Xabi Alonso doubts the 3-5-2 and its fit in Real Madrid: 'What works...'

Carlo Ancelotti's cycle is coming to an end, and with this, a new era will begin at Madrid under Xabi's leadership. After the successes achieved at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi is ready to create a new winning cycle at Real Madrid. However, the big question surrounding his arrival at Real Madrid is his playing scheme.

Shining at Bayer with a 3-5-2, Xabi has made it clear that he doubts using this same scheme at Real Madrid. "What works here at Bayer Leverkusen may not work there," were his words. A comment that, of course, makes it clear that Xabi may have to resort to a different scheme to succeed at Real Madrid.

With Ancelotti having problems with a 4-3-3 and certain flashes with a 4-4-2, doubts around the scheme keep growing. Nonetheless, Real Madrid has full trust in Xabi's abilities to find a solution to this major issue.

Real Madrid's style

During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso managed to stand out for his tactical intelligence and his playing schemes. Establishing a very marked 3-5-2, Xabi managed to leverage the potential of each and every one of his players. Even achieving the best version of some players, Xabi had great success thanks to this system.

However, his recent words have made it clear that a 3-5-2 might not be the key to success at Real Madrid. After observing the problems Ancelotti has had this season, the big doubt Xabi keeps is the style he seeks at Real Madrid.

With several talented players, it is crucial that Xabi finds a way to leverage all their qualities. Although it is not ruled out that Xabi might use the 3-5-2 at Real Madrid, only time will tell if this is indeed the right system.

Xabi Alonso's quest

Even though signings are important to improve a team's performance, Xabi knows this is not enough without a playing style. Having some time before arriving at Real Madrid, the club has faith that Xabi will come up with a solution.