cup, a match in which he played as a left winger. That's why many are wondering if a fit with Vinícius is possible.

Especially in a forward line that also includes Kylian Mbappé. Xabi Alonso makes it clear that the two Brazilians plus the Bondy striker "can play together, last year they did so often". In the Spanish coach's memory is Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven from last season.

However, the placement of the verdeamarelo '11' on the right wing will be done "depending on the match, depending on the other players as well, and it's not something that's ruled out". That being said, Xabi Alonso warns that Rodrygo Goes could find himself on the right wing again according to his statements before the upcoming Real Sociedad-Real Madrid on Saturday.

More options for him

That would be one of the few possibilities the Osasco striker currently has to be a starter in the current Madridist setup. It may be one of the last chances he has to truly impress Xabi Alonso, given the unstoppable growth of Kylian Mbappé.

It also seems really difficult to strip Vinícius of his current status as an undisputed starter. Especially because of what happened in the two matches before the September international break: the verdeamarelo '7' recorded two goals and one assist while Rodrygo went unnoticed.

The comparative performance of both South American strikers puts the Osasco striker in a tough spot. That's why Xabi Alonso warns that placing the Madridist '11' on the right wing, even though it's not his natural position, "isn't ruled out". Not only because of previous experience under Carlo Ancelotti's management.

Because the Tolosa coach has done everything possible to effectively distance himself from his predecessor. The new tactical and training methods that the Basque coach has brought from Bayer Leverkusen could improve Rodrygo's performance on the right wing; it will be a matter of time... as well as trial and error.